I am off to Istanbul for a week with my 9 year old daughter. We will be there in mid-feb and staying in a small three star hotel. I would be interested to hear suggestions of short day trips (or overnight) outside the city that might appeal to kids. Also, after I drag her to the Bue Mosque, etc. are there any suggestions for "non-touristy" kid friendly activities? And, last, any suggestions for books about Turkish history or life that she might like? Thanks!
1
mrabcz
In mid-feb, the weather won't be good enough to spend a lot of time on foot in the open air. You can take your daughter to movie theathers which are inside the big shopping malls as most of them play the movies in their original languages(even movies for children). Also a boat trip on the Bosphorus would be a good idea; you can take the public boat which leaves at 10:30 AM in Feb from Sirkeci/Eminonu.
Here are two museums that I think your daughter might like:
Naval Museum
The grand imperial caciques used by the sultans to cross the Bosphorus are among the many many other interesting exhibits of Ottoman naval history that can be seen at the Naval Museum located in the Besiktas district. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday).
Rahmi Koç Industry Museum
The Rahmi Koc Industry Museum, in the suburb of Haskoy on the coast of the Golden Horn, was an Ottoman-period building, formerly called Lengerhane, for iron and steel works. Today it houses exhibits on industrial development. (Open every day except Monday).
Here is a book for your daughter and music for you.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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