How to Plan Your Old Istanbul Private Tour for Kids and Families

If you’re planning a family vacation to Istanbul, you won’t want to miss the Old Istanbul Private Tour for Kids and Families. This private walking tour of Sultanahmet is designed to be kid-friendly and interactive, so your family can learn about the Byzantine and Ottoman empires while having fun. Here’s how to plan your tour with ease.

Overview

On this private tour, you’ll get to skip the long lines at popular attractions like the Hagia Sophia and explore them at your own pace. Your child-friendly guide will use interactive games to teach your family about Istanbul’s rich history, making the tour both informative and engaging.

What’s Included

The Old Istanbul Private Tour for Kids and Families includes the following:- Professional art historian guide

– Local guide

– Professional kid-friendly guide

– Food and drinks

– Gratuities

– Transportation to/from attractions

Itinerary

1. Hagia Sophia Mosque

Your tour starts at the Hagia Sophia Mosque, which was originally built as a church by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. You’ll get to skip the long lines and explore this impressive structure with your guide’s expert insight.2. Blue Mosque

Next, you’ll visit the Blue Mosque, one of the most recognizable landmarks in Istanbul. Your guide will tell you all about the unique architecture and history of this mosque, and you’ll have plenty of time to take pictures in the picturesque courtyard.3. Caferaga Medresesi

Your tour will end at Caferaga Medresesi, a former theological school that has since been transformed into a cultural center. Here, you can learn about traditional Turkish handicrafts and enjoy some refreshments.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points will be determined based on your location, and the tour starts at 10:00 AM.

Additional Info

Before booking, please note:- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking

– The tour is not wheelchair accessible

Book the Tour Here

Ready to book your Old Istanbul Private Tour for Kids and Families? Visit viator.com to make your reservation today.When planning your family vacation to Istanbul, don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn about the city’s rich history while having fun. Book your Old Istanbul Private Tour for Kids and Families today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Istanbul

Istanbul is a beautiful city that lies between Europe and Asia. Known as the city of seven hills, Istanbul has a rich history and culture that attracts millions of visitors each year. With so much to offer, it’s natural for people to have questions about the city. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about Istanbul.

1. What is the best time to visit Istanbul?

The best time to visit Istanbul is during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it perfect for exploring the city. The summer months (June to August) can be quite hot and humid and are best avoided if you’re not a fan of the heat. In winter, the temperatures can drop quite low, but the city still has its charm with fewer crowds.

2. Is Istanbul safe to visit?

Istanbul is generally a safe city to visit, with low levels of violent crime. However, like any big city, you should be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid pickpocketing and theft. It’s also important to be cautious of street sellers and people offering unsolicited help or guidance.

3. What are the must-visit attractions in Istanbul?

Istanbul has no shortage of amazing attractions to visit. Some of the must-visit places include:

• Hagia Sophia: This beautiful mosque-turned-museum is a must-visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
• Blue Mosque: Also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, it’s one of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul and is famous for its stunning blue tiles.
• Topkapi Palace: This stunning palace was the home of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years.
• Grand Bazaar: One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, it’s a shopper’s paradise with over 4000 shops.
• Spice Bazaar: Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, it’s a haven for foodies with spices, teas, and sweets.
• Bosphorus Cruise: No visit to Istanbul is complete without a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait.

4. What is the currency used in Istanbul?

The currency used in Istanbul (and the rest of Turkey) is the Turkish Lira (TL). 1 USD is approximately 8.3 TL and 1 EUR is approximately 9.9 TL. It’s best to carry local currency with you as many small businesses don’t accept credit cards.

5. What is the traditional food of Istanbul?

Istanbul has a rich culinary culture, with many dishes influenced by Turkish, Ottoman, and Mediterranean cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes in Istanbul include:

• Doner Kebab: Thinly sliced roasted meat served with vegetables, sauce, and bread.
• Kofte: Meatballs made with spiced ground beef or lamb.
• Baklava: A sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough and honey syrup.
• Manti: Tiny dumplings filled with spiced ground beef, served with yogurt and tomato sauce.
• Lahmacun: A thin, crispy pizza-like dish topped with spiced minced meat, parsley, and lemon juice.

6. How do I get around Istanbul?

Istanbul has an extensive public transportation system that includes metro, tram, bus, and ferry services. The Istanbulkart is a rechargeable card that can be used on all public transportation modes and is the most convenient way to get around. Taxis are also available, but it’s best to use an app-based service like BiTaksi or Uber, especially during peak hours to avoid traffic.

7. Are there any cultural customs or etiquette I should be aware of when visiting Istanbul?

Yes, there are a few cultural customs and etiquette rules to keep in mind when visiting Istanbul. Some of them include:

• Dress modestly: Turkey is a conservative country, and it’s best to dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or religious sites.
• Remove shoes before entering a mosque: It’s customary to remove shoes before entering a mosque.
• Avoid eating in public during Ramadan: If you’re visiting Istanbul during Ramadan, it’s polite to avoid eating in public during daylight hours out of respect for those who are fasting.
• Use your right hand: When eating, receiving or giving something, it is customary to use your right hand. The left hand is considered unclean.
• Don’t point your feet: It’s considered impolite to point your feet, especially towards other people, as feet are considered unclean.

Conclusion

Istanbul is an incredible city filled with history, culture, and beauty. We hope this blog post answered some of your questions about visiting Istanbul. Remember to plan your visit during the spring or autumn seasons, visit the must-see attractions, try the delicious food, and be respectful of the local culture and customs. Have a great trip!

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, attracting millions of tourists every year. The city is rich in history, culture, architecture, and cuisine, making it a treasure trove of experiences for any first-time traveler. In this guide, we’ll cover how to spend your time as a tourist in Istanbul, exploring the best things to do, see, and taste.

Getting to Istanbul

The first step in your Istanbul adventure is getting there. Istanbul has two major airports, Istanbul Atatürk and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. Depending on where you’re coming from, you may find better deals flying into one or the other.

Where to Stay in Istanbul

When it comes to finding a place to stay in Istanbul, you have plenty of options. The city is divided into two parts, the European side and the Asian side, with a wide range of neighborhoods to choose from.

European side

Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet is the most popular neighborhood for tourists because it is home to many of Istanbul’s top attractions, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from, and the area is well connected to the rest of the city.

Beyoglu

Beyoglu is a popular neighborhood on the European side of Istanbul that is home to some of the city’s trendiest cafes, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great place to stay if you want to experience Istanbul’s modern side, with plenty of shopping options and nightlife to enjoy.

Asian side

Kadikoy

Kadikoy is a trendy neighborhood on the Asian side of Istanbul that offers a more laid-back atmosphere than the European side. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore, and the area is well connected to the rest of the city via public transportation.

Uskudar

Uskudar is another popular neighborhood on the Asian side of Istanbul. It’s located on the coast of the Bosphorus and offers stunning views of the city skyline. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be away from the hustle and bustle of the European side and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.

What to do in Istanbul

There are countless things to see and do in Istanbul, but here are some of the top attractions that you can’t miss.

Visit the Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultans for more than 400 years and is now a museum that houses a vast collection of Ottoman treasures, including jewelry, porcelain, and weapons. You can easily spend an entire day exploring the palace and its grounds, which includes four courtyards and several smaller buildings.

Explore the Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks and a must-visit for any tourist. Originally built as a church in the 6th century, it was later converted into a mosque before being turned into a museum in the 1930s. The building’s architecture is a stunning blend of Byzantine and Ottoman styles, and its massive dome is an engineering marvel.

Take a Bosphorus Cruise

One of the best ways to see Istanbul is from the water. The Bosphorus Strait separates Europe and Asia and is dotted with historic landmarks, including palaces, mosques, and forts. There are plenty of boat tours available that will take you on a journey through Istanbul’s history while offering stunning views of the city’s skyline.

Visit the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 4,000 shops selling everything from jewelry and carpets to spices and Turkish delight. It’s a chaotic, bustling maze of streets and alleys, but it’s also a great place to haggle with vendors and pick up some souvenirs.

What to Eat in Istanbul

Istanbul’s cuisine is a delicious blend of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Central Asian influences, with plenty of dishes to satisfy any palate. Here are some of the top things to eat in Istanbul.

Kebabs

Kebabs are a staple of Turkish cuisine, and there are many varieties to try. Doner kebab is probably the most famous, with roasted meat sliced thinly and served in a pita or wrap, but you can also try shish kebab, adana kebab, or beyti kebab.

Baklava

Baklava is a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and honey syrup. It’s a popular dessert throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean, but Istanbul is famous for its baklava. You can find it in most bakeries and cafes, but some of the best places to try it include Hafiz Mustafa and Karaköy Güllüoğlu.

Turkish Delight

Turkish delight, also known as lokum, is a sweet, gummy candy that comes in many flavors, including rose, pistachio, and lemon. It’s a popular gift to take home to friends and family, and you can find it in most shops that sell sweets and pastries.

Turkish Tea and Coffee

Turkish tea, also known as çay, is a staple of daily life in Istanbul. It’s a strong, black tea served in small glasses, often with a cube of sugar. Turkish coffee is also famous for its strong flavor and thick foam, and it’s a must-try for any coffee lover.

Conclusion

Istanbul is a fascinating city that offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, culture, architecture, or cuisine. With so much to see and do, it’s worth spending a few days exploring the city and immersing yourself in its rich heritage. We hope this guide has given you some ideas for how to spend your time in Istanbul and has inspired you to start planning your own adventure.