Viaport Marina
Cami Mh Balıkçılar Sokak U Blok 20 U, Istambul, Turkey, 34940
Located along the Sea of Marmara coast in Tuzla, a district on the Asian side of Istanbul, this massive complex contains mooring space for boats and yachts, an outdoor shopping mall with over 200 restaurants and chain stores, and waterfront event spaces. Viaport Marina is also home to ViaSea Aquarium and ViaLand Theme Park, which boasts roller coasters and other thrill-seeker rides.
The basics
Most people visit Viaport Marina for a day trip from Istanbul’s city center. If you intend to visit the theme park or the aquarium, you can purchase a joint admission ticket. ViaLand offers a variety of packages—All-Inclusive VIP, Diamond, or Gold—each with different offerings, while entry to ViaSea (which includes a crocodile park) is free with the Istanbul Tourist Pass. There’s also Azlan Park, a recreation space with gentler rides geared toward smaller children.
Things to know before you go
- Count on at least half a day, if not an entire day—especially if you plan on visiting any of the ticketed attractions.
- Viaport Marina offers plenty of food options, including Turkish and international cuisines. There are also ice cream shops.
- Viaport Marina is equipped with multiple restrooms throughout the complex, as well as within the aquarium and theme parks. You can also find diaper-changing stations, especially in family-friendly areas like Azlan Park.
- The complex is accessible to visitors with wheelchairs or limited mobility; expect accessible restrooms, ramps, and elevators wherever possible.
How to get there
Viaport Marina can be easily reached from Istanbul’s city center by either taxi, private vehicle, or public transportation. If traveling by metro, just hop on the M4 Line and get off at Tuzla; from there, you’ll need to take a taxi or bus to reach Viaport Marina. The complex is just a 20-30 minute ride from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, making it possible to visit during a layover.
When to get there
The ticketed attractions typically stay open from morning until evening, but it’s best to check with each one before planning your visit. The restaurant facilities remain open later to serve the dinner crowd. For a quieter experience, avoid coming during the summer months in peak travel season and aim for a quieter weekday.
Other kid-friendly attractions in Istanbul
Families traveling with children have a wealth of options. Minitürk shows off Turkey’s top landmarks in miniature, while the Legoland Discovery Centre (located inside Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall) boasts a whole Lego-themed indoor play area. Pelit Chocolate Museum lets kids see how the cacao-based sweet is made. There’s also the Istanbul Aquarium, which features an aquatic walk-through tunnel.
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