Istanbul had been on our list for years, but we never had a strong reason to book it until Black Friday came with the right deal.
During Black Friday, while searching for Aegean flight deals to different destinations, we found round-trip tickets to Istanbul at a very good price. Since we had never visited the city before, and the flight from Athens takes less than one and a half hours, it immediately felt like the right choice for a 5-day family getaway.
At this stage of our lives, we choose destinations differently. Traveling with a kid means we look for places that are easy to reach, walkable, culturally rich, and not exhausting. We want strong experiences without complicated transfers or long travel days. Istanbul checked every box.
A city divided between Europe and Asia, shaped by empires, full of history, intense street life, and food we were genuinely curious to try. Close to Greece, yet completely different in atmosphere. So we booked it!
In this article, we share exactly what we experienced during our 5 days in Istanbul, where we stayed in Sultanahmet, what worked well as a family trip, and what you should know before planning your own visit.
General Information
Travel Essentials
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Entry requirements may vary by nationality, so always double-check the official regulations before traveling. Passport control at Istanbul Airport is generally efficient, but queues can form during peak hours.
Currency
The official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, cafés, and most shops, especially in central areas like Sultanahmet, Galata, Karaköy, and Taksim.
Still, it is useful to carry some cash for:
- small local shops
- street food vendors
- bazaars
- public toilets
- small taxis
ATMs are easy to find throughout the city. Currency exchange offices are also common, particularly in tourist areas.
Electricity
Istanbul uses 230V / 50Hz with plug types C and F, the same as most European countries. No adapter is needed for European travelers.
Telecommunications & Internet
Staying connected in Istanbul is easy. Major local providers include:
- Turkcell
- Vodafone Turkey
- Türk Telekom
Local SIM cards are available at the airport and in official stores across the city. Prices at the airport are usually higher than in city branches. For even greater convenience, many travelers use Airalo eSIMs, which allow immediate connectivity without changing a physical SIM card. This is especially practical for short trips, as you can activate your data plan before landing and avoid queues at the airport. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and restaurants as well.
Language
The official language is Turkish. English is spoken in most hotels, tourist attractions, and restaurants in central neighborhoods such as Sultanahmet and Galata. However, communication is not always guaranteed, even in tourist areas.
For example, when we took the ferry from Kabataş to the Princes’ Islands, some of the crew members did not speak English, which made simple questions slightly challenging. Nothing major, but it is something to keep in mind.
In local markets or less touristy districts, English may be limited. Using simple words, Google Translate, or learning a few basic Turkish phrases can make a difference and is always appreciated by locals.
Culture & Religion
The majority of the population in Istanbul is Muslim, and the city is home to some of the most impressive mosques in the world, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Süleymaniye Mosque.
Visitors should dress modestly when entering mosques:
- Shoulders covered
- Long pants or skirts
- Women may need to cover their hair
Scarves are usually available at the entrance.
Daily life in Istanbul blends tradition and modern lifestyle. You will hear the call to prayer five times a day, see conservative neighborhoods next to trendy cafés, and experience both Middle Eastern and European influences in one place.
Food & Drinks
Food is one of the strongest reasons to visit Istanbul. Some dishes you should try:
- Kebabs (Adana, Urfa, Döner)
- Lahmacun
- Pide
- Meze platters
- Simit (Turkish sesame bread)
- Balık Ekmek (fish sandwich)
- Baklava
- Turkish delight
Turkish tea (çay) is served everywhere, while Turkish coffee is part of daily culture. Street food plays a big role in the city’s identity, but restaurants range from simple local eateries to fine dining with Bosphorus views.
Interesting Facts About Istanbul
- Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents.
- It was formerly known as Byzantium and later Constantinople.
- It has been the capital of three empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.
- The Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.
- The city has over 3,000 mosques.
- The Bosphorus Strait connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara.
- Istanbul’s population exceeds 15 million people.
Day 1: Arrival and first impressions in Sultanahmet
We woke up very early on the first day of our Istanbul trip. Our flight was at 8 a.m., so we had to wake up before sunrise. Luckily, we had packed everything the night before. Traveling with a kid means forgetting something is not an option… or else it becomes a full-blown drama!
We had also pre-booked parking outside Athens Airport, which made our start stress-free. The parking drivers took us straight to the terminal in a small van, and since we had already checked in online the day before, we went straight through security and headed to our gate. No delays, no rush, just smooth sailing.
The flight itself was very comfortable. We had our breakfast on board, and little Jason even got some small gifts from the crew, keeping him entertained for a while. In just under an hour and a half, we had already landed in Istanbul.
After passing through passport control, we exited the airport to catch the metro. There, we got our Istanbulkart, a convenient travel card that you pay for once and then simply reload as needed. Kids under 6 travel for free, so Jason didn’t need one yet.
Our hotel for the trip was the Constantinopolis Hotel in the historic Sultanahmet neighborhood. To get there, we took the metro from the airport:
- Metro M11 towards Gayrettepe (~40 minutes)
- Transfer to M2 towards Yenikapı, exit at Vezneciler (~20 minutes)
- Finally, we took the tram towards Kabataş and got off at Sultanahmet, just steps from the Blue Mosque
Once we arrived at the hotel, we checked in and dropped our bags. Alice and Jason took a little time to rest, while I quickly ran to a nearby supermarket to grab water and some snacks for the day.
In the afternoon, we set out together for a first stroll through the historic streets of Sultanahmet. Wandering the narrow alleys, we got our first real taste of Istanbul’s charm, a mix of bustling street life, colorful buildings, and the faint aroma of freshly baked simit.
For our first meal in the city, we stopped at a cozy restaurant called Enjoyer. After enjoying our dinner, we returned to the hotel to relax, recharge, and get ready for the adventures of the next day.
Day 2: Exploring Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern
After a good night’s rest, we woke up around 8:30 a.m. and headed down for breakfast. Refreshed and ready, we set out for the tour we had booked for the day, which included the Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern, with skip-the-line tickets and an audio guide.
Our first stop was Hagia Sophia. Honestly, it didn’t fully surprise us. The outside was covered in scaffolding, so it was hard to take photos. Inside, the prayer hall is off-limits to visitors, so we could only explore the surrounding upper areas and see some of the remaining mosaics from when the building was still a church; the others had been covered or removed after its conversion into a mosque.
For context, Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, originally constructed in 537 AD as a Byzantine cathedral. It served as the world’s largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years before becoming an Ottoman mosque in 1453, and today it functions as a museum and cultural site. Visitors can explore the vast nave, see the incredible domes and arches, Byzantine mosaics, and Islamic calligraphy, and enjoy panoramic views from the upper galleries.
Right across from Hagia Sophia, we headed to the Basilica Cistern, which turned out to be a much more impressive and atmospheric attraction. This ancient underground water reservoir was built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I to store water for the Great Palace. Walking through the dimly lit cistern, you feel the cool, mysterious air and see rows of 336 marble columns rising from the water. Highlights include the two famous Medusa heads used as column bases and the upside-down columns, adding a sense of intrigue to the site.
After enjoying the cistern, we sat on nearby benches, letting Jason play a bit, and then strolled toward the Topkapi Palace. We explored the outer courtyards and gardens, admired the gates and pavilions, and spotted parts of the Church of the Holy Peace, before heading back to the hotel to rest. Our little adventurer was clearly tired.
After a nap, we grabbed our umbrellas as the rain had started, and went back to the historic center for our meal. This time, we chose Massa Bistro, a charming spot known for its interactive dining. One of the dishes we tried, called “Testi Kebab,” also known as Pottery Kebab, was served with a mini fire show. The chef placed the dish in a clay vessel, set it alight, and then served it sizzling hot at the table. It was as entertaining as it was delicious!
Feeling full and energized, we visited the nearby Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı). Covered and sheltered from the rain, we wandered through its maze of stalls, checking out everything from spices to ceramics. Our favorite finds were the colorful lanterns with striking combinations, perfect souvenirs from Istanbul. Once the bazaar closed, we slowly made our way back to the hotel to rest and prepare for the next day.
Day 3: Eminönü, Süleymaniye, Galata, and a Bosphorus Sunset cruise
We started our third day with breakfast and then took the tram from Sultanahmet to Eminönü, ready for more exploring. Our first stop was the Yeni Cami (New Mosque), a beautiful Ottoman mosque right by the waterfront. We climbed up for some photos, hoping to get inside, but unfortunately, it was closed to visitors at the time due to prayers.
Afterwards, we wandered through the Eminönü bazaar, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling streets, before heading uphill towards Süleymaniye Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most impressive landmarks. Sitting atop one of the city’s highest points, it has massive domes and minarets that dominate the skyline. The mosque, built in the 16th century by the famous architect Mimar Sinan, is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and offers serene gardens and terraces where visitors can rest. We took a break there, letting Jason play a bit while we enjoyed the view. The climb up the hill had been a workout for all of us!
For our next stop, we returned towards the Blue Mosque, hopped on the tram, and got off at Karaköy to visit the Galata Tower. Compared to the uphill walk to Süleymaniye, climbing Galata Tower felt like a breeze. The medieval tower provides panoramic views of Istanbul, the Golden Horn, and the Bosphorus, making it one of the city’s most iconic photo spots. We enjoyed a short stroll and grabbed a quick bite nearby before moving on.
In the evening, we met some friends at Kabataş and took a Bosphorus Sunset Cruise. The cruise passed landmarks like Dolmabahçe Palace, the Bosphorus bridges, Rumeli Castle, and Kiz Kulesi lighthouse along the way. Although the sky was cloudy and we missed the sunset, the ride was still magical. Seeing Istanbul from the water is a completely different perspective.
Back on land, we said goodbye to our friends and wrapped up the day with something sweet at Karaköy Güllüoğlu, famous for its baklava and traditional Turkish desserts. It was the perfect ending to a full and exciting day in the city.
Day 4: Princes’ Islands, Taksim, and Balat’s colorful streets
We woke up a bit earlier today to catch the ferry to the Princes’ Islands. Grabbing our breakfast boxes to take with us, we headed back to Kabataş, where our ferry was scheduled to depart at 9:45 a.m. The ride took us past the smaller islands of Antigone and Halki (Heybeliada) before finally reaching Büyükada, the largest of the islands.
Büyükada is about 5 km long and is famous for its historic mansions and serene streets. Cars are not allowed here, so the quiet streets are filled with bicycles, electric vehicles, and horse-drawn carriages, giving the island a peaceful, old-world charm.
Once on the island, we had about three hours to explore. We started at the harbor square, where Jason had a blast running around chasing gulls and pigeons. Then we wandered through the charming streets around the clock tower, discovering small cafes, local shops, and enjoying some sweets and lunch at a cozy spot. Walking around the islands really gives you a sense of their slower pace and natural beauty, making it clear why they’re a favorite weekend getaway for Istanbul locals.
On our way back, since we were close to Kabataş, we took a detour to Taksim Square and strolled along İstiklal Avenue, Istanbul’s most famous pedestrian street. The avenue is lined with shops, cafés, historic buildings, and street performers, and a nostalgic tram runs right down the middle. It was lively and vibrant, a perfect contrast to the calm of the islands.
Before returning to the hotel, we visited the Balat neighborhood, a historic area once known as a Jewish quarter. Walking through Balat felt like stepping into a storybook; its narrow streets are lined with colorful houses, street art, and small cafés. It’s a great area for photography and to explore a quieter, less touristy side of Istanbul.
A small hiccup happened on our way back, as not everyone speaks English fluently, as we mentioned in the beginning, and our taxi driver misunderstood Yeni Cami (New Mosque) and took us to Yenicapi instead. Thanks to Google Maps, we managed to explain the correct location and reach our hotel without any further issues.
Back at the hotel, after Jason’s nightly routine of bath, etc., he fell asleep instantly. Meanwhile, we began packing our suitcases to be ready for the morning departure, ending a full day filled with history, exploration, and family fun.
Day 5: Departure and reflections
On our final day, we woke up around 7 a.m. Fortunately, since we had packed everything the night before, all we had to do was get dressed, double-check that we hadn’t forgotten anything, and complete our check-out. The only downside? Breakfast didn’t start until 8 a.m., so we had to leave a little hungry, but luckily, our trusty snacks from the previous days saved the morning!
We arrived at the airport about 1.5 hours before our flight, which gave us plenty of time to relax. Having checked in the night before, we passed through security quickly, thanks to the lack of long lines, and headed straight to our gate to wait for boarding.
Once again, the flight was smooth and on time. We enjoyed our in-flight breakfast, we managed a quick power nap, and before we knew it, we had landed back at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport in Athens.
Reflecting on the trip, Istanbul had truly exceeded our expectations. From the historical treasures and bustling bazaars to the calm beauty of the Princes’ Islands, it offered a perfect mix of culture, food, and family-friendly adventures.
Have you ever visited Istanbul? What were your favorite spots or experiences? We’d love to hear your stories!!
