Istanbul Family Travel Guide: Babies to Age 10 (Sabiha Gökcen Airport)
EATING WITH KIDS
Most traditional Turkish restaurants (e.g., at Sultanahmet or Grand Bazaar) lack formal kids menus. Portions are often large, but staff typically offer plain rice or bread as a "kids' side" upon request. High chairs are rarely available in historic areas (Sultanahmet, Fatih) but common in newer districts (Levent, Kadikoy) and chain restaurants. Kid-friendly local foods: Pide (flatbread pizza, especially with cheese), Balık Ekmek (fish sandwich, skip if picky about seafood), and fresh fruit (melon, grapes). Familiar food for picky eaters: Major supermarkets like Carrefour (all locations) and A101 (many branches) stock mainstream brands (Heinz, Gerber, Nestlé). Recommended eateries:
* Cevizli (multiple locations, Kadikoy): Offers a dedicated kids menu (small portions, no spice) and high chairs.
* Lale (Kadikoy): Family-friendly with simple dishes and high chairs.
* Sofra (Sultanahmet): Turkish home cooking; staff accommodates picky eaters with plain dishes but no high chairs. Avoid expecting kids menus in old city restaurants – prioritize Kadikoy or newer areas.
BABY SUPPLIES
Diapers/Formula/Baby Food:
* dm (multiple locations: Levent, Kadikoy, Sultanahmet - check store type): Sells Pampers, Huggies, and international brands (Nestlé, Gerber) at standard prices. Avoid Sultanahmet dm – limited stock.
* Rossmann (Levent, Kadikoy, Ümraniye): Reliable for diapers (Pampers, Huggies), formula (Nestlé, Aptamil), and baby food (Gerber).
* Pharmacies (e.g., Apotek, Farmasite): Stock basic diapers (Pampers, Huggies), formula, and baby food. International brands available but limited (Aptamil is common). Prices slightly higher than dm/Rossmann.
* Supermarkets (Carrefour, Migros, A101): Best for variety. Carrefour (all locations) has the largest selection of international brands (Huggies, Gerber, Enfamil). Migros (Levent, Kadikoy) is good for local and international. International brands (Huggies, Gerber) are widely available in supermarkets and dm/Rossmann in new districts. Avoid expecting them at small shops in Sultanahmet.
BREASTFEEDING & BOTTLE FEEDING
Cultural norms are generally accepting; breastfeeding in public is common and not frowned upon. Feeding rooms:
* Sabiha Gökcen Airport: Well-equipped, clean nursing rooms (multiple locations, accessible via airport app).
* Malls (e.g., Istanbul Cevahir, Kanyon): Dedicated nursing rooms on upper floors (check mall directory).
* Restaurants: Rarely have dedicated rooms. Heating bottles: Staff at Cevizli and Lale will heat water for bottles upon request. Do not expect this in traditional restaurants – carry a portable bottle warmer or warm water bottle.
STROLLER ACCESS
Historic Areas (Sultanahmet, Fatih, Grand Bazaar):Stroller nightmare. Cobblestones are uneven, narrow, and often steep. Avoid strollers here entirely. A baby carrier (Ergobaby, Solly) is essential.Newer Districts (Kadikoy, Levent, Bebek): Generally stroller-friendly. Metro: Only 3 stations (Istanbul University, Aksaray, Üsküdar) have elevators. Bus: Strollers can be folded on buses but are not recommended on crowded routes. Walking: Feasible in Kadikoy (smooth sidewalks) and Bebek (along Bosphorus), but avoid peak hours. Verdict: Bring a lightweight stroller for new areas ONLY. A carrier is mandatory for historic sites.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
1. Istanbul Aquarium (Ataşehir):Best for ages 2-10. Modern, spacious, and engaging. Interactive touch tanks (sharks, rays). Why it works: Quiet, clean, stroller-accessible, and has a dedicated kids' area. Skip if under 2 – too much walking for toddlers.
2. Cagaloglu Hamam & Park (Sultanahmet):Best for ages 3-8. Traditional Turkish bath complex with a small, safe, shallow pool for kids (open weekends only). Why it works: Staff accommodates children, easy to sit and relax with a carrier. Avoid for toddlers under 3 due to bath water temperature.
3. Children’s Museum (Kadikoy):Best for ages 3-10. Interactive exhibits (science, art, Turkish culture). Why it works: Stroller-friendly, no overwhelming crowds, dedicated play zones. Only location with true "kids museum" vibe.
4. Bosphorus Cruise (Departing from Kabataş):Best for ages 5-10. Short 1-hour boat ride. Why it works: Kids love the water, views of palaces. Skip for toddlers – crowded, hard to hold onto.Avoid sunset cruises for young kids (dark, crowded).
5. Yıldız Park (Yıldız):Best for ages 2-10. Large park with playgrounds, boating lake (rentals available), and open spaces. Why it works: Smooth paths, shade, clean facilities. Ideal for toddlers to run. Skip for infants – park is large, hard to push stroller through grassy areas.
GETTING AROUND
* Public Transport:
* Buses: Free for children under 4. Car seats mandatory for children under 12 in taxis/buses (law), but enforcement is poor. Do not rely on this – hold toddlers on your lap.
* Metro: Only 3 stations have elevators (see Strollers). Not stroller-friendly for most routes.
* Tram: Smooth, stroller-accessible (Kadikoy to Taksim). Best option for families in Kadikoy.
* Taxis:Require car seats for children under 12 (law), but drivers rarely have them. Do not expect them – hold toddlers on your lap.
* Walking:Feasible ONLY in Kadikoy, Levent, and Bebek (flat, wide sidewalks). Impossible in Sultanahmet due to cobblestones. Always carry a carrier.
HEALTH & SAFETY
* Pediatric Hospital:Dr. Suat Seren Children's Hospital (Şişli, near Taksim) – 24/7 emergency care. *Avoid the
Air Quality Tip
Check real-time air quality before your trip at aqicn.org. AQI below 50 = good, above 100 = limit outdoor activity.
Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-10