The best way to have fun in Istanbul is to explore the historic sites, shop, take a boat cruise, enjoy the cuisine, and spend time with friends. Istanbul is a city that is full of life and energy. There are many activities to do in Istanbul, no matter whether you are here on vacation or for business.
Pamukkale (Turkish Baths)
Pamukkale is a great place to spend time with children. There are a lot of water activities you can do here at the pools, waterfalls and rivers. You can rent a boat or canoe and explore the nearby lakes and rivers. Pamukkale is also famous for its hot springs. The water here is rich in calcium and magnesium, which is why the area is so appealing for soaking.
Hop on a boat
You can hop on a boat and sail around the Bosphorus Strait to see the sights on the other side of the water. There are also boat tours that take you to some of the most popular destinations in Istanbul, like the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern, or you can even go scuba diving.
Visit the bazaar
A great way to get your adrenaline pumping is to try a few adrenaline-inducing activities in Istanbul. You can bungee jump at the historic Theodosakis Waterfalls, go scuba diving in Dalyan Lake, or even go on a zipline ride at Istanbul’s Blue Hills. These activities are all incredibly fun and are guaranteed to keep you entertained for hours!
Saunter through the Hippodrome
There are so many activities to try while exploring the Hippodrome, especially if you like horses. You can rent a horse and ride around the track, or you can even ask the staff to guide you around the track on horseback! If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, you can even try horse-drawn carriage rides!
Hike up Mount Nemrut
In addition to exploring the ancient sites, you can also hike up the Mount Nemrut, a multi-tiered mountain with a temple perched high on top. You can hike to the top and visit the temple of the ancient Assyrian god, Nemrut, which features relief carvings of the king and his queen riding lions and bulls. The hike is a little strenuous, so you may want to wear hiking shoes and carry a water bottle.
See the Blue Mosque
There are numerous activities to have fun in Istanbul. It is a great place for family outings, bike rides, boat rides, exploring the beautiful Bosphorus, and more. The best way to enjoy Istanbul is to take a boat cruise along the Bosphorus (the strait that connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea). Stunning sites along the way include the Old City, the Roman Aqueduct, Maiden’s Tower, and Dolmabahçe Palace.
Wander through the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is also a great place for kids to have fun. The bazaar is filled with kid friendly trinkets and toys that can be purchased at a discounted price. If your children are interested in arts and crafts, you can also find miniature paintings, pottery, and even jewelry.
Conclusion
Istanbul is full of things to do! One of the best ways to have fun in Istanbul is to try water sports. There are many boat tours on the Bosphorus, the strait that connects the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea. You can even book a boat cruise to view the city’s gorgeous skyline from the water. If you’re looking to get a little adventurous, scuba diving is also an option.