The Kennedy Avenue seafront: a walk along the Marmara shore below Sultanahmet
- Parks, squares and seafront
- From Seraglio Point to Yenikapı, Fatih
- Free
Family hotels closest to Kennedy Avenue seafront
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Kennedy Avenue seafront: 5 min walk (time given by the hotel) Walking route
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Sareban Hotel
Kennedy Avenue seafront: 5 min walk (time given by the hotel) Walking route
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Kennedy Avenue seafront: 5 min walk (time given by the hotel) Walking route
Visitor information
| Type | Seaside promenade and parks |
|---|---|
| Neighbourhood | From Seraglio Point to Yenikapı, Fatih |
| Opening hours | Open-air; recommended during the day and in the evening |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | 45 min – 2 hours |
| Getting there | 10 min walk from Sultanahmet via Little Hagia Sophia or Ahırkapı |
| From Sultanahmet Square | About 14 min walk (960 m) |
| Pushchair / stroller | Easy with a stroller. There is a level walking and cycling path along the shore; the streets leading down to it are steep |
| Best time | At sunset and on summer evenings |
Opening hours and prices can change; check the official website before you go. Map links open in Google Maps.
What is along the seafront?
- The sea walls: Byzantium’s walls facing the Marmara still stand in places along the road.
- The Ahırkapı Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse built in the Ottoman period and still working today.
- The Boukoleon Palace: Marble windows surviving from the sea pavilion of the Byzantine Great Palace.
- Picnic areas: Grassy areas, benches and playgrounds; at weekends families come with samovars and picnics.
- Ship views: Big ships anchored in the Marmara and the direction of the Princes’ Islands.
How do you get down to the seafront?
The easiest way from Sultanahmet to the seafront is to walk downhill past the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque or through the streets on the Ahırkapı side, and pass through the underpasses below the railway. Kennedy Avenue is a coastal road with fast traffic; cross only at pedestrian crossings, underpasses and footbridges. Walking north you reach Seraglio Point, and walking west, Kumkapı.
An evening by the sea with children
In summer, the stone squares of Sultanahmet can still be hot in the late afternoon; the sea breeze on the shore is a great relief for children. Playing ball on the grass, watching the ships and waiting for the sunset is the best way to end a busy museum day. Swimming here is neither safe nor suitable; keep children away from the rocks along the shore.
Visiting tips
- Cross the coastal road only at pedestrian crossings and underpasses; the traffic is very fast.
- Take water and a light snack; there may be few kiosks along the shore.
- Keep children close on the rocks along the shore; swimming is not suitable.
- After dark, walk in the lit and busy sections.
Our family hotels near Kennedy Avenue seafront
Walking times are approximate and measured from the hotel door; where the hotel gives its own time, we show that.
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Kennedy Avenue seafront: 5 min walk (time given by the hotel) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
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Sareban Hotel
Kennedy Avenue seafront: 5 min walk (time given by the hotel) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Kennedy Avenue seafront: 5 min walk (time given by the hotel) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Kennedy Avenue seafront: 7 min walk (520 m) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
Frequently asked questions
How do you get down to the seafront from Sultanahmet?
Walk downhill past the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque or through the streets on the Ahırkapı side; it takes about 10 minutes, and you reach the promenade through the underpasses below the railway.
Can you swim at Kennedy Avenue?
No. The shore is rocky and close to the road; swimming is neither safe nor suitable. The shore is used for walking and picnics.
