If you are wondering what are the best tourist areas in Turkey, follow me because you will see with me in this article a group of the best places in Istanbul for families, some of them in the European section, and others in the Asian section.
The most beautiful places in Istanbul
1. Pelit Chocolate Museum
The first place you should visit in Istanbul with your family is the Pelit Chocolate Museum, which opens the doors to a very enjoyable and delicious world for its guests, where chocolate turns into amazing sculptures and pieces of art, making it one of the best tourist places in Istanbul for families
You can see many forms including statues of celebrities and prominent historical buildings with their finest details and amazing fountains and waterfalls, and you can also attend workshops with your children and make different models of chocolate
The museum is located 30 km from the center of Istanbul (Sultanahmet and Taksim areas), it is one of the most important tourist places in Taksim and can be reached by taxi
The nearest public transportation station is Beylikduzu Metrobus Station
Working hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Entrance fee: 60 Turkish Liras, free for children under 5 years old
2. Snow Park - Places for Children
The first indoor snow park in Turkey (Snowpark, Torium AVM), located in Torium Mall, is one of the best places for children in Istanbul, and provides an ideal entertainment opportunity for winter sports enthusiasts and ice skating lovers. You can take advantage of this opportunity and spend fun times with your family in the snow
The park provides all the skiing equipment, and visitors are provided with boots, coats and gloves suitable for cold weather so that they can enjoy the snow and the exciting atmosphere on a 40-minute tour
The mall can be reached by taxi, and the nearest public transportation station is Saadetdere Metrobus Station towards Beylikduzu
Working hours: from 12 noon to 8 pm
Entrance fee: 40 Turkish Liras, and on weekends 55 Turkish Liras
3. Florya Sahili Park Istanbul
Florya Sahili Park is one of the most beautiful places in Istanbul for families, located in the Florya area near Ataturk Airport. It is full of green spaces that provide an ideal atmosphere for walking, relaxing, enjoying walking, cycling, and many games and sports equipment, with wonderful views of the sea
There are a number of street vendors where you can buy cheap snacks, drinks and ice cream, along with a number of cafes and restaurants.
The park can be reached by bus BN1 or BN2 from Eminonu, get off at Istanbul Aquarium stop and walk 10 minutes
Opening hours
Opening hours: The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
4. Belgrade Forest – Natural Places for Families
Belgrade Forest is one of the best and greenest natural places in Istanbul for families, located in the Sarıyer district, 20 km from Istanbul. It provides an ideal environment for nature walks with oak, beech and chestnut trees and many birds, reptiles and mammals.
The forest was a major source of water in Istanbul during the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, and you can still see some of the reservoirs that supplied the city with water for centuries, most of which were built in the 18th century
You can enjoy jogging, hiking, cycling and barbecue, with a number of restaurants and cafes.
The park can be reached by bus T42 from Taksim, or bus number 153 from Sarıyer to Bahçeköy, or by taxi, or renting a car with a driver is the best option.
Opening hours
It can be visited 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and admission is free
5. Aqua Florya Mall for Families
Aqua Florya is one of the most famous and largest malls in Istanbul and one of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul. It attracts large numbers of visitors thanks to its high-end brands, cafes overlooking the sea, various restaurants, and the Istanbul Aquarium, which is the largest aquarium in Turkey, in addition to a cinema that shows the latest international films, giving its visitors a great opportunity to shop and have fun together.
It is one of the best places in Istanbul for families and one of the places on the sea in Istanbul.
You can go there by taxi or take the bus line F73.
Working hours
Working hours: from 10 am to 10 pm.
6. Emirgan Park - Family Places
Take a tour with your family in Emirgan Public Park and spend a pleasant time among the trees and colorful flowers, especially the beautiful tulips for which a festival is held in April.
Enjoy walking and jogging among the trees and playing in the special chess area, next to children's playgrounds, and three buildings reflecting the architecture of the Ottoman era, currently used as cafes and restaurants, and do not miss taking souvenir family photos, as it is one of the best places for photography in Istanbul.
The park is easy to reach by public transportation, as there is a bus stop in front of the park entrance, and the best option is to take the E25 bus from Kabatas.
Working hours
If you are wondering about the entrance price to Emirgan Park, entry to the park is free.
7. Ortaköy District - Places on the Sea
Ortaköy is one of the most important and famous tourist places in Istanbul, attracting large numbers of travelers thanks to its wonderful location next to the Bosphorus Strait, with a variety of cafes, restaurants and shops.
You can go to Ortakoy by taxi, dolmus, public buses to Besiktas and then walk or take another bus to Ortakoy, or take the ferry from Uskudar to Besiktas.
In addition to many places to visit in Istanbul
Best Time to Visit Istanbul
Istanbul is a popular destination year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your interests, budget, and ability to tolerate crowds.
Peak season is June through August when the weather is hot and sunny. Hotel prices and airfare are highest during these summer months, and the sights are especially crowded, especially Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, and the Hagia Sophia. Late spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October) are great seasons with milder weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices.
If you want to catch one of Istanbul’s famous festivals, here are some of the best times to visit:
April for the Istanbul Tulip Festival when the city explodes into a riot of colorful blooms.
May for the Istanbul Shopping Festival, a month-long festival with street parties, concerts, and special shopping deals.
Ramadan (dates vary annually) for a fascinating look at how the Muslim holiday transforms the city.
July/August for the Istanbul Jazz Festival, featuring a fantastic lineup of local and international jazz artists.
September is for the Istanbul Biennial, an international contemporary art fair held on odd-numbered years.
The low season runs from November to March when the city is hit by cold, rainy weather. Hotel prices drop significantly during this period. Although some attractions may have shorter opening hours, the upside is that you’ll have them practically to yourself! The only exception is during New Year’s when the city is packed with Turks on holiday.