Florya family itinerary
A Family Day in Florya from Bakirkoy
The most comfortable order for a family day in Florya is this: Istanbul Aquarium (Florya), an indoor stop, in the morning; Florya beach in the afternoon; and dinner in Bakırköy in the evening. From Bakırköy, the Marmaray takes you to the aquarium in about 30 minutes in total, so you can start the day without rushing.
This article suggests an order rather than fixed times, because the aquarium's opening hours can change seasonally. Check current hours and ticket details on the official Istanbul Aquarium website before your visit.
Plan at a glance
| Time of day | What to do | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Breakfast, Marmaray to Florya Akvaryum stop | Apartments have kitchens |
| Until midday | Istanbul Aquarium | Indoor, independent of the weather |
| Midday | Food and rest break | According to the children's pace |
| Afternoon | Florya beach and the Atatürk Marine Mansion area | Outdoors, be prepared for wind |
| Late afternoon | Return to Bakırköy by Marmaray | Watch peak hours |
| Evening | Dinner around Bakırköy Freedom Square (Özgürlük Meydanı) | 6-minute walk to the accommodation |
Morning: a calm start
Preparing breakfast in your apartment kitchen speeds up the morning; the Studio apartment (1+0), One-bedroom apartment (1+1) and Two-bedroom apartment (2+1) each have their own kitchen. If you prefer to eat breakfast out, cafes around Bakırköy Freedom Square (Özgürlük Meydanı) and İstanbul Caddesi are a 6-minute walk away.
Walk to Marmaray Bakırköy station in 8 minutes. Board a Halkalı-bound train and get off at Florya Akvaryum after Ataköy, Yeşilyurt and Yeşilköy. Setting off after the morning work rush gives you an easier journey with children.
Aquarium: take your time
Because the aquarium is an indoor attraction, it is the fixed part of the plan; rain or wind will not spoil it. The length of a visit varies greatly with children's interest, so setting aside the first half of the day here allows a comfortable pace. Weekends and school holidays can be busier, so choose a weekday if possible.
With small children:
- Tell children in advance what they will see; curiosity keeps their interest during a long visit.
- Learn the rules about food, drink and strollers from the official website in advance.
- Take a break when tiredness sets in; the rest of the plan is flexible.
- Before moving on to the beach, a short snack break makes the afternoon easier.
Afternoon: Florya beach
Step outside into the fresh air after the aquarium. Florya beach is a coastal area suitable for walking and resting; Florya Atatürk Marine Mansion is on this beach. You can also reach the beach from Florya, the next Marmaray stop.
Wind on the beach often feels stronger than in the city centre; bring a thin extra layer for the children. If you want to visit the mansion inside, check visiting days and hours with official sources in advance. You can find detailed information about the beach and the mansion in this article: Florya beach and Atatürk Marine Mansion.
Evening: dinner in Bakırköy
On the way back, board a Gebze-bound Marmaray train and get off at Bakırköy. Trains can be crowded during the evening rush; returning a little earlier or later makes things easier with tired children. There are restaurants and cafes around Bakırköy Freedom Square (Özgürlük Meydanı) and İstanbul Caddesi; after dinner, a 6-minute walk brings you back to the accommodation. If you want to combine the aquarium and the market in more detail, see the aquarium and the Bakırköy market on the same day.
What to put in your bag
- Istanbulkart
- A water bottle and a snack
- A light jacket or cardigan
- Spare clothes for children who may get wet on the beach
- A hat in summer and a beanie in winter
- Wet wipes and a small rubbish bag
If it rains
The plan still works. Keep the aquarium as it is, shorten the beach part and move the afternoon to Bakırköy: Capacity shopping mall is a 9-minute walk from the accommodation.
Shorten or extend the plan
Not every family travels at the same pace. You can adjust the plan in two directions according to the children's ages:
| Tempo | For whom | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Short | Families with babies and small children | Aquarium only, then rest at the accommodation in the afternoon |
| Medium | Preschool and primary school age | Aquarium and a short walk on Florya beach |
| Long | Older children and teenagers | Yeşilköy beach in the morning, then the aquarium and Florya beach |
On the short version, returning to the accommodation in the afternoon to rest saves energy for dinner. On the long version, Yeşilköy, Florya Akvaryum and Florya stops come one after another on the same Marmaray line, so you can combine the three without a car. Whichever pace you choose, making the aquarium the fixed point of the day and keeping the rest flexible according to the weather and the children's energy makes things easier.
Where to stay
For families of 4–5 people, the Two-bedroom apartment (2+1) is suitable; for families of 2–3 people, the One-bedroom apartment (1+1) is suitable. In the Two-bedroom apartment (2+1), children can rest in a separate room at midday. The building has an elevator and security cameras, so getting up to the floor with a stroller is easy after a tiring day out. You can see all options on the apartments page. Just send your dates and number of guests, and we will confirm the right apartment and current rate right away: 0532 655 43 32. You can write to us in English on WhatsApp.
Common questions
Can I visit the aquarium and Florya beach on the same day?
Yes. The aquarium is indoors, so it suits the morning, while the beach walk suits the afternoon. You can also reach the beach from the Marmaray Florya stop.
How does the plan change on a rainy day?
The aquarium is indoors, so you can still visit in the rain. Shorten the beach part and spend the afternoon in Bakırköy, around the market or at Capacity shopping mall.
Availability and rates for Near Florya Stay: 0532 655 43 32 (24/7)