Well, the good news is yes, Istanbul is perfect not only for adults but even for children! Sure, the moment you hear Istanbul, the first images that might to mind are those countless historical sightseeing attractions and the vast and extensive history of the place.

You might have also heard of those stories about how hectic life can get in the metropolis of Turkey. Some of you might also be familiar with the odd way of driving in the city. 

But what many people don’t know and realize is that Turkey and its people actually love kids a lot! So, instead of worrying if you can bring the whole family on your next trip or not, why not check out the following list of different activities? For sure, both young and young at heart will surely enjoy their Istanbul visit with everything that awaits them.

Explore Basilica Cistern 

Basilica Cistern or Yerebatan Sarayı is one of the unique attractions in the city that never fails to amaze young and old alike. What makes it interesting, you ask? Basilica Cistern is a massive underground water cistern that features 336 marble columns that hold the roof.

Children find the attraction enchanting because of the somewhat eerie lighting combined with the dripping of water. Don’t miss the chance to walk to the very end on the raised platforms where you will find the wishing corner, Medusa heads, and big carp fish. 

Tour the Bosphorus

Almost all kids enjoy boat rides. The good news is that there are many options available for cruising the Bosphorus. These include the quick and cheap back-and-forth trip to the Asian side and the full-length Bosphorus tour that goes as far as the Black Sea. You can even do this longer tour at dusk in the summer months and be back right before midnight for a more exceptional boat ride experience. 

Reach for the Sky in Galata Tower 

Curious kids will surely notice the Galata Tower or Galata Kulesi which stands at 60 meters, with its captivating Golden Horn feature. A familiar attraction in the Istanbul skyline, walking on the top balcony of the tower is a delightful and one-of-a-kind experience not only for the bigger kids but even for their parents. An elevator ride will take you to the 9^th floor and a flight of stairs will lead you to a commanding 360-degree view of the metropolis. 

Be in Awe of Istanbul Aquarium

Despite its far distance from the city center, Istanbul Aquarium is worth the visit for families. Located in Florya a short distance away from the airport, making the trip will be worth it, especially for those who love fish. Watch your kids be in awe of the colossal aquarium and the aquatic life living there. 

Have Fun at Legoland Istanbul

The Legoland Discovery Center has been designed for kids up to 14 years of age with lots of exciting activities to keep your children busy and happy for hours on end. You and your kids can enjoy several highlights in this child-friendly atmosphere and environment:

• Creative workshops
• Factory Tour: Watch the animated video where Professor Brick-a-Brack takes the children on a guided tour of the LEGO® Factory
• Kingdom Quest: Fun rides are available for children.
• Miniland: It is the most popular sightseeing spot in Istanbul completely built in Lego.
• Lego 4D Cinema
• Lego DUPLO Farm: This is perfect for kids aged 1 to 5 years old. 

Go Small at Miniaturk 

Miniaturk is an open-air miniature park located on the Golden Horn’s banks that features more than 105 scale models that are all 1/25^th of the size of the original Ottoman, Anatolian, and Istanbul structures. With its 15,000 square meters miniature park with a total area of 60,000 square meters, Miniaturk is the largest miniature park in the world. 

Miniaturk also features a labyrinth, a life-sized chessboard, and a playground. The park is open daily from morning till afternoon and sometimes even later during the summer months. There are also free English audio guides available with admission. 

Embark on New Discoveries at Rahmi M Koç Museum

Aside from Miniaturk, the shore of the Golden Horn is also home to the exquisite 19th-century factory that now serves as the home to Rahmi M Koç industrial museum. While the building itself already deserves a visit, kids will surely love all the activities that await them at the museum. 

They can try real-life scientific experiments, climb over a vintage car, ride a submarine, and even sit in the cockpit of a real plane. The premises also have two fine restaurants when you and the kids feel hungry after all the discoveries. 

Experience Riding the Nostalgic Tram

Was there ever a time that you visited a theme park with the kids, but they didn’t get the chance to ride the train or tram circling the premises? Well, don’t deny them this chance in Istanbul! 

After you drag them from one store to another all over the stretch of Istiklal Caddesi, the best reward you can give them is an exciting ride on the nostalgic tram. The costumes of the ticket collector and the trams still boast the feel and look reminiscent of the 1900s.

 Don’t be surprised if you see a few local kids hanging from the tram. It just makes the ride even more exciting because it is like you have been brought back to the old days!

Be Free at The Princes’ Islands

Kids will surely have a blast at the Princes’ Islands where people go about by carriages and horses. It saves you from worries about your little one getting hit accidentally by rushing vehicles. Instead, they can bask in the fresh clean air and run around in complete freedom. You can also go for a pleasant nature walk or invite your older kids to ride a rented bicycle to tour the island.

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The country of Austria is beautiful in many ways and Vienna is often the best place to kick start your Austrian trip. But before you get all to excited to pack your bags and book your flight, there are a few things you need to know first to ensure a smooth and successful trip.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

Since the climate of Vienna is continental, the city of Vienna can get hot in summer months and cold when the winter season kicks in. You can expect for an amazing and unique experience if you get to see Vienna as the autumn leaves fall, as snow covers everything, or as the summer sun illuminates the whole place.           

The Christmas Market is open during winter that will warm you with hot red wines and lights. In the summer, you can also spend some time on terraces or in busy parks while enjoying a refreshing drink.

How to Get to Vienna

There are a lot of different means of getting to Austria thanks to its location in Central Europe. Flying is the easiest and fastest way to get to the country, with United and Austrian airlines having direct flights from the United States while Jet2, EasyJet, and Ryanair offer direct flights from the United Kingdom.

The moment you arrive at the airport, you have the choice to catch an Uber or taxi that will take you straight to your hotel. You can also head out to the train station located on the airport terminal’s lower floor where you can catch train that will whisk you off to the heart of the city. 

If you have plans to travel around Europe, it is also easy to catch train from Prague, Budapest, and Bratislava, or hop on a bus from several nearby cities, and the most famous travel route is Budapest.

Best Way to Get Around Wien 

Travelling to and around Vienna is fast and easy. However, after you all those long walks and grabbing a bite of the delicacies of this Austrian Capital, you can always take a break by using the public transport system. 

There are trams and buses that run from morning to night so you can be sure that you can move around the area easily and quickly. After midnight, you can still ride the special night buses that run in the city center’s main streets. 

The metro stations are also clean with no crowds and everything clearly marked. You can be sure that no one will be pushing you just to enter the subway before you. You can even find empty seats right away with no need to hurry. 

Taxis are also very affordable in Vienna although it is almost impossible to catch one on the street. Therefore, it is usually to hail taxi at a hotel or restaurant or you can also look for the special taxi areas where you can find them waiting.

Don’t miss the article about Istanbul.

Where Can You Stay in Vienna?

There are several districts that made up Vienna and it is fairly contained, letting you reach different attractions without any hassle. You don’t need to stress yourself out when looking for a great place to stay because there are lots of options you can choose from. 

For Lovers of Historical Attractions 

If you want to be right in the heart of the city, your best choice is District 1 that is a short distance away from the top attractions like the Stephansdom, the Graben, and Hofburg Palace. 

For Fans of Outdoor Areas 

Prater Park is found in District 2 and is perfect for strolling to burn off the tasty foods you can eat here. 

For the Shopaholics 

District 6 and 7 are always the main districts for people who are searching for Wien’s largest shopping street with a selection of restaurant options. It is another amazing place where you can stay since District 1 is also within walking distance from several areas with the tram and subway system linking you easily to the historical center.

For the Opera and Theater Enthusiasts 

District 3 and 4 are no doubt the best districts where you can choose to stay. These are near several attractions such as the Naschmarkt, Stadtpark, Belvedere, and most of the opera houses and theaters in the city. 

This is also right below District 1, which means that a hotel here will be a great option if you want to be close to the sights with no need to stay in touristy spots. It is also the best place to be during winter since Belvedere Palace turns into a sparkling Christmas Village. 

What to Eat in Vienna?

Once you have spent all those hours exploring outside, you deserve a quick and delicious break to try some of the most amazing dishes of Austria. 

Don’t miss the chance to try Wiener Melange, the local coffee in Wien. This is a type of espresso with milk foam and steamed mill and pair it with Wiener schnitzel, a popular local dish you can have with veal or pork. You should also take a sip of the local beer and grab a bite of the open sandwiches that you can find in a café at the city. Take this opportunity to try the mouthwatering Torte cake available at Hotel Imperial Vienna and many cafes.

Just take note that many restaurants in the area only accept cash so don’t just rely on your cards. If you like, you can also leave tips. While this is not expected, people still appreciate it. 

If you prefer to cook your own food during your vacation in Vienna, keep in mind that most of the grocery stores in the area are closed during Sundays. As such, it is important that you stock up on the food items you need before that day. 

Wien is no doubt a wonderful place because it got everything in store for everyone. Remember these tips for the most memorable trip in Vienna!

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If you have always dreamed of embarking on a holiday on the capital of Finland, you can brace yourself to be welcomed into a place like no other. Below are the best things that make Helsinki popular across the globe.

Kickoff Your Holiday at Senate Square

The Senate Square is the best stop to kickoff your city break. While here, don’t miss the chance to drop by at Carl Ludvig Engel’s 19^th century neoclassical buildings and grand cathedrals.

Photographers love to gather right outside the Helsinki Central Railway Station where monumental statues surround the granite transport hub. Go for a stroll around the upmarket Eira district to feast your eyes on pastel-colored Art Deco and Art Nouveau buildings. 

Be in Awe of Sibelius Park’s Memorable Art

Located in Töölö, Sibelius Park is a quite small city park that overlooks the Baltic Sea. With its name inspired by the famous composer Jean Sibelius, the park’s centerpiece is the abstract monument that was designed in 1967 by Eila Hiltunen.

This sculpture is called Passio Musicae. There are more than 600 steel pipes that were wielded together to create a massive organ. Sibelius’ bust can also be seen right beside this lofty art installation. 

Stop By at Helsinki Cathedral

Dating as far back as the mid-19^th century, Helsinki Cathedral has remained to be one of the most impressive landmarks of the city ever since it was built. Nestled on the northern tip of Senate Square, the Lutheran cathedral stands tall with its all-white neoclassical façade complemented by five green domes.

The roof of the cathedral is also decorated with the statues of the 12 apostles. The worship hall of the cathedral hosts prayers during weekdays and services during weekends. If you happen to visit during summer, make sure you check out art exhibitions offered for free at Café Krypta that can be found right inside the cathedral crypt. 

See Temppeliaukio with Your Own Two Eyes 

Temppeliaukio sets itself apart from most of the European churches because of the fact that this is partially underground as this was quarried out of the natural bedrock.

Situated 700 meters on the southwest of National Museum of Finland, this Rock Church boasts of the central copper dome that has a circular skylight as well as an altarpiece carved out of a rock that dates back to Ice Age era. While there is a small fee to pay to enter Temppeliaukio, you can attend the Sunday morning services for free. 

Enjoy a Peaceful Time at Kamppi Chapel of Silence 

Kamppi Chapel of Silence is a one of a kind wooden building that is the best place to be if you want to bask in some peaceful time away from the hustles and bustles of the city.

With a location that is only a short distance away from Kamppi Shopping Center and Esplanadi Park, the chapel has thick wooden walls that block out the noises from the outside, making the place popular for prayer meetings and meditation. You can enter the chapel for free but cameras are not allowed within its premises. 

Hop on a Ferry to Suomenlinna Fortress

The islet of Suomenlinna can only be accessed by riding a ferry for 15 minutes from Helsinki’s Kauppatori or Market Square. This is where you will find the fortress of the same name that dates back to mid-18^th century and visit several museums to learn about the military history of Finland. You can explore the courtyards, jetty barracks, and dry dock all by yourself or pay a fee for a guided tour for an hour.

The Suomenlinna Museum is a must-visit as this showcases interesting exhibits regarding the preservation and history of the fortress. Families will also surely love the huge collection of teddy bears and antique dolls in the Toy Museum that is exclusively open during summer months. 

Go on a Shopping Spree in Helsinki’s Design District 

There are over 200 buildings that make up Helsinki’s Design District ranging from jewelry workshops, furniture shops, and fashion boutiques to art galleries, museums, and designer studios.

Shoppers will also have a fun time as they peruse Finnish brands including Vietto, Lumi Accessories, and Marimekko while fans of design and love can visit the Museum of Finnish Architecture and the Design Museum. You just need to ride the Helsinki tram and get off at Johanneskyrkan to reach the district. 

Grab Some Snacks at Kauppatori or Market Square 

The Market Square or Kauppatori is famous for its food-centric marketplace occupying a 19^th-century building that overlook the city’s South Harbor. This is where you can enjoy visiting the different food stalls for coffee, meat pies, and fried fish.

Hongiston leipämyymälä is one of the oldest bread shops in the market that has been in business since 1903 serving a rich variety of buns, pies, tarts, and cakes. Locals usually go to the Market Square in the morning to buy fresh produce, cured meats, seafood, cheese, and jams.

Pamper Yourself at a Sauna 

The sauna culture of Helsinki is in full blast as locals believe that it brings health benefits like offering relief from stress and curing insomnia. Since public saunas are gender-aggregated such as Kotiharjun Sauna, most people are not concerned about getting naked although those who don’t feel comfortable are allowed to use towels.

One common practice at this saunas is where the skin is whipped gently using a leafy silver birch or vihta that helps improve the body’s blood circulation. 

Cap Off Your Day at a Heavy Metal Bar 

Helsinki is famous for its heavy metal scene as dozens of bars host gigs almost all week long. The Tuska Open Air Festival of the city that is often held during June or July never fails to attract fans of hardcore metal from different corners of the globe since 1978. If you weren’t lucky enough to be in town during this yearly event, all you have to do is go to Helsinki’s Kallio district for a night of rocking away with heavy metal and drinking beers. 

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