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Istanbul, a city full of zest, has so much to offer to its visitors from across the globe. Whether you're interested in its historic architecture, deep-rooted culture & heritage, delicious food, or the city's flashy nightlife, there's something for everyone. 

Unlike popular beliefs, locals here love to spend nights partying away. Istanbul's party scenes have come to life in recent years, with numerous pubs, bars, and clubs spreading throughout the city. If you want to explore this flank of the majestic city, read on!

Here are the three glamorous nightclubs in Istanbul.

1.Sortie

Situated in Kurucesme (a prime spot in Bosphorus), Sortie is known for its elite ambiance and picturesque views. 

It comprises seven best-of-the-best restaurants and three glitzy bars offering good food, music, and live entertainment, all under one roof. 

Sortie attracts tons of visitors throughout the year. Although relatively young, this club is one of the trendiest and most expensive in Istanbul, where you have chances of bumping into celebrities too. 

The place prides itself on its breathtaking views, internationally met standards, and fine wine-and-dine experience. 

2.360 Istanbul

360 is a rooftop bar and a restaurant located in a 19th-century building's penthouse in Istiklal, offering a splendid panoramic view of the Bosphorus, golden horn, and the sea of Marmara. 

360's design, architecture, atmosphere, and entertainment set it apart from the rest of the nightlife in Istanbul. It attracts tourists for its perfectly blended Turkish and international cuisine. 

Weekends at 360 mean experiencing some of the best DJs, vocalists, live dancers, and performers.

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3.Kucuk by Klein

Are you looking for a place that will make your heart dance? Well, Kucuk by Klein is your answer. 

Located within walking distance from Taksim square, Klein offers kitsch-decadent decors with suspended dancers and a subterranean playground. 

Its over-the-top decor will pull you in and sway your heart with its electronic and techno music, live entertainers, and international DJs. Oh, and the cocktails here are a must-try. 

Indian cuisine is widely loved across the globe for its rich ingredients, intoxicating aromas, and fresh blend of spices. Its historic staple diet consisting of whole-wheat flour, rice, and vegetables makes it unique and flavoursome. Travellers, especially from south Asia, are always on the lookout for quality restaurants offering Indian cuisine. If you're one of them or just someone who wants to explore the world of rich flavours and spices in the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul, this article is for you.

Read the list of the four best Indian Restaurants in Istanbul, Turkiye.

1.Musafir Indian Restaurant

Founded in 2004 and located at the heart of Istanbul, Musafir is one of the best Indian restaurants you can find. The warm ambiance reflects rich Indian culture with melodious Bollywood music playing in the background. The restaurant offers fine delicacies of Indian cuisine, including biryani, piping hot & crispy samosas, chicken tikka masala, lamb karahi, and palak paneer (all of which are must-haves). This restaurant is unavoidable if you want to familiarize yourself with Indian food and culture.

2.Tandoori Indian Restaurant

One of the first restaurants to introduce Indian cuisine to the people of Istanbul, Tandoori tends to fill up quickly. The place is loved for its idea of serving a culture along with food. Located in Besiktas, Istanbul, Tandoori offers a real taste of India at great prices. The staff is family-friendly and hospitable. If you visit the restaurant, we recommend trying Chicken Makhani with Basmati rice.

3.Bombay Masala Indian Restaurant

If you're anywhere near Sultanahmet Mosque, consider yourself lucky because Bombay Masala is just a few steps away. The place is famous for its hot & spicy food that does justice to the restaurant's name. You'll find many South Asians here who love to devour spices. The place is nicely decorated and makes an excellent spot for lunch and early dinners. If you're craving typical Indian home-cooked food in Istanbul, Bombay Masala won't disappoint.

4.Dubb Indian Restaurant

Last but not least, Dubb is famous for its incredible views and scrumptious food. Situated against the views of the Bosphorus and Hagia Sophia, this restaurant offers a wide range of food, especially for tourists from India. Its mouth-watering grills and range of delicious vegetarian options make it an excellent place for everyone. The ambience reflects calm and peace from all the corners, accompanied by terrace views. 

If you are full of delicious Indian food, check out 100+ great attractions included in Istanbul Tourist Pass! Who doesn't love some FREE attractions, buy your Istanbul Tourist Pass today!

Where to stay in Istanbul with family

You finally booked your flight, and are eager to see the beauty of Istanbul within days from your flight. For your trip here, you rightfully want to stay at one of the best hotels in Istanbul for families that will satisfy your family’s expectations. We, as Istanbul Tourist Pass, also want your trip to be the best one you can have, so to help you figure it out, we put out an article with bunch of recommendations where you can find valuable information about visiting Istanbul. Shall we start yet?

Best Hotels of Istanbul

Romance Istanbul Hotel

This popular beloved hotel is located in the Gulhane area of Old city, which is between Sultanahmet and Sirkeci. Importantly, it is in close proximity to some major tourist attractions such as Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and Hagia Irene. It is the highest-rated family-friendly hotel on TripAdvisor among other family hotels in Istanbul, so we picked this hotel as our 1st one. We believe in popular votes and believe real travelers who voted this hotel as the best one, so have no doubt if you are looking for the perfect place to stay during your trip.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus

The hotel in the heart of Istanbul, Bosphorus area is one of the highest rated hotels if not the highest one. Perfectly located in one of the most central districts, Beşiktaş, the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus is popular among visitors who come from all the countries around the world. The hotel has many facilities such as a fully-fledged spa, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, and a business center. It can be said it is one of the family-friendly hotels in Istanbul as it has even a free Kids’ Club to keep your kids busy. The comfiness and homely feeling the hotel offers is so clear and obvious, as we can also understand from them being elected as Travelers’ Choice in the year 2022.

Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus

Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus is a luxurious hotel located in central Besiktas, with panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait. Having been rated excellent by its visitors online, the hotel is also described as pet-friendly. You as parents wouldn’t have to worry much about how to keep your kids busy during a stay here, because it has a swimming pool for kids’ use only beside regular pools for adults. Given all this information, if you are looking for the best hotel to stay in Istanbul with your family, this might be the one.

If you want to go for more affordable choices, we also included some of the best low-cost hotels:

For Cheaper Accommodation

White House Hotel Istanbul

Located in the heart of the historical peninsula, this hotel is rated as the best cheap hotel in Istanbul on TripAdvisor. It is no surprise that in both 2020 and 2022, White House Hotel Istanbul has been elected Best of the Best for Travelers’ Choice Awards on the same website. Besides, it is the ideal place to stay if you and your family are history geeks and want to explore historical sites like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace as the hotel is in close proximity to them. Overall, if you are on a tight budget, it is safe to say this is the best place to stay in Istanbul with family.

Skalion Hotel & Spa

Selected Travelers’ Choice in 2022 on TripAdvisor’s website, this hotel is definitely worth staying at. It is located in Kumkapı, one of the oldest historical districts in the city, therefore is within walking distance to Grand Bazaar and in close proximity to Beyazıt tram station and Vezneciler, Yenikapı metro stations. Those public transportation vehicles will let you reach the major attractions such as Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace, and Sultanahmet Square. The hotel is also only 44 km away from Istanbul and Sabiha Gökçen Airports, the two main airports of the city.

Aprilis Gold Hotel

Aprilis Gold Hotel, located in Sultanahmet, has won the Travelers’ Choice award in 2022 as displayed on the TripAdvisor website. If you and your family are looking to dive into the history and culture of Turkey, this place might be one of the best choices because from this hotel it is very easy to walk to historical and cultural sights such as Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Cemberlitas Column. Aprilis Gold Hotel is also in close proximity to main metro stations such as Vezneciler and Yenikapı metro stations. Overall, it is a hotel that has possibly one of the best locations for easy commuting around the city center and also sightseeing.

Ada Hotel Istanbul

This popular boutique hotel, located in the historical Sultanahmet district, has been a top choice for travelers who came to Istanbul as we can learn from the TripAdvisor website itself. As for the perfect location, this hotel has it. Its location Sultanahmet is a central place for historical sightseeing activities and of course, this hotel is just 5/10 minutes away from the main cultural attractions of the city. If you have doubts, we also should add that Ada Hotel Istanbul has been elected Travelers’ Choice by TripAdvisor users in 2022.

FAQ

What is the best part of Istanbul to stay in?

Possibly the area that covers Sultanahmet, Karaköy, and goes until districts like Beşiktaş. In the European center of the city, you can find almost all of the major tourist attractions, best-rated hotels, and restaurants available.

Yet if you want cheaper accommodation, you ought to choose the Asian side and look for hotels in districts such as Üsküdar, Kadıköy, and Bostancı. This side of Istanbul has also a calmer environment and is a little bit secluded from the hustle and bustle of the European side.

Is Istanbul good for a family holiday?

Istanbul is a fun place to visit, with lots of historical sites and gorgeous nature. Turks also love children and are family-oriented people. So overall, it is a nice place to be in if you are a child.

Where should I stay in Istanbul first time?

It depends on your purpose of visit. If you want to go there for shopping, Beşiktaş, Taksim, Nişantaşı, and Karaköy are apt places for you.

If you want to see historical sites, museums, and palaces, then the districts surrounding the historical peninsula aka Sirkeci, Sultanahmet, and Balat are good enough for accommodation.

Is it better to stay in Taksim or Sultanahmet?

 Being two of the most popular neighborhoods of Istanbul, both Sultanahmet and Taksim stand as valid choices of accommodation for tourists of all kinds. On the one side, Taksim is host to many shopping centers, bars, and well-rated restaurants. Sultanahmet is the center of old Istanbul so it has a lot of historical sites, museums, and so on. It depends on your choice of what kind of holiday you want to have.

Also if you want to pick a cheaper alternative for accommodation, Taksim is the go-to place.

Istanbul, a city steeped in history and culture, is also a fantastic destination for families. With its vibrant atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and diverse activities, there's something for everyone. Explore historic sites, wander through bustling bazaars, and relax in charming parks. Take a boat trip on the Bosphorus, indulge in delicious Turkish cuisine, or simply stroll through the city's colorful neighborhoods. By embracing the city's unique blend of old and new, families can create unforgettable memories together.

If you booked your flight and soon are coming to Istanbul with your children and wondering where to go in the city, we would like to let you know beforehand that there are plenty of great places to visit. Moreover, there are many places that are kid-friendly in Istanbul, if you are curious about where to go in Istanbul with family. Now let us share our favorite places in Istanbul for your family trip here. We know you will enjoy your trip thoroughly if you visit some of our recommendations.

To Have a Fun Day with Kids

With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes, Istanbul offers a wealth of experiences for families. From exploring ancient mosques and palaces to cruising the Bosphorus and indulging in delicious Turkish cuisine, there's something to captivate every member of the family. Here we gather you some of the top family attractions in Istanbul for you!

Istanbul Aquarium

Located in Florya, Istanbul Aquarium is the host of one of the coolest experiences for kids of all ages. In its class, it is one of the biggest and newest aquariums around in Europe and then, in the world. We believe most of the kids would not want to miss out on experiencing the underwater world and seeing various species of spectacular fishes, guitar sharks, and even penguins. This place is certainly at the top of the list of fun things to do in Istanbul with family.

Vialand Theme Park

Established in 2013, Vialand Theme Park is the first building complex in the world to combine a mall, show center, and theme park together. Given its uniqueness, every year it hosts tens of millions of visitors and would be an amazing sight for your children to see. It is definitely considered one of the best places to visit in Istanbul with family.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Visiting the world-famous Madame Tussauds Museum is always a good idea, regardless of the country you are in at the moment. So this famous museum has its branch in Istanbul as well and it hosts many great figures from near and far history – such as Katy Perry, Madonna, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Marilyn Monroe, Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt, Michael Jackson, Atatürk, Albert Einstein, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. Taking quick selfies with those waxed figures is one of the best things to do in Istanbul with family and it is FREE with your Pass!

Miniaturk

One of Turkey’s best child-friendly touristic attractions, Miniaturk has a special collection of the important miniature forms of the greatest Turkish monuments. Kids would be delighted to see the monuments there and adults too, as this open-air museum is an unusual and fun place to experience. Also, we are excited to add that you and your family can visit the Miniaturk Park Museum for FREE with the Istanbul Tourist Pass®.

To Combine Fun and Culture

Istanbul offers a unique blend of history and fun, making it a perfect destination for families. In Istanbul, history comes alive and is a fantastic destination for families. Imagine exploring ancient mosques with breathtaking architecture, wandering through bustling bazaars filled with colorful treasures, and cruising along the stunning Bosphorus. With its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant atmosphere, Istanbul offers a truly unforgettable experience for the whole family. Here is our selection of the top attractions in Istanbul for you:

Hagia Sophia

The former museum, now a mosque has a bizarre history dating back to the Roman, Byzantine, and lastly Ottoman Empire. Hagia Sophia is a highly beloved historical monument by the world. As a result, the historical monument is on every traveler’s list who came to Istanbul.

If your kids like nice architectural buildings and history,(and even if they don’t particularly like history) Hagia Sophia Mosque Museum is a must-see place in any case. This building, lately, was transformed into a mosque yet its magic that touches upon the empires and two of the biggest world’s religions throughout history remains. Its old soul is what makes this mosque museum one of the best places to visit in Istanbul with family.

Topkapi Palace

Located in Sultanahmet, this old palace holds a special place in Turkish history as it was home to many of the Ottoman emperors throughout history. It has great touches of history and also satisfies the curiosity of foreign and native tourists equally as a museum. So if you are interested in touring the mesmerizing Topkapi Palace with your kids, we would like to let you know that Istanbul Tourist Pass®grants access to more than 100 attractions, including Topkapi Palace.

Galata Tower

Positioned in Karaköy, this place is a huge attraction for the city. With its historical qualities and great location overlooking the whole of Istanbul, the historical Galata Tower offers an unforgettable experience to everyone. It is, for instance, a lovely place to take photos when you are inside or outside close to the tower and it has a restaurant inside. To us, one of the best things to do in Istanbul with family is taking selfies when at the top of the Galata Tower. The best thing about it is that you can have this experience for FREE if you have an Istanbul Tourist Pass®.

Ortaköy Neighborhood

Istanbul’s lively waterfront neighborhood is worth paying a visit as it has a lot of history and offers great views. Ortaköy Neighborhood has bars, cafes, and restaurants on one side and Ortaköy Mosque on the other side. So as you have just arrived here, allow us to mention the brief history of Ortaköy Mosque to you. It is a 19th-century architectural structure that has touches from baroque and neoclassical movements and it is very unexpected for a mosque in Turkey to have such influences, so it is definitely one of a kind. Also, the Ortaköy neighborhood is near the Bosphorus Bridge, so it has spectacular views worth seeing.

Istiklal Street

Being one of the most important avenues in Istanbul’s Beyoglu district throughout history, Istiklal Street has many qualities that will satisfy different types of travelers. If you want a place for shopping, it has everything about shopping, shopping centers and hundreds of stores with every kind of product you can imagine. If you want to see beautiful historical sites along the Street, for instance, Saint Antoine Church, they are right there for you to experience. If you want to have a drink and a fancy meal, from little to big or from traditional to foreign, restaurants of all kinds are ready to serve along Istiklal Street. So that you can have a calm fancy evening with your spouse and kids. A day in Istiklal Street as a tourist is a day spent well.

What to do in August Dear guest, Istanbul lover-to-be! You finally arrived in one of the most popular cities around the world, we hope you throughly enjoy it!

Whilst you just arrived, we have few recommendations and tips for making your experience even cooler. Let’s go one by one!

First off, as you are probably guessing rightly, August is naturally one of the hottest months ever for Istanbullians to experience, as it is in many places around the world. So be prepared for a high level of humidity and potential sunburns, for which we recommend taking some sunscreen with you! (Note: the city’s temperature rises up to 28°C during August.)

In August we assume that you would like to enjoy outdoors and fresh air, so we will squueze in a bunch of suitable destinations with that purpose for your trip. First one is Kanlıca neighbourhood.

1)Kanlıca Neighbourhood

Away from the city’s hustle and bustle, Kanlıca stands a great alternative for people who love historical mansions and also those who love green areas that provide cool air in these boiling days of August. Kanlıca basically is one of the most well-known historical neighbourhoods of Istanbul and is famous for its special yoghurt that even natives like going there for a treat. The neighbourhood is home to many historical wooden waterfront mansions that people from all countries would love to see. Also, another advantage the district has is Mihrabat Nature Park that is a great tip for your trip if you love everything green, because this Park is as big as a forest.

2) Galata Tower

This spectacular 700 year old historical building is one of the most popular destinations for all tourists coming to Istanbul. And, most importantly with Istanbul Tourist Pass, it is completely free to visit that beautiful tower. While even natives pay a lot for visiting the tower, it’s quite worth it. The scenery it has when you are on the top of it, is just whole Istanbul and its all significant points. Galata Tower is incredibly beautiful and we highly recommend going there.

3) Belgrad Forest

Again, this is another top choice if you love greenery and like to unwind in a forest. You can visit this remote forest for a walk, jogging, biking or just sight-seeing as it offers all these choices for all kind of visitors. It has also a special place in the hearts of campers as it has several spots for camping. To us, this choice might be less popular as a tourist destination but the green area is definitely worth experiencing as it holds a number of different experiences for a tourist.

4)Burgazada and Other Islands

Istanbul’s lesser known attractions are the group of islands together called Princes’ Islands. These beautiful islands offer a great alternative if you want to swim, so you can pack your swimsuit before you arrive at the city. The islands such as Burgazada, Kınalıada are most popular ones for swimming, tested by native population of the city. As you are coming here in August, you can cool down by swimming in Burgazada or Kınalıada because it has popular and beautiful beaches. You can also experience peace and calm away from the busy towns of Istanbul’s in these remote small areas. These islands are definitely must-go places for you.

So, with all the tips and recommendations we provided above, we hope you will have an amazing time here during your trip. We are already happy to have you here.

Best,

Except for historical places, would you like to discover entertainment places that your children will love in Istanbul? Istanbul is one of Turkey's most fascinating cities. It reflects the true essence of Turkish culture with its architecture, cuisine and lifestyle.

Istanbul has great advantages in many aspects. The city, which has made a name in the entertainment industry, has many places suitable for all ages and categories. If it's a family vacation you are planning, Istanbul can be the perfect choice for everyone, especially children.

Sea Life Aquarium

Istanbul Sea Life Aquarium is located in Bayrampaşa in the Istanbul Forum shopping center. It is the largest aquarium in both Istanbul and turkey. It has become one of the largest aquariums in the world with its 8 thousand square meter area and 80 meters of glass underwater tunnel. The Sea Life Aquarium gives its young guests the opportunity to show off their creativity through workshops. There are thousands of sea creatures in it. If you have not had the underwater aquarium experience for your children before, you can offer them the opportunity to introduce these marine creatures.

Jungle Park

Istanbul Jungle park, the first in Turkey, is a themed zoo. This park contains rare species of animals in Turkey. Interesting animals are housed in terrariums made of durable and safe materials. 

Giant snakes, big spiders, monkeys, colorful frogs, crocodiles, tropical fish, sharks and exotic birds in the tunnel aquarium; Jungle invites children on a fantastic journey through the colorful world of Istanbul. Moreover, Safari, Jungle Park Istanbul and Dungeon are very close to each other. You can do all three!

Museum of Illusions Istanbul

Istanbul Illusion Museum offers you an interactive and fun journey with illusions. Come with your children to the magnificent world of illusions that will make you question your belief in your senses and discover this place that will truly astonish you. Infinity room, Ames room, tunnel and upside down house are some of the illusion rooms that you can experience in Museum of Illusions Istanbul. Nothing is as it seems, especially here!Skyride 4D Simulation

You can explore many places with your family thanks to the magnificent skyride 4d simulation in the sapphire tower, the tallest building in Istanbul. Thanks to the helicopter moving from the Observation Terrace with this virtual experience, Istanbul Strait, Hagia Sophia and many more places await you.

Flyzone

Flyzone, consisting of trampolines and amusement tracks, is located in the Mall of Istanbul. Flyzone offers different track areas suitable for children, teenagers and adults under the supervision of their parents and coaches. It consists of tracks that will make your children feel the fun to the fullest. Many tracks such as Challenge Bridge, Skyfall, Trapeze allow you to have a pleasant time with your family.