Turkey has welcomed families for millennia—from Byzantines and Ottomans to today’s travelers—thanks to its living history, hospitable culture, and delicious food. In one week, you can trace empires in Istanbul, then unwind on Antalya’s Mediterranean beaches. This itinerary is designed to be مناسب للعائلات (family-friendly), with flexible timing, gentle walking, and kid-approved eats.

Expect iconic sights like Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, paired with ferry rides, parks, and hands-on museums. Then fly south to Antalya for sun-soaked days in Kaleiçi old town, Konyaaltı or Lara Beach, the Antalya Museum, Duden Waterfalls, and a day adventure to the Green Canyon near Alanya.

Practical notes: Istanbul’s Istanbulkart simplifies public transit. Many top museums now require timed tickets; consider the Museum Pass if you’ll visit multiple sites. Turkish breakfasts are abundant, kebabs are kid-friendly, and most hammams offer private or family-friendly options via advance booking.

Istanbul

Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is where minarets meet modern cafés and spice-scented bazaars. Family highlights include a Bosphorus ferry ride, the Basilica Cistern’s glowing columns, and interactive stops like the Rahmi M. Koç Museum.

• Top sights: Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace & Harem, Basilica Cistern, Galata Tower, Balat, Kadıköy, Spice & Grand Bazaars.
• Why families love it: Easy ferry rides, parks and promenades, kid-favorite snacks (simit, döner, Turkish delight), and short walkable clusters of sights.
• Where to eat: Traditional lokantas (home-style canteens), meyhanes for grilled fish and mezes, plus stellar breakfast spots for a lavish “serpme kahvaltı.”

Stay (mid-range to family-friendly): Sirkeci Mansion (indoor pool, central Old City location), or browse VRBO apartments in Istanbul and Hotels.com options in Istanbul to match your budget 49/100.

Getting to Istanbul: Compare flights on Trip.com Flights or Omio Flights. Once in town, use trams, ferries, and the metro with an Istanbulkart.

Day 1: Arrival, Sultanahmet Stroll, and Turkish Delights

Afternoon: Arrive in Istanbul and check in near Sultanahmet or Sirkeci. Shake off jet lag with a gentle walk around Sultanahmet Square to see the exteriors of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Grab a simit from a street cart and fresh pomegranate juice—easy wins with kids.

Evening: Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant (near Spice Bazaar) for great kebabs and city views, or Matbah for Ottoman recipes like hünkar beğendi. Sweet stop at Hafız Mustafa for baklava and fıstıklı (pistachio) delights before an early night.

Day 2: Topkapı, Basilica Cistern, and a Bosphorus Sunset

Morning: Tour Topkapı Palace and the Harem (allow 2.5–3 hours; combo tickets often ~1500–1850 TRY—check current pricing). Kids enjoy the treasury’s glittering artifacts and palace courtyards.

Afternoon: Descend into the Basilica Cistern (about 30–45 minutes; around 600–650 TRY). Lunch at Şehzade Cağ Kebap (rotating lamb skewers) or Pideban for cheese-filled Black Sea pide. Walk to the Spice Bazaar for saffron, sumac, and lokum samples.

Evening: Take a golden-hour Bosphorus cruise (public ferries are budget-friendly, private boats available). Dinner in Karaköy: Karaköy Lokantası (classic mezes and stews) or Dürümzade (Anthony Bourdain favorite) for simple, tasty wraps.

Day 3: Galata, Taksim, and Family Hammam Time

Morning: Climb Galata Tower (timed tickets recommended; ~650 TRY). Coffee at Mandabatmaz (superb thick Turkish coffee) and simit with kaymak (clotted cream) at Patisserie de Pera.

Afternoon: Stroll İstiklal Avenue. For a hands-on break, visit the Rahmi M. Koç Museum (submarines, vintage trams—great with kids). Lunch at Meşhur Beyoğlu Köftecisi for meatballs and piyaz salad.

Evening: Book a family-friendly hammam session: consider private rooms at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı or a hotel spa if traveling with younger children. Dine at Cezayir for Mediterranean plates or Hacı Abdullah Lokantası for time-honored Ottoman dishes.

Day 4: Asian-Side Day—Kadıköy and Üsküdar

Morning: Ferry to Kadıköy. Big Turkish breakfast at Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu or Naga Putrika (great for families). Explore Kadıköy Market (cheese, olives, pickles), then ice cream at Yaşar Usta.

Afternoon: Walk Moda seaside park and playgrounds. Cross to Üsküdar for Çamlıca Hill views. Try Kanaat Lokantası for excellent home-style trays (pilavs, stews, desserts).

Evening: Tea at Çengelköy Çınaraltı under the sycamore, watching boats glide by. Return by ferry and pack for tomorrow’s flight to Antalya.

Antalya

Antalya pairs storybook old town streets with turquoise beaches and pine-clad mountains. Families can hop between Kaleiçi’s Roman gates, Antalya Aquarium’s tunnels, Konyaaltı Beach parks, and cascading Duden Waterfalls.

• Top sights: Kaleiçi old town, Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya Museum, Konyaaltı & Lara Beaches, Duden Waterfalls, Tünektepe Cable Car, Land of Legends (Belek).
• Why families love it: Flat promenades with playgrounds, shallow beach sections, plenty of gelato, and easy half-day excursions.
• Food to try: Grilled sea bream, piyaz (tahini bean salad—a local specialty), tahini dondurma, Antalya-style piyaz at 7 Mehmet.

Stay: For Old Town charm, White Garden Hotel (pool, family rooms). For a resort vibe, consider Rixos Premium Belek or Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort (often pricier). Also browse VRBO Antalya apartments and Hotels.com in Antalya.

Getting from Istanbul to Antalya: Morning flight IST/SAW → AYT is ~1h 15m; fares often $30–80. Compare on Omio Flights. Buses (10–12h overnight) are bookable via Omio Buses if you prefer to save and sleep en route.

Day 5: Fly to Antalya, Kaleiçi Old Town, and Konyaaltı Sunset

Morning: Fly to Antalya. Taxi or tram to your hotel. Drop bags and refresh.

Afternoon: Explore Kaleiçi’s stone lanes: Hadrian’s Gate, clock tower, harbor overlook. Lunch at Yemenli Restaurant (kid-friendly courtyard) or Balıkçı Meyhanesi for grilled fish and mezes.

Evening: Taxi or tram to Konyaaltı Beach. Stroll the park-lined promenade and playgrounds; swim if warm. Dinner at 7 Mehmet (classic Antalya cuisine and views) or Kokoyaki Sushi if the kids want a change of pace. Gelato from Mado on the promenade.

Day 6: Green Canyon Safari (Alanya/Manavgat) – Adventure Day

Today is a full-day excursion with a mix of scenic driving, canyon viewpoints, and a boat ride on a jade-green reservoir. It’s suitable for families who enjoy gentle adventure and nature photography. Round-trip transfers from the Antalya area are usually arranged by the tour operator; bring sunscreen, hats, and water.

Recommended tour (with image):

Monster Green Canyon Safari with Lunch

What to expect: Scenic canyon drive, lake cruise, swimming stops (seasonal), and a hearty Turkish lunch. It’s a great way to add a touch of adventure to your beach days without strenuous hiking.

Dinner back in Antalya: Try Seraser Fine Dining (Mediterranean, elegant yet relaxed) or Tuvana Hotel’s courtyard restaurants if you’re staying in Kaleiçi. For something casual, Pasa Bey Kebap serves reliable grills and kid-friendly plates.

Day 7: Waterfalls, Museum, and Beach Time — Departure Afternoon

Morning: Visit Lower Duden Waterfalls (easy paths and thrilling sea-cliff views). If the family prefers indoors, swap for Antalya Aquarium (long tunnel and themed zones; plan ~2 hours).

Afternoon: Quick stop at Antalya Museum (one of Turkey’s best—Roman statues from Perge; plan 60–90 minutes). Early lunch at Piyazcı Ahmet for Antalya-style piyaz with tahini dressing, or Vanilla in Kaleiçi for salads and pasta. Head to the airport for your afternoon departure.

Food & Coffee Shortlist (Family-Friendly)

• Istanbul breakfast/cafés: Van Kahvaltı Evi (Cihangir), Namlı Gurme (Karaköy), Mandabatmaz (Turkish coffee), Karabatak (specialty coffee).
• Istanbul lunches: Şehzade Cağ Kebap, Meşhur Beyoğlu Köftecisi, Pideban (Black Sea pide).
• Istanbul dinners/desserts: Hamdi, Karaköy Lokantası, Hacı Abdullah; sweets at Hafız Mustafa or Saray Muhallebicisi.
• Antalya breakfast/cafés: Mado (gelato and pancakes), Piyazcı remzi (light bites), The Sudd Coffee (specialty coffee).
• Antalya lunches/dinners: 7 Mehmet (local classics), Balıkçı Meyhanesi (seafood), Yemenli (courtyard), Seraser (Mediterranean), Pasa Bey Kebap (grills).

Logistics & Budget Tips

• Transport: Use Istanbulkart on trams/metro/ferries. In Antalya, trams, taxis, and rideshares cover most needs; many sights cluster in Kaleiçi and Konyaaltı.
• Tickets: Topkapı + Harem often ~1500–1850 TRY; Basilica Cistern ~600–650 TRY; Galata Tower ~650 TRY; Antalya Museum modestly priced. Consider a Museum Pass in Istanbul if you’ll enter multiple attractions.
• Family budget (49/100): Mix street eats and lokantas with a couple of view restaurants. Choose centrally located mid-range hotels to reduce transport costs. Save with public ferries instead of private cruises.
• Getting home: Compare returns on Trip.com Flights or Omio Flights. For regional buses in Turkey, see Omio Buses.

Where to Stay (Direct Links)

• Istanbul hotels: Sirkeci Mansion, Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul, or explore Hotels.com Istanbul and VRBO Istanbul.
• Antalya hotels: White Garden Hotel, Rixos Premium Belek, Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort, plus Hotels.com Antalya and VRBO Antalya.

Daily Summary (7 Days)

• Day 1: Arrive Istanbul; Sultanahmet stroll; kebabs + dessert.
• Day 2: Topkapı & Harem; Basilica Cistern; Spice Bazaar; Bosphorus cruise.
• Day 3: Galata Tower; İstiklal; Rahmi M. Koç Museum; hammam.
• Day 4: Asian side ferries—Kadıköy breakfast, Moda park, Üsküdar views.
• Day 5: Fly to Antalya; Kaleiçi old town; Konyaaltı sunset.
• Day 6: Green Canyon Safari near Alanya (Viator); dinner in Kaleiçi.
• Day 7: Duden Waterfalls or Aquarium; Antalya Museum; depart afternoon.

In one memorable week, you’ll savor the best of Turkey: Istanbul’s layers of history, ferries, and cafés, followed by Antalya’s beaches, waterfalls, and a gentle splash of adventure. With family-friendly pacing and mid-range choices, this trip keeps both kids and adults smiling from start to finish.