Best Walking Routes of Istanbul

Ortaköy is one of the most popular districts in Istanbul. It also has one of the best views of Bosphorus Bridge. You can walk around Ortaköy Mosque and enjoy eating Ortaköy’s famous dish; kumpir (staffed baked potato) at the coast. We recommend walking the coastline towards Bebek.

Emirgan Park

Stroll along Emirgan Park. With its walking tracks, restaurants, picnic areas, playgrounds, festivals and an amazing Bosphorus view through centuries old trees, Emirgan Park has everything you need for a sunny Istanbul afternoon. The park is especially lively during annual Tulip Festival, held in April each year.

View from Camlica Hill

Çamlıca Hill is one of the highest hills in Istanbul and has a breathtaking view. If you want to spend a day in a calm and green atmosphere Çamlıca Hill is the great choice.

Maiden’s Tower

Üsküdar coast walkway offers a great view of the famous Maiden’s Tower.

Gulhane Park

If you have plans to visit Topkapı Palace, make sure to have a walk in Gülhane Park and Sarayburnu coast afterwards.

Spice Bazaar

Take a walk through the famous old bazaars of Istanbul in Eminönü district.

Istiklal Street

Walk down Istiklal Street to explore historical buildings like Narmanlı Han, Flower Passage…

Karaköy Galataport Project

Karaköy is one of the most historical districts in Istanbul. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists with its third wave coffee shops, art galleries, restaurants and cool designer shops.

Istanbul Princes’ Islands

Princes’ Islands is the perfect destination when you want to escape hustle of the city. Since they are car-free, they make the best place in İstanbul to explore on foot.

Istiklal Avenue

Istiklal Avenue is one of the best places to see and feel the spirit of İstanbul. It is a pedestrian street located in Beyoğlu district; between Taksim Square and Galata and a great attraction for tourists and a favourite meeting spot for locals. That is why it is almost always filled with crowds.

With its modern shops located in 19th century Neo Classical and Art Nouveau buildings and nostalgic trams actively carrying passengers up and down the street all day; Istiklal is a spot where you can witness the fusion of old and new in İstanbul. 

Here are some spots you shouldn’t miss:

Museum of Illusions, Madame Tussauds, Historical Çiçek (Flower) Passage, Saint-Antoine Church, Church of the Holy Trinity, Pera Museum, historic Atlas and Beyoğlu Cinemas. A ride on the Nostalgic Tram is also highly recommended. From art galleries, historical buildings and churches to lively cafes, restaurants, shops and cinemas İstiklal Avenue has it all. So make sure you make a visit and enjoy both the culture and liveliness of the city.

Related Post: Beyoglu, Taksim Museums


Istanbul Museums & Places for Families & Kids (UPDATED: June 2023)

1- Miniatürk (Miniature Turkey Museum)
Location:Sütlüce, Golden Horn
Closed Days:Open everyday
Visiting Hours:09:00 – 18:00 (9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Not Valid
Entrance Fee:200 TL

2- Rahmi Koç Museum
Location:Hasköy, Golden Horn
Closed Days:Mondays
Visiting Hours:09:00 – 17:30 (9:00 A.M. – 5:30 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Not Valid
Entrance Fee:300 TL

3- Panorama 1453 History Museum
Location:Topkapı
Closed Days:Open everyday
Visiting Hours:08:00 – 18:30 (08:00 A.M. – 6:30 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Not Valid
Entrance Fee:300 TL

4- Vialand Theme Park
Location:Yeşilpınar, Alibeyköy
Closed Days:Open everyday
Visiting Hours:10:00 – 18:00 (10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Not Valid
Entrance Fee:55 USD

5- Sea Life Aquarium
Location:Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall
Closed Days:Open everyday
Visiting Hours:10:00 – 20:00 (10:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Not Valid
Entrance Fee:720 TL

6- Istanbul Aquarium
Location:Aqua Florya Shopping Mall
Closed Days:Open everyday
Visiting Hours:10:00 – 19:00 (10:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Not Valid
Entrance Fee:500 TL

7- Pelit Chocolate Factory & Museum
Location:Esenyurt
Closed Days:Open everyday
Visiting Hours:10:00 – 17:00 (10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Not Valid
Entrance Fee:200 TL

8- Museum of Illusions (Istanbul Istiklal)
Location:Istiklal Avenue
Closed Days:Open everyday
Visiting Hours:11:00 – 21:00 (11:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Not Valid
Entrance Fee:320 TL – Kids: (5-18 years old): 250 TL – Kids: (0-4 years old): FREE

9- Madame Tussauds Istanbul
Location:Istiklal Avenue
Closed Days:Open everyday
Visiting Hours:11:00 – 19:00 (11:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Not Valid
Entrance Fee:405 TL

10- Naval Museum
Location: Beşiktaş
Closed Days: Mondays
Visiting Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card: Not Valid
Entrance Fee: 200 TL

Istanbul Museums – Entry Fees & Visiting Hours & Location Information – Beyoglu, Taksim Museums (UPDATED: June 2023)

1- Galata Mevlevi House Museum
Location:Şişhane
Closed Days:Mondays
Visiting Hours:09:00 – 18:30 (9:00 A.M. – 6:30 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Valid
Entrance Fee:100 TL

2- Museum of Illusions
Location:Istiklal Avenue
Closed Days:Open everyday
Visiting Hours:11:00 – 20:00 (11:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Not Valid
Entrance Fee:320 TL – Kids: (5-18 years old): 250 TL – Kids: (0-4 years old): FREE

3- Madame Tussauds
Location:Istiklal Avenue
Closed Days:Open everyday
Visiting Hours:11:00 – 21:00 (11:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Not Valid
Entrance Fee:405 TL

4- Galata Tower
Location:Galata, Beyoğlu
Closed Days:Open everyday
Visiting Hours:08:30 – 22:00 (8:30 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:Valid
Entrance Fee:350 TL