which istanbul sights are easy for seniors?
My husband and I (both in our 50s) are heading to Istanbul this July, and we’re pretty used to navigating new cities—getting lost, trying random foods, the whole deal. But this time, we’re meeting up with my mother-in-law, who’s in her late 70s and has osteoarthritis. Suddenly, all those steep hills and endless stairs I read about on travel blogs are making me a little nervous.
I’ve been combing through guides and Reddit threads, but it’s hard to tell which places are actually manageable for someone who can’t walk for miles or handle a lot of steps. The last thing I want is for us to spend half the day searching for an elevator or a bench, or worse, have her stuck waiting outside while we go in. I’m especially worried about the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque—are they really as crowded and overwhelming as people say? Or are there some hidden gems that are beautiful but don’t require a mountain-climbing expedition?
Honestly, I wish travel guides would just come out and say, “Don’t bother if your knees hurt,” instead of pretending everywhere is accessible. If you’ve been to Istanbul with someone older or with mobility issues, I’d love to hear what actually worked for you. Did you find any surprisingly easy spots, or places you wish you’d skipped? I feel like every city has those places that look great in photos but are a nightmare in real life, especially if you’re not as spry as you used to be. We want to make the most of the trip without turning it into an Olympic event for my mother-in-law.
#IstanbulTravel #SeniorTravel #FamilyTrip #Travel
