Travelling in Istanbul with a Baby: Tips & What to Expect (2025)
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Traveling with a baby in Istanbul is easier than you might think. The city is welcoming to families, and you’ll often find extra kindness from locals when you’re with your baby.
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Warm Hospitality
Turkish people love babies, and you may receive preferential treatment wherever you go. Expect to skip ahead in lines and even receive small gifts from strangers. On public transportation, people are usually quick to offer you a seat, though it can be crowded at times, so plan accordingly.
Eating Out with a Baby
Don’t be surprised if restaurant staff offer to hold your baby while you eat. Waiters often go out of their way to entertain babies, making dining out a pleasant experience.
Baby-Friendly Facilities in Istanbul
Most malls in Istanbul have dedicated baby rooms for changing and feeding, which can make your outings much smoother.
Travel with a Baby: Weather in Istanbul
Istanbul’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack extra layers for your baby, especially if you’re visiting during the colder months.
In Summer
Summer can be quite hot, which might make outdoor activities challenging, but it’s also when many toddler-friendly spots like amusement parks and playgrounds are fully open. August can be particularly hot, so it’s important to be prepared for the heat. Fortunately, most transportation and shops are equipped with air conditioning, providing some relief from the high temperatures.
In Winter
On the other hand, winter offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, though some parks may be closed. The ideal time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded, making it easier to explore with your baby.
Additionally, there are often sales on clothing during seasonal changes, so you might find good deals if you need to pick up anything extra. Read more about sales in Istanbul >>
Getting Around Istanbul with a Baby
Navigating Istanbul with a stroller can be challenging due to uneven sidewalks and high curbs, especially in areas like Sultanahmet. It’s a good idea to have two people to help lift the stroller when needed. Alternatively, a baby carrier can be much easier for getting around the city’s bumpy streets. However, keep the stroller for long walks along the seaside, in malls, or inside museums.
Taking the Ferry with a Baby
Ferry rides are a great way to explore Istanbul, but boarding can be tricky with a stroller. You might find it easier to carry your baby in your arms while someone else manages the stroller.
Taxis and Safety
Be cautious when using taxis. Some drivers may try to take advantage of tourists, so always ensure the taximeter is running. It’s best to use a taxi app like BiTaksi to avoid any issues since Uber is not available in Istanbul. If a driver insists on billing you in dollars or euros instead of Turkish Lira, call 153 to report the issue.
Be Ready for Local Baby Culture
Turkish people are very affectionate with children, so don’t be surprised if strangers touch your baby or offer a friendly pat. It’s a cultural norm and usually comes from a place of genuine warmth.
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Places to Go with a Baby in Istanbul
Vialand
Vialand, also known as Isfanbul, is Istanbul’s largest theme park, perfect for a family day out. With a mix of gentle rides for young children and thrilling attractions for older kids, it offers fun for all ages. The park also includes a shopping mall, cinema, and dining options, making it a full day of entertainment. Bringing a stroller is recommended as the park is quite large. Read more…
Kidzania
KidZania is an interactive city for children, where kids can role-play various professions in a safe and fun environment. From being a firefighter to a doctor, it offers hands-on learning experiences that are both educational and entertaining. The facility is well-organized, with cafes and resting areas for parents.
Legoland Discovery Center
The Legoland Discovery Center is a Lego-themed indoor playground that offers a range of interactive experiences, including building workshops, rides, and a 4D cinema.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Istanbul features lifelike wax figures of famous celebrities, historical figures, and cultural icons. This museum is a fun place for kids to get up close and personal with their favourite celebrities, historical figures, and movie characters in wax form. Read more…
Miniatürk Park
Miniatürk Park is a miniature park that showcases the best of Turkey’s historical and cultural landmarks in miniature form. Toddlers will love exploring the park and spotting the tiny replicas of famous landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Moipark
Moipark is an outdoor playground that offers a range of activities for kids, including trampolines, mini-golf, and a zip line. Your toddler will love running around and burning off some energy here.
Istanbul Dolphin Aquarium
This aquarium is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sharks, and penguins. Your toddler will be fascinated by the underwater world and the dolphin shows.
Toy Museum (Göztepe)
The Toy Museum is a charming museum that houses a collection of antique toys from around the world. It’s a fun and educational place to take your toddler.
Enjoy Free Entry to the Kid’s Museums and Guided Tours with Istanbul E-Pass
The Istanbul E-Pass is a valuable option for travellers, as it offers free entry and guided tours to the Kid’s Museums, along with 50+ other attractions, providing a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the city.
Green Parks of Istanbul
Istanbul has a variety of green parks and open spaces where your toddler can run around and play. Some of the best parks include Emirgan Park, Gulhane Park, and Yildiz Park. Find more parks in Istanbul >>
The Cats of Istanbul
Istanbul is famous for its cats, and your toddler will love spotting them all over the city. These friendly felines are a beloved part of Istanbul’s culture and are often seen lounging in cafes and public places.
Strollers and Carriers for Istanbul Trip with a Baby
It’s important to note that Istanbul’s pathways are made of cobblestones, which can make it difficult to navigate with a stroller. Some of the historical places are either extremely crowded or have uneven ground, which makes a baby carrier the best option for exploring the city with a toddler.
However, if you plan to bring a stroller, we recommend choosing a lightweight, compact stroller that can easily be carried onto the airplane, such as the Yolo cabin stroller. It’s also a good idea to bring both a carrier and a stroller so that you can alternate between them depending on your toddler’s needs.
Hotels to Stay in Istanbul with a Baby
Choosing the right hotel is key to ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable trip to Istanbul with a baby. Some of the best areas to stay in are Sultanahmet and Beyoglu (Taksim), which offer easy access to many of the city’s top attractions. Here are some of the best family-friendly hotels in Istanbul:
When selecting a hotel, be sure to ask about the amenities that are available for children. Some hotels offer cribs, high chairs, and other essentials, while others may have swimming pools, play areas, and other facilities that will keep your little one entertained and happy.
Seven Hills Hotel
This boutique hotel offers stunning views of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, as well as spacious rooms and suites that are perfect for families.
Four Seasons Bosphorus
This luxurious hotel is set in a converted Ottoman palace and features a range of amenities for families, including a kids’ club and a large outdoor pool.
Dosso Dossi Old City Hotel
This centrally located hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites, as well as a range of family-friendly amenities, including a kids’ club, a playground, and a game room.
Getting Around Istanbul with a Baby
Istanbul has an extensive public transport system that is well-suited for families with toddlers. The city’s buses, trams, and metro are all equipped with ramps and elevators, making it easy to navigate with a stroller or carrier. If you plan to use public transport frequently, we recommend purchasing a City Travel Card, which allows you to use all forms of public transport at a discounted rate.
Read also: Transport for Tourists in Istanbul: the Main Routes of Tram, Metro, Funicular and Ferry (2025)
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Old City Digital Route №1
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