Top 10 Activities at Vialand Theme Park in Istanbul
Vialand Theme Park is one of the largest amusement parks in Istanbul and a venue that has rivaled Disneyland. Located on the European side of the city, it is among Istanbul’s most prominent attractions and opened in 2013. In this article, we’ll provide information about the park and highlight the best entertainment activities it offers.
Overview of the Vialand Theme Park Istanbul
The park opened in 2013 with an investment of about 650 million USD and covers an area of 600,000 m². It is a major tourism draw for Türkiye and features both open‑air and covered streets on a footprint of 110 m.
Vialand includes around 200 stores selling well‑known local and international brands, as well as a number of restaurants, cafés, cinemas, and entertainment halls such as billiards and bowling. A fitness center is also available.
Sections of Vialand Theme Park Istanbul
The park offers a wide array of attractions and is divided into four main sections:
- Section One – Rides
Legendary Rides:
- Nefeskesen (Breath Taker) Intamin launch coaster | 0–110 km/h in 3 s | 50 m high | 2 inversions
- 360 Plus Pendulum “Frisbee” that flips a full 360° while the arm swings sky-high
- Adalet Kulesi (Justice Tower) 50 m free-fall drop with Istanbul-skyline views
- Viking Shoot-the-Chute splash coaster | 15 m plunge | prepare to get soaked
- Çılgın Nehir (Crazy River) Intamin rapids ride through whirlpools and waterfalls
Game World:
- Fatih’in Rüyası (Dream of Conquest) Boat dark-ride retelling 1453 with sets & projection mapping
- Safari Tunnel / Jungle Safari 5 000 m² animatronic adventure
- Çarpışan Arabalar Classic bumper cars
- Jet Ski Circular water-moto thrill ride
King Kong Ride:
- 15 m animatronic ape seizes the gondola and swings riders over the park
Adventure World:
- Maceraperest (Adventurer) 30 m family coaster reaching ≈ 80 km/h
- Yaban Arısı (Bumblebee Top Spin) Looping gondola that flips riders head-over-heels
- Saray Salıncağı (Palace Swing) Ornate wave-swinger above the moat
- Mini Kule, Küçük Madenciler, Uçan Çocuklar and other kiddie flat rides for guests under 120 cm
- Section Two – 4D Theater
- Motion-seat cinema showing short 4-D films (currently Bear & the Squirrel plus seasonal titles like SpongeBob 4-D). Water sprays, wind bursts, scents, and seat rumbles make the movie feel like a ride.
- Section Three – Stage Shows & Magic
- Isfanbul Show Center – 10 000-seat open-air arena with Türkiye’s largest outdoor screen, hosting concerts, dance troupes and e-sports finals year-round.
- Castle Projection Spectacular – weekend-evening 3-D mapping across the fairy-tale battlements (summer season).
- Roving illusionists, stunt displays and holiday parades animate the streets between rides.
- Section Four – Shopping & Dining
- 200+ stores featuring local and global names (Adidas, LC Waikiki, D&R, Migros and more).
- Eateries from Burger King and Mado to Turkish kebab counters; dessert cafés and Starbucks for pit-stops.
- Open-air café terraces around the lake plus a heritage street-tram that ferries tired shoppers back to the entrance.
Pro tip: On peak weekends, be at the gate for opening—hit Nefeskesen and 360 Plus first or invest in the fast-lane band to skip lunchtime queues.
Top 10 Activities at Vialand Theme Park Istanbul
As noted earlier, Vialand Theme Park opened in the Sultan Eyüp district on the European side of Istanbul. Designed by world‑class experts and built to international safety standards, it is both secure and enchanting, making it one of the city’s best family attractions. Here are the park’s standout activities:
- A fantasy realm for all ages – Vialand transports visitors into Eastern mysteries and legendary tales packed with adventure and excitement. With more than 50 rides—including electric cars, a high‑speed roller coaster, and water attractions, the park appeals to both adults and children.
- Ride the towering roller coaster – This sky‑high coaster offers a panoramic view of Vialand before the track ends with a splash into a water pool.
- Thrills for teenagers – Catering to youthful passion and daring, the park features adrenaline‑pumping rides such as Flying Chairs and drop‑tower attractions.
- Safe zones for children – Little ones can enjoy dedicated areas like Little Explorers, Hero Firefighters, pony rides, and many other age‑appropriate games.
- Water fun for every age – Water lovers will find a wide selection of slides, from kid‑friendly options to thrilling vertical chutes that deliver a fast, exhilarating descent.
- Summer entertainment shows – Open‑air arenas host theatrical and other live performances during the summer season, adding a Disney‑like flair to your visit.
- King Kong ride – One of Vialand’s signature attractions, King Kong provides a unique and unforgettable burst of fun.
- State‑of‑the‑art cinema – Enjoy an immersive film experience in the on‑site cinema equipped with the latest technology.
- The Conqueror’s Dream – This interactive attraction guides you through Istanbul’s historical evolution, letting you relive key moments from the city’s heritage.
- Shopping and dining – Finish your visit with family shopping in the retail zone, home to major international brands. Then unwind at one of the many cafés serving hot and cold drinks, or dine in a restaurant offering renowned Turkish and international cuisine.
Key Features of Vialand Theme Park Istanbul
These advantages draw both local and international visitors, especially families, year after year:
- Vialand is one of the most prestigious, largest, and grandest amusement parks in Türkiye.
- It ranks among the country’s top tourist attractions, enjoyed by countless families and holidaymakers.
- Choosing Vialand for a day out is a perfect way to share memorable moments with relatives and friends.
- The park’s management has earned official accreditation for the extensive care and effort devoted to guest safety and satisfaction, making it one of the nation’s premier destinations.
Operating Hours and Location of Vialand Theme Park Istanbul
Vialand provides excellent service for many visitors, operating hours are as follows:
Vialand Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 18:00
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 – 20:00
- During Ramadan: 14:00 – 00:00
- Shopping Mall Hours (inside the amusement park complex): 10:00 – 22:00
Vialand Theme Park is situated in the Eyüpsultan area on the southern side of Istanbul. These grounds attract many visitors from around the world.
Landmarks and Hotels Near Vialand Theme Park Istanbul
Several attractions are located near Vialand Theme Park, including Istanbul Dolphinarium, Venezia Mall Istanbul, and Vialand Istanbul Mall. Several hotels are also close to the park, such as Hilton Bomonti Hotel Istanbul, one of the best 4‑star hotels in the city, just 7.73 km from the park.
Istanbul is one of Türkiye’s most popular tourist cities, known for its rich history and beautiful landmarks. The city offers countless recreational activities for visitors. If you want to enjoy this theme park with your family and spend a memorable time together, Wingie provides the best deals while booking your flight to Istanbul.
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