Things to Do in Bakirkoy, Istanbul: Seafront & Family Weekend

Start your tour of Bakırköy (Bakirkoy) at Bakırköy Freedom Square (Özgürlük Meydanı) and Istanbul Caddesi, then carry on with a walk along the seafront; both are within walking distance of Zeytinlik. If you feel like going further, a few stops on the Marmaray bring you to Ataköy, the Yeşilköy seafront and the Istanbul Aquarium (Florya).

The suggestions below begin with places you can reach on foot and then move on to spots a short train or car ride away. All times are calculated from our address in Zeytinlik.

Places to visit on foot

Bakırköy Freedom Square (Özgürlük Meydanı) and Istanbul Caddesi

Freedom Square is the centre of the district and is 6 minutes (450 metres) from the address. Around the square you'll find Istanbul Caddesi, a pedestrian shopping street, along with the bazaar, cafés and restaurants. It's a good first stop for dinner, a coffee break or a bit of shopping.

Bakırköy seafront

The Bakırköy seafront and İDO ferry pier form a long stretch of coast with a walking and cycling path; it's 14 minutes (1.1 km) from the address. It suits a morning walk, sitting by the sea in the late afternoon, or open-air time with the kids. The İDO pier is on this same coast; check the current timetable for sea bus services towards Yalova and Bursa.

Capacity shopping mall

Capacity shopping mall in Zeytinlik is 9 minutes (700 metres) from the address. It's a handy option on rainy days or when you want to spend time indoors.

Places a short ride away

Ataköy Marina and Galleria

Ataköy Marina is about 4 km from the address. It takes 10–15 minutes by car, or you can take the Marmaray one stop and walk from Ataköy. Galleria shopping mall and Sinan Erdem Dome are also in Ataköy; if you're going to an event there, allow 15–20 minutes by car.

Yeşilköy seafront

The Yeşilköy seafront is a well-known walking area. Heading west from Bakırköy on the Marmaray, you get off at Yeşilköy, the third stop after Ataköy and Yeşilyurt. Istanbul Expo Center (IFM, Yeşilköy) is in Yeşilköy too.

Florya: Istanbul Aquarium, the seafront and Atatürk Marine Mansion

Istanbul Aquarium is a good outing with children. Take the Marmaray four stops west and get off at Florya Aquarium; it takes about 30 minutes by public transport and 15–20 minutes by car. Florya beach and the Florya Atatürk Marine Mansion are on the same coast. Check opening hours and entry conditions before you go.

A two-day plan with the family

Day one: a morning walk on the seafront, lunch around Istanbul Caddesi, and in the afternoon either Capacity shopping mall or a little shopping on the square.

Day two: take the Marmaray to Florya Aquarium, walk along Florya beach afterwards, and head back to Bakırköy on the Marmaray in the late afternoon.

On a rainy day you can put the malls and the aquarium first instead of the seafront. Weekends can be busier on the seafront and the main street; pick the morning hours for a quiet walk.

Practical notes for days out with children

• Istanbulkart: valid on the Marmaray, metro, Metrobus, tram, ferry and buses; have your card ready before you set out.
• Seafront path: the walking and cycling paths run side by side; watch out for the bike lane when you're walking with small children.
• Nearest essentials: cafés and restaurants around Freedom Square, and Capacity shopping mall 9 minutes away.
• Health: you can find the duty pharmacy on the Istanbul Chamber of Pharmacists website or on e-Devlet; in an emergency call 112.

If you want a longer day out, you can also look at the sea bus and fast ferry services from the İDO pier towards Yalova and Bursa; check the current timetable for departure and return times.

Where to stay and how to plan

If you want to do most of the sightseeing on foot, staying close to the centre and the Marmaray makes it easier. Our address is 6 minutes from Freedom Square and 8 minutes from the Marmaray. Families can choose a one-bedroom apartment (1+1) for 2–3 guests or a two-bedroom apartment (2+1) for 4–5, and both come with a living room and your own kitchen. The building has a lift and security cameras, so getting in and out with a stroller and day bags is easy. Details are on the apartments page. If you'd like to plan the Florya and Istanbul Aquarium trip in detail, have a look at the Florya page the same business has prepared for this address. To see the historic centre of the city, read our day trip plan for Sultanahmet and Taksim; all the distances are on the location page. Just send your dates and the number of guests, in English on WhatsApp if that's easier, and we'll find the right apartment together: 0532 655 43 32.

Common questions