Best of Things to do as a Family

Description:

GeziYAK is a tour operator, which has established its existence on the following philosophy: Travelling is living. As such, the tour organizes a variety of different tours with different purposes and themes into different parts of Istanbul, Turkey and the greater world. The main focus of most tours is connecting deeper with nature. Thus, most tours include a bit of trekking and walking around; such as rafting and trekking trips to Köprüçay and Antalya, the Taurus Rangers region on the Mediterranean, as well as skin and scuba diving expeditions to Saros and Çanakkale. Nevertheless, there are also gastronomic tours, such as discovering authetic tastes in the old center of Istanbul; daily culture-oriented tours in Istanbul, aiming at finding more about niche activities of the city's artisans and its culture; ski trips to almost all of the ski resorts in Turkey; and a variety of thematic tours such as Valentine Day's tours.

Description:

A private boat owners' cooperative named TurYol operates frequent Bosphorus cruises in Istanbul, starting from the Eminönü ferry docks on the west side of the Galata Bridge at the mouth of the Golden Horn. TurYol boats depart more frequently than traditional Bosphorus Tour ferries. The 1.5-hour TurYol tour brings you right back to the Galata Bridge. (The traditional ferry makes several dock stops along its route, and takes 6 hours for the round-trip voyage.)

Our Local Expert Says:

Family-oriented, off-the-beaten path place for Sunday brunches and lunches

Description:

The Silahtarağa Power Plant is the first urban-scale power plant built in Istanbul in the Ottoman period. The power plant has been conserved and renovated by Bilgi University and transformed into a center for culture and arts under the name of Santralistanbul. Santralistanbul is thus conceived of an educational museum, the power plant museum, art galleries, multi-functional areas for workshops of many kinds and two cafes: Tamirane and Otto Santral (branch of the Otto Cafe / Restaurant in Asmali Mescit). It is the perfect place especially for families with young children. The vast open area and the green garden of Tamirane and Otto Santral allows children to run, bike and play; while the families may enjoy a nice Sunday branch or lunch, read the daily paper and their books. The quietness of the place is also extremely seductive for anyone running away from the hectic city life. The day may be ended by a visual tour around the old power plant -which has been kept as it was (no models have been used for public demonstration). For more information about the on-going exhibitions inside the art galleries, please refer to their website.

Our Local Expert Says:

Indeed one of the best art museums in the city - with great views and a smart café to boast!

Description:

Making its debut in 2004, Istanbul Modern is Turkey's first museum dedicated to displaying contemporary art. Located on the Sea of Marmara, the museum is a 86,000 square foot renovated government warehouse that houses abstract paintings, portraits, sculptures and photographs from local artists and public and private collections. Istanbul Modern fuses Turkish and Western aesthetic influences to create a connection between Turkish and European institutions of art. Although the Turkish government has offered some assistance, the museum is privately funded by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts and the Eczacibasi family, who also provides the permanent collection. Attracting 5,000 visitors daily, one of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the "Stairway to Hell" by Monica Bonvicini in 2003, a sculpture featuring chains and bullet-shattered glass. Other exhibits feature work by Fahrelnissa Zeid and Seker Ahmet Pasa. Istanbul Modern will also offer art history programs for children and adults. Admission is free on Thursdays from 10a-2p, and discounts are offered for students and groups.

Our Local Expert Says:

Summer-time day trip

Description:

In Turkish, "adalar" simply means "islands" - though adalar are very familiar territory for Istanbulites, which island you are referring to is still quite important since many Istanbullites use the islands as their summer residence and have a genuine circle of relatives and friends there. Probably the most popular day trip option from Istanbul, at least in the summer, the Princes' Islands are comprised of seven small islands, four of which (Büyükada, Kınalıada, Burgazada and Heybeliada) have constant summertime service by ferry from Kabataş and Bostanci. The islands offer treasures of history (Byzantine churches and Greek and Turkish ruins), green parks, and various upscale restaurants and hotels. As no cars are allowed onto the islands, you would be better off renting a horse-backed carriage to go from one part to another; or to arrive on the islands dressed casually and renting a bike. The islands are a wonderful retreat from bustling Istanbul, each with its own unique character and pace of life.

Description:

Istanbul Riding Club is a centrally located club in town; what was once the lush virgin countryside is now surrounded by imposing skyscrapers. Despite the feeling of being constantly watched, it's pleasant enough if you're desperate for a quick ride and don't have lots of time to spare. There is a large track for some fairly unimaginative horse riding. The horses are for hire and riding lessons are available. Some of the staff speak a little English.

Our Local Expert Says:

An interesting fact is that it has the world's largest chandelier - the size of a small car in fact!

Description:

Imagine a home with 285 rooms, 6 baths (hamam), 68 toilets and a ceiling made of 14 tonnes of gold! The Dolmabahçe Palace built on a reclaimed land is one such marvelous structure, built by the Ottoman Sultan, Abdulmecid between 1853-1922. A guided tour to this splendid palace will be an experience, checking out the modern approach to architecture with an essentially French influence. The rich tastes and splendor of the era is evident in every corner and artifact in the decor. You just can't miss the Bohemian crystal chandelier, the Crystal Staircase or the original bearskin rugs.

Description:

Boncuk is a little meyhane (Turkish tavern) with decent price ranges and enormous tastes... It has recently moved out from its Nevizade place into the Asmali Mescit Street, the new upcoming bar street to be. Don't go in expecting a vast space filled with tables. Gurme Boncuk is a cozy little restaurant for multiple floors -none of which too big. The staff is very friendly and are usually swarming around with huge trays of food. At times, a sweet, old musician is allowed inside to play best pieces of Turkish classical music on his violin. It is customary to tip this man if you want him to play especially for you. Try topik (a nice blend of chickpea and a variety of spices), grilled calamari and mashed peppers. Be sure to ask in advance for the "roasted angler fish" -it is so good that it finishes too soon.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best for a "typical" breakfast

Description:

One of the best places to enjoy Turkish style breakfast with olives, cucumber, tomato, the Turkish tortilla, bagels, various different egg assortments and the handmade pastry. It is open air and tends to get very crowded on weekends. Still the wait is worth it and it is not as long as it may look.

Description:

It's a sweltering 35°C in the shade. Feel like some ice? What about an entire rink full of it? Ice skating in Istanbul is probably more a retreat from the summer heat than a real sport, but it's popular all the same. Despite their lack of skill, the place is always crammed with cheerful skaters that seem to spend more time on their posteriors than they do on their feet. Galleria is the only rink in town open to the general public and it's very relaxed and lots of fun. Ice-skating classes are available in the evenings.