The Industry Museum (Endüstri Müzesi)
Located in an old smelting works, this museum charts the history of industry since the 19th century. The wealth and variety of its collections make it one of Istanbul’s cultural high spots. Children and parents alike will marvel at the scale models and the toy displays, before embarking on an expedition through the history of the navy. Your adventure continues on the banks of the Golden Horn, in a huge hall containing planes, cars, boats – and even a submarine! Don’t miss the early locomotive and wagons in the museum yard: an ideal spot for a well-deserved family photo.
Hasköy Caddesi 27, Istanbul –Tel: (+90) 212 297 66 39
Open from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday 

Miniaturk
Close to the Industry Museum, this miniature Turkey allows the whole family to discover the main monuments of Istanbul and Turkey as scale models. Youngsters can play giants as they step over Saint Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Galata Bridge: all perfect representations of the real thing. Next to each model, a clever system provides an audio description of the monument in question. A wonderful ‘little’ outing!
Imrahor Caddesi, Istanbul – Tel: (+90) 212 222 28 82
Open every day from 9am to 6pm 

The Military Museum (Askeri Müzesi)
Once housed within the Topkapi Palace, this is the oldest museum in Istanbul with some truly superb collections including some 10,000 weapons and Turkish and foreign suits of armour. Halls are organised by theme, making a family visit simple to navigate. From 3pm to 4pm the Janissary Band, an Ottoman army corps whose reputation as great fighters runs through history, gives a concert for visitors, another reason that makes this museum well worth a visit.
Valikonagi Caddesi 3, Harbiye – Tel: (+90) 212 233 27 20
Open from 9am to 5pm Wednesday to Sunday

Bayramoglu Zoological Park
Istanbul’s zoo is in fact 40km from the city centre. But it’s worth the trip, as parents and children will discover over 100 different species of birds, an aquarium and a reptile house as well as the traditional bears, elephants, monkeys, etc. A real fun place with over 70 hectares to explore!
Ankara motorway, Bayramoglu exit, 40km from Istanbul – Tel: (+90) 262 653 1374
Open every day from 10am to 6pm 

Princes’ Islands
Made up of nine islands, five of which are inhabited, the Princes Archipelago is located 15km from Istanbul. When you set foot on these islands you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the peaceful atmosphere, partly due to there being no cars. This is one reason why Stanbuliots (the city’s inhabitants) have always loved to spend the summer there, enjoying a truly magical area flanked by blue sea and green landscape. Take a wander and admire the ‘yali’, Istanbul’s magnificent wooden houses. A corner of paradise that truly deserves its name.
Access by boat from Sirkeci-Eminönü – a journey of an hour and a half 

Emirgan Park
Located on the Bosphorus, in the middle of a wood, this park is considered the finest in town – and with good reason. Formerly used as a hunting lodge by the sultans, festivals are now organised here, such as the Tulip Festival, held every spring. It’s an opportunity to dive into a fairyland of colours and fragrances. With pools, cafés and plenty of shade, the Emirgan is the ideal place for a restful family picnic before starting out on new adventures.
Istanbul
Open every day

The treasures of Topkapi
At 70,000 square metres, the Palace of Topkapi, which was the sultans’ residence until the 19th century, is one of the most magnificent sights in Istanbul. Here the whole family can admire the treasures of the sultans, which are considered to be the finest in the world: chandeliers set with thousands of diamonds, thrones covered with precious stones, an 86 carat diamond set next to an emerald weighing over 3kg, or the famous Topkapi dagger… Young and old will stand in awe before such beauty: a must!
Topkapi Sarayi, Istanbul – Tel: (+90) 212 512 04 80
Open every day except Tuesdays, from 9am to 5pm 

The Egyptian Market – the Spice Bazaar
The Egyptian Market, built in the 17th century, is one of the most captivating places in the city. It is a real joy to walk around its alleys admiring the stunning colours of the spices and breathing in their fragrances: saffron, caraway seeds, cinnamon, mint… The true flavours of the Orient! Families are advised to stick together as the bazaar is always very crowded.
Eminönü Meydani, Istanbul
Open every day except Sundays, from 9am to 7pm 

The Basilica Cistern
An unforgettable experience – guaranteed! The Byzantines used this cistern – 140m long and 70m wide – to supply water to the Great Palace and later to the Palace of Topkapi. A veritable forest of 336 columns, gathered from many different temples, support a vault and two Medusa heads at the base seem to be holding them up. An enchanting place that truly deserves its name, Yerebatan Sarayi, or Yerebatan Sarnici (‘sunken palace’).

Galata Restoran
True Istanbul atmosphere with traditional live music and superb quality food! One unique feature is that this restaurant only offers one dish, the traditional fiksmönü, with generous helpings.
Orhan Apaydin Sokak 11, Istanbul – Tel: (+90) 293 11 39
Open every day except Sundays, from 11 am to midnight 

Messerret Külübü ve Restoran
Located on the fourth floor, this restaurant enjoys a magnificent view of the Golden Horn. Its menu offers delicious meze and a large variety of grilled dishes, all in a simple, colourful setting, and on some nights accompanied by live music.
Mesrutiyet Caddesi 131, Istanbul
Open every day except Sundays, from 11am to midnight 

The Orient Express
A guaranteed journey back in time as this restaurant is located in the original Orient Express train station! Enjoy excellent and typically Ottoman dishes, in a unique setting.
Sirkeci Tren Istasyonu 2, Istanbul
Open every day except Sundays, from 11am to midnight


KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels wish you an excellent stay in Istanbul.