Istanbul with kids — a practical family guide to Şişli and beyond

Istanbul is one of the world's great cities for families — if you know where to go. The tourist circuit (Sultanahmet, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus cruise) works fine with older children but can be exhausting with under-tens. Here's what actually works, organised by age.

Where to stay matters more than people think

A hotel room with two beds works for a long weekend. For a week or more with children, a serviced apartment changes everything: a proper kitchen means you control mealtimes, a washing machine means you don't pack for two weeks, and separate sleeping areas mean the kids' 21:00 bedtime doesn't end your evening.

Hexa Apartments in Şişli has apartments ranging from studio to three bedrooms. The three-bedroom sleeps seven and has a full Bosch kitchen, two bathrooms, and a dining table that fits everyone. We also have a crib, high-chair, and stroller available on request — no extra charge.

Best spots in and around Şişli with children

Cevahir Shopping Mall — 7 minutes walk

The largest shopping mall in Europe (by floor space) is seven minutes from the apartment on foot. It has a large children's play area, a cinema, an ice rink, and every international fast food option your children will inevitably demand. Useful on a rainy day.

Maçka Park

A large city park ten minutes from Hexa Suites Bomonti. Playgrounds, wide paths for scooters, and a cable car that the children will want to ride approximately forty times.

Istanbul Toy Museum (Kadıköy)

Across the Bosphorus in Kadıköy, this privately-run museum has over 4,000 toys spanning 200 years. One hour by public transport; worth it for children aged 4–12.

Miniaturk

A miniature park on the Golden Horn with scale models of Turkey's greatest monuments. Very manageable with young children — flat, open, and with a small fairground. Half a day.

Aqua Florya

Istanbul's main water park and aquarium complex, near the airport on the western side. Best for a full day trip in summer. Get there early.

Eating with children in Şişli

Turkish food is naturally child-friendly — lots of grilled meats, rice, bread, and mild flavours. What to look for:

Lahmacun: Thin flatbread with minced meat, rolled up and eaten with parsley and lemon. Children love it. Very cheap.

Pide: Turkish flatbread pizzas, usually large enough for two children.

Balıkçı restaurants: Fish restaurants near the Bosphorus are good for older children. The whole experience — watching the boats, the bread, the meze — is worth it.

For quick meals near the apartment, the Şişli market street has good gözleme (savoury crêpe) stands that are fast, cheap, and almost universally liked by children.

Practical notes for families

• Strollers: Istanbul's pavement quality varies. A lightweight, foldable stroller handles it better than a large pram. We have one available at the apartment.
• Nappies and formula: Available at every Migros and A101 supermarket. Same international brands.
• Medical: Şişli Etfal Hastanesi (children's hospital) is six minutes from our Şişli property on foot. It's one of Istanbul's best public hospitals.
• Temperature: Istanbul summers (July–August) are hot — 32–36°C. Plan outdoor activities for morning and evening. Bring sun hats.

The question everyone asks: is Istanbul safe for families?

Yes. Istanbul is one of the safer major European cities for families. Turks are exceptionally welcoming to children — strangers will often stop to play with or compliment your child, which can be charming or overwhelming depending on your temperament. Keep the usual city awareness around traffic, which is genuinely chaotic.

We're happy to answer specific questions about travelling with children to Istanbul — just message us on WhatsApp.