Would you be shocked if we instructed you that probably the most family-friendly locations we now have visited on the planet is Turkey? We spent an eventful two weeks in Turkey with a child, a toddler and our older baby.
Throughout our two-week household trip in Turkey, we explored three very completely different elements of the nation: Istanbul, Izmir, and Cappadocia, with the primary cease on our grand journey being Istanbul.
On this article we share our itinerary for visiting Turkey with a child and toddler, together with all one of the best locations to go to and one of the best issues to do in Turkey with a child or toddlers.
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Attending to Turkey with a Child or Toddler
There are various airports you possibly can select to fly into. The flight tickets we bought had us coming into the Sabiha Gokcen Worldwide Airport. No matter the place you fly into, we suggest taking a taxi or Uber to your lodge or Airbnb. Driving and parking in Istanbul is a bit troublesome to do contemplating the tens of millions of native residents residing there.
Taking a taxi was essentially the most handy possibility for our household of 5, however costs for fares are in every single place making it price it to ask a number of drivers what their journey to your vacation spot will price. Whereas we did use Uber, the drivers usually cost greater than what the app exhibits, so it’s greatest to substantiate the worth together with your driver earlier than you get into the automotive.
Istanbul with a Child or Toddler
Istanbul, the historic metropolis that straddles two continents, is a vibrant and fascinating vacation spot that’s positive to go away guests of all ages mesmerized. And whereas touring with younger youngsters could be a problem, there’s no have to let it maintain you again from exploring this magical metropolis. With just a little little bit of planning and a few persistence, you possibly can create a family-friendly itinerary that’s each satisfying and academic for everybody.
The place to Keep in Istanbul with a Child or Toddler
We selected to remain in an Airbnb near the Galata Tower in Istanbul. We liked having a kitchen, and it simply felt much more snug for our household of 5 to remain in fairly than a lodge room with restricted assets.
Listed below are one of the best issues to do in Istanbul with a child or toddler:
Exploring the Hagia Sophia Mosque
The Hagia Sophia Mosque, initially constructed as a Christian church in 537 AD, is a shocking architectural masterpiece that’s positive to impress even the youngest guests. The hovering dome, intricate mosaics, and towering minarets create a way of marvel and awe that’s exhausting to copy wherever else.
To make the go to simpler with a child or toddler, we suggest arriving later within the night to keep away from the cruise crowds in addition to the warmth. Since it’s a cruise port, the road to get in could be a number of hours lengthy, whereas once they all go away round 5 pm, the road solely takes a couple of minutes.
We additionally packed just a few snacks and water bottles to maintain everybody fueled and hydrated. Whereas strollers will not be allowed contained in the mosque, we wore the Ergobaby Omni Mesh 360 provider to hold our little boy comfortably whereas exploring.
Admiring the Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one other iconic landmark that you simply can’t miss whereas visiting Istanbul with toddlers or a child. Named for the blue tiles that adorn its inside, this mosque is a stellar instance of Islamic structure and design.
To make the go to extra participating for our kids, we downloaded an audio information and allow them to comply with together with the commentary. We additionally took our time to discover the encompassing gardens, which supplied for a peaceable respite from the busy metropolis streets.
Whereas the mosque was below development whereas we had been there, we had been nonetheless in awe of the fantastic thing about all of it.
Gown modestly and produce a shawl or scarf to cowl your head and shoulders, because it’s a strict requirement when visiting mosques in Istanbul. We noticed friends turned away who weren’t dressed to the requirements of the mosque administration. The Blue Mosque does present them to be used, however just for that Mosque. The others require you to convey your individual.
Buying on the Grand Bazaar
No go to to Istanbul is full and not using a journey to the Grand Bazaar, a sprawling maze of outlets and stalls that promote every thing from spices and textiles to jewellery and souvenirs.
Whereas navigating the crowded alleys with a stroller could be a problem, the colourful ambiance and colourful shows are positive to captivate younger minds.
To make the go to extra manageable, we introduced the Ergobaby provider for our child. You’ll want to maintain toddler fingers on this busy place. This can be a great place to let little ones select just a few objects to take house as mementos of their journey.
Journey Tip: Bargaining is a standard apply on the Grand Bazaar, so be ready to haggle till you attain a worth you’re pleased with.
Istanbul Household Photoshoot
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Ascending the Galata Tower
The Galata Tower, a medieval stone tower that gives panoramic views of the town, is a superb spot to absorb Istanbul’s magnificence from above. The elevator experience to the highest is fast and simple, and the viewing platform gives ample house for everybody to absorb the sights.
Since we had been visiting Galata Tower with a child, we needed to keep away from crowds and lengthy strains. We visited the tower early within the morning and packed just a few snacks for a picnic breakfast with a view. Our little ones liked recognizing the landmarks we had visited earlier within the journey from a brand new perspective.
There’s a store proper throughout from the Galata Tower known as Viyana Kahvesi Kuledibi that serves essentially the most scrumptious dessert known as San Sebastian. It’s a creamy cheesecake drowning in fondue-like creamy chocolate sauce.
For apparent causes this delicacy is a must-try whereas in Istanbul. We recoomend attempting this close to the top of your journey; in any other case you’re consuming it on daily basis. You’ve been warned.
Journey Tip: For those who’re visiting Galata with a child or toddler, convey a child journey provider, as a result of strollers will not be allowed contained in the tower.
One of many traits of Istanbul that make it particularly particular for teenagers is how type and beneficiant the locals are. Infants are all broadly thought-about to be an enormous miracle from God, and actively handled by everybody as such, which is just a little completely different from typical American tradition.
In reality, our child was continuously having his little cheeks caressed by outdated men and women of their twenties alike, being instructed “Mashallah”, which is a prayer of gratitude to God for the blessing of a wholesome baby. It was stunning and an expertise we’ll always remember.
Along with how candy everybody was to our child, our two different boys had been continuously being gifted little trinkets and treats. For everything of our time in Turkey, the kids had been handled with these particular presents.
Whereas we had been at a Turkish rug presentation, they gave our children glasses of heat apple tea, and whereas we had been stressing about them doubtlessly dropping their little shot glasses or spilling the tea on the attractive rugs, the presenters had been fast to reassure us that it’s part of life and that persons are extra essential than issues.
Izmir with a Child or Toddler
For those who’re searching for a mixture of stunning seashores, historical ruins, and pure wonders, a street journey by way of Turkey’s Aegean coast is precisely what you want. Beginning in Izmir, one of many nation’s largest cities, renting a automotive right here is rather more sensible than in Istanbul.
We rented from a cheap possibility, Goldcar, and had an amazing expertise with them. We explored the close by coastal city of Cesme earlier than heading inland to find the breathtaking Pamukkale salt terraces, the traditional metropolis of Hierapolis, and soaking within the heat, legendary Cleopatra’s Pool.
We normally journey with the Wayb Pico automotive seat, which is a superb possibility for any household touring infants or toddlers. It’s a foldable and moveable, but extraordinarily sturdy, automotive seat that offers us peace of thoughts when driving whereas additionally not including a lot weight to our baggage.
Right here’s a glimpse into our latest street journey alongside the Aegean coast, and a few tricks to take advantage of your journey:
Enjoyable in Cesme
After touchdown in Izmir, we rented a automotive and drove about an hour to the gorgeous coastal city of Cesme. Recognized for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful seashores, this charming city is the proper place to unwind and take in the solar, which was a lot wanted after all of the strolling in Istanbul. The nice and cozy sandy seashores are excellent for just a few enjoyable days with infants and toddlers.
We stayed at a comfy Airbnb near a boardwalk that we walked each night whereas we ate our low-cost however scrumptious gelatos. We spent most days lounging on the sand, swimming within the Aegean Sea, and exploring the close by cities of Alacati and Ilica, identified for his or her quaint streets lined with boutique outlets and cafes.
We had been in Izmir in October, it’s thought-about the low season. It wasn’t as scorching as it will have been in the summertime, however we felt very snug within the heat waters.
Journey Tip: For those who’re visiting in the summertime, be sure you e-book your lodging and rental automotive prematurely, as it is a in style vacationer vacation spot.
Discovering Pamukkale Salt Terraces
After just a few days of rest, we hit the street and headed inland to Pamukkale, house to one in all Turkey’s most iconic pure wonders: the Pamukkale salt terraces. Fashioned by mineral-rich thermal springs that cascade down a collection of terraced swimming pools, this surreal panorama is really awe-inspiring.
We spent the morning exploring the terraces and dipping our ft within the heat, mineral-packed little swimming pools.
We explored the traditional metropolis of Hierapolis, the place we marveled on the well-preserved ruins of this once-great Roman metropolis.
Journey Tip: You’ll want to put on sturdy footwear and produce swimsuits and towels should you plan on entering into the swimming pools.
Swimming in Cleopatra’s Pool
The final cease on our Aegean street journey was the well-known Cleopatra’s Pool, a collection of thermal swimming pools believed to have been visited by the legendary queen herself. Legend has it that Cleopatra was so taken with the sweetness and therapeutic properties of those swimming pools that she ordered them to be transported to her palace in Egypt.
We spent the afternoon swimming within the heat, turquoise waters and taking within the beautiful views of the encompassing mountains. The mineral-rich waters are stated to have therapeutic properties for the pores and skin and physique, making this an ideal place to calm down and rejuvenate earlier than heading again to Izmir.
Journey Tip: There may be an entry payment to entry the swimming pools, and it may possibly get crowded throughout peak vacationer season, so plan accordingly.
A street journey by way of the Aegean coast of Turkey with a child or toddler is a good way to find among the nation’s most stunning pure and cultural treasures. With a rental automotive and a few planning, you possibly can discover at your individual tempo and create a customized itinerary that fits your pursuits and wishes.
From enjoyable on the seashores of Cesme to marveling on the historical ruins of Hierapolis, and swimming in Cleopatra’s pool, there’s something for everybody alongside this beautiful stretch of shoreline.
Cappadocia with a Child or Toddler
In case you are searching for a novel journey expertise that may go away you completely speechless, then Cappadocia must be in your bucket listing. Positioned in central Turkey, this area is legendary for its extraordinary pure landscapes, fairy chimneys, and cave resorts.
Listed below are our greatest suggestions for visiting Cappadocia with toddlers or a child:
Flying into Kayseri and Renting a Automobile
We flew from Izmir to Kayseri and rented a automotive once more to discover the area. The drive from Kayseri to Cappadocia is about an hour, and the surroundings alongside the way in which is breathtaking. As we approached Cappadocia, we had been greeted by a panorama dotted with uncommon rock formations and “fairy chimneys”.
Renting a Cave Resort in Goreme
This can be a must-try expertise for anybody planning to remain wherever close to Cappadocia. We stayed in a multi-room suite constructed into the rocks within the charming city of Goreme, which is thought for its distinctive underground cities.
Our lodge was carved into the facet of a cliff and featured cozy rooms with conventional Turkish decor. Our boys liked figuring out their mattress was as soon as a grape press to make wine. This was a significant spotlight from your complete journey, and we gained’t spoil the magic for you by over divulging what it was like.
Journey Tip: For those who plan on staying in a cave lodge, e-book prematurely as they will refill rapidly throughout peak vacationer season.
Exploring Uchisar Fortress and Goreme Open Air Museum
The primary day, we visited Uchisar Fortress, a fortress constructed on prime of a hill that gives panoramic views of the area. We then headed to the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage web site that options rock-cut church buildings and frescoes courting again to the tenth century.
Operating round and exploring the nooks and crannies of this metropolis was surprisingly probably the most in style and thrilling actions of the entire journey to our 3 and 6 12 months outdated. Our child most likely loved it too however didn’t inform us a lot about it.
Journey Tip: Put on snug footwear, as a result of there may be lots of strolling concerned in exploring the open-air museum.
Watching the Sizzling Air Balloons
You wouldn’t skip the Eiffel Tower whereas in Paris. In the identical method, lacking out on watching the recent air balloons whereas in Goreme could be against the law. We determined in opposition to reserving a flight inside the recent air balloons, since our two youngest boys (3 and 1) had been too younger to affix. We didn’t by any means really feel like we missed out by simply watching them float by within the morning.
At some factors we had been shut sufficient to have been capable of attain up and contact them. We spent two mornings watching them in numerous places, and so they had been each magical experiences. For one of the best views, you need to use the Maps Me app, as a result of vantage factors are indicated inside these maps.
Cappadocia is a novel and magical vacation spot. With its beautiful pure landscapes, distinctive rock formations, and cave resorts, it’s a vacation spot that gives one thing for everybody. From exploring Uchisar Fortress and the Goreme Open Air Museum to watching the recent air balloons at dawn, there’s no scarcity of issues to do and see in Cappadocia with a toddler or a child.
Closing Ideas on Turkey with a Toddler or Child
Visiting Istanbul, Izmir, and Cappadocia with a child or toddler could be a fantastic and rewarding expertise. These three locations provide a novel mixture of historical past, tradition, and pure magnificence that may captivate each children and adults alike.
Whereas touring with infants, toddlers and younger youngsters can have its challenges, there are many family-friendly actions in Turkey to get pleasure from. Whether or not it’s exploring the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque in Istanbul, enjoyable on the seashores of Cesme in Izmir, or watching the recent air balloons float throughout the sky in Cappadocia, there’s no scarcity of issues to do and see.
With cautious planning, persistence, and a way of journey, visiting these three locations with younger children will create lasting recollections for the entire household.
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Bethany Ellis
Bethany Ellis is married to Devon and mom to 3 of the cutest and wildest boys ages 7, 4, and 1. They’ve a love for journey, studying completely different cultures, and attempting new meals.
Celine Brewer is the proprietor of Child Can Journey. Not solely does she have years of expertise touring with infants & toddlers, however she’s helped tens of millions of latest dad and mom journey with their infants and toddlers for over a decade. Along with writing on her child journey weblog, she has shared her experience on touring with a child or toddler by contributing to articles about touring with a child with the Washington Put up, USA Immediately, the Lonely Planet journal and Being pregnant & New child journal.
Celine additionally writes about household journey on the location FamilyCanTravel.com, which she co-owns along with her husband. Being from the Canadian Rockies, she shares her ardour about her house and journey to Banff Nationwide Park and space on their web site TravelBanffCanada.com.
