Istanbul Walking Tour: Secrets of the City and Iconic Landmarks

Explore Istanbul's iconic landmarks and streets on a guided walking tour. From Hagia Sophia to the Spice Bazaar, immerse in the city's vibrant history and culture.

Istanbul Walking Tour: Secrets of the City and Iconic Landmarks | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul Walking Tour: Secrets of the City and Iconic Landmarks | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul Walking Tour: Secrets of the City and Iconic Landmarks | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul Walking Tour: Secrets of the City and Iconic Landmarks | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul Walking Tour: Secrets of the City and Iconic Landmarks | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul Walking Tour: Secrets of the City and Iconic Landmarks | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul Walking Tour: Secrets of the City and Iconic Landmarks | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul Walking Tour: Secrets of the City and Iconic Landmarks | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul Walking Tour: Secrets of the City and Iconic Landmarks | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul Walking Tour: Secrets of the City and Iconic Landmarks | ®ExcursionMania
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Istanbul Walking Tour: Secrets of the City and Iconic Landmarks | ®ExcursionMania

Overview

Discover the captivating allure of Istanbul on this guided walking tour that takes you through its most iconic landmarks and secret streets. Istanbul, a city where East meets West, offers an unparalleled blend of history, culture, and architectural marvels that have stood the test of time. On this small-group journey, you’ll explore its vibrant streets, learn intriguing stories, and uncover hidden treasures with the help of an expert guide.

Begin your adventure by meeting your guide near Sultanahmet Square, the historic heart of the city. The tour kicks off with a visit to the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has graced the skyline of Istanbul for over 1,500 years. Admire the building's monumental exterior and learn about its fascinating history, from its origins as a Byzantine cathedral to its transformation into an Ottoman mosque, and finally, into a museum. While we won’t venture inside, your guide will provide detailed insights about its breathtaking mosaics, architectural innovations, and cultural significance.

Next, step into the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the center of Byzantine social and political life. Picture the chariot races, grand processions, and events that took place here centuries ago. Your guide will bring the site to life with stories of ancient emperors, public ceremonies, and the monuments that remain, such as the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpent Column.

A short walk leads you to the iconic Blue Mosque, an architectural masterpiece of the Ottoman Empire. Gaze at its stunning façade, six towering minarets, and intricate domes. Your guide will explain its historical importance, religious role, and cultural symbolism while providing a closer look at its intricate exterior details and surroundings.

As the tour continues, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Spice Bazaar, a bustling market that has been a cornerstone of Istanbul’s trade since the 17th century. Let the exotic aromas of spices, teas, and sweets entice your senses as you explore its labyrinthine passageways. Learn about the history of the bazaar and the significance of its goods in Turkish culture. This is a perfect opportunity to pick up some unique souvenirs or simply enjoy the lively ambiance.

Beyond the well-known landmarks, your guide will take you to lesser-known streets and corners of the city, sharing anecdotes and pointing out details that you might otherwise miss. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation of Istanbul’s layered history, from its Byzantine and Ottoman roots to its modern-day charm.

Throughout the tour, your guide will weave together the stories of Istanbul’s past and present, making this experience not just a sightseeing trip, but a journey through time. Whether you’re visiting Istanbul for the first time or returning to uncover more, this tour offers a unique perspective on the city’s multifaceted character.

By the end of your adventure, you’ll have experienced the essence of Istanbul: a city that seamlessly blends history with modernity, tradition with innovation, and East with West. With insider knowledge from your guide, you’ll leave not just with memories, but with a newfound connection to one of the world’s most fascinating cities.

Select date, participants and language

Adult x 1, Child x 0

Adult

Age 13-25+

Child

Age 7-12

Highlights

  • Walk past Hagia Sophia, a 1,500-year-old architectural masterpiece.
  • Discover the Hippodrome, once Constantinople's bustling social hub.
  • Admire the beauty of the Blue Mosque and its iconic six minarets.
  • Immerse in the Spice Bazaar's aromas, colors, and local delicacies.
  • Learn Istanbul's history from an expert guide in a small-group setting.

What's Included and What's Not?

Included

  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Small-group or private tour options available
  • Immersive walking experience through Istanbul’s iconic landmarks

Not Included

  • Tips (Recommended)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Not Suitable For This Activities

  • People with mobility impairments

Not Allowed This Activities

  • Alcohol and drugs

Important Information

What to Bring

Camera
Cash
Comfortable clothes
Comfortable shoes
Water

Information Before Booking

  • Moderate walking is involved, so wear comfortable shoes.
  • Istanbul’s weather varies; check the forecast beforehand.
  • The tour does not enter the landmarks; it is an exterior tour.
  • Feel free to ask the guide for local dining and sightseeing tips.
  • Arrive 10 minutes early at the meeting point to start on time.

Know Before You Go

  • Dress modestly when visiting mosque areas.
  • The guide will carry a badge for easy identification.
  • The tour operates in all weather conditions.
  • Ensure personal belongings are secure during the tour.
  • The itinerary may slightly change due to local conditions.

4.8/5

43
Reviews

About This Activity

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Reserve Now & Pay Later

Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot and pay nothing today

Duration 4  Hours

Check availability to see starting times.

Live Tour Guide

English

Pickup Optional

Please be ready at the meeting point 10 minutes before.

Location

Istanbul Türkiye

Book Today

From

€2.80

per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Sofia Alvarez - Mexico
12 May

I had an unforgettable day with my guide Kıymet, who was extremely knowledgeable, respectful, kind, and patient with all my numerous questions. She shared her deep passion for Istanbul and a profound understanding of the diverse cultures that have shaped the city, both past and present. I was lucky...

Read More

Jakub Nowak - Poland
16 May

Erol was an excellent guide.He took the time to explain in great detail the history of the country and the stories behind the monuments throughout the city.

See More Reviews

Customer Reviews

All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.

Overall Rating

4.8/5

Based on 43 Reviews

Guide

4.8/5

Transportation

4.8/5

Value for Money

4.8/5

By Traveler Types
By star rating
S
Sofia Alvarez - Mexico
12 May

I had an unforgettable day with my guide Kıymet, who was extremely knowledgeable, respectful, kind, and patient with all my numerous questions. She shared her deep passion for Istanbul and a profound understanding of the diverse cultures that have shaped the city, both past and present. I was lucky to be the only person on the tour, and it was reassuring that the company didn’t cancel despite the small group size. During the intense heat, Kıymet was mindful to ensure we stayed in the shade, which was essential during the heatwave. The tour exceeded my expectations by covering far more than I anticipated, making it well worth the time and cost. It truly was a magical and memorable experience. Thank you, Kıymet! I’m already looking forward to returning to explore more of Istanbul.

Helpful? Yes

J
Jakub Nowak - Poland
16 May

Erol was an excellent guide.He took the time to explain in great detail the history of the country and the stories behind the monuments throughout the city.

Helpful? Yes

E
Elena Petrova - Russia
13 July

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing a wealth of historical facts and fascinating insights. The experience felt more like hiking alongside good friends than just a tour.

Helpful? Yes

T
Thomas Jensen - Denmark
22 May

Erol was a fantastic guide who narrated everything in a storytelling style. I highly recommend this walking tour and definitely suggest requesting him as your guide!

Helpful? Yes

M
Miguel Hernandez - Spain
12 September

The tour was enjoyable, and the guide was good. However, we were surprised that the tour lasted just 2 hours despite booking a 4-hour experience.

Helpful? Yes

S
Sofia Dimitrova - Bulgaria
06 April

Our guide was wonderful and very accommodating, happily taking photos of us at important landmarks, which was especially appreciated as we were traveling as a couple. She responded to everyone’s questions thoughtfully and gave great suggestions for other sites to explore as well as recommendations for places to try local food and drinks.

Helpful? Yes

C
Carlos Mendoza - Mexico
13 June

Huseyin was an outstanding guide full of knowledge and truly engaging. He pointed out details and sights that we would have easily overlooked on our own. The tour offered excellent value, and I would definitely recommend it to others.

Helpful? Yes

J
Josefina de Souza - Brazil
22 May

Erol was warm and easygoing throughout the tour. He patiently answered all our questions and even shared additional insights. We gained a great understanding of Istanbul’s historic district. Many thanks!

Helpful? Yes

A
Adam Kowalski - Poland
25 May

Overall, the experience was positive and enjoyable.

Helpful? Yes

J
Jens Hansen - Denmark
30 June

We took a walking tour led by Huseyin, a professional English speaking guide who provided a thorough and detailed explanation of Istanbul’s entire history.

Helpful? Yes

L
Luca Bianchi - Italy
08 April

I enjoyed a pleasant walking tour with Kiymet, a knowledgeable local guide. The tour unexpectedly began with an optional visit to the Basilica Cistern, which wasn’t included in the itinerary and required a separate entrance fee. Since I had already visited earlier that day, I opted to relax with a coffee for about half an hour at the start. It would have been helpful if this extra option had been mentioned beforehand.

Helpful? Yes

L
Laura Rodríguez - Colombia
16 September

Our guide was fantastic. A local from Istanbul with a genuine passion for the city who was always willing to answer our questions. The tour had a comfortable pace and involved minimal walking, allowing us to fully appreciate the history and take in the views. I’d suggest doing this tour early in your visit to Istanbul to get a good sense of the city.

Helpful? Yes

M
Marina Ivanova - Bulgaria
16 September

This walking tour exceeded our expectations. Oz was extremely knowledgeable and shared a lot of valuable information throughout the experience.

Helpful? Yes

D
Daria Kuznetsova - Russia
20 September

Our guide Dipple was incredibly warm and friendly. She truly helped us develop a deep appreciation for the city. She also shared excellent tips and advice for those visiting Istanbul for the first time. Wonderful tour highly recommended.

Helpful? Yes

H
Helena Costa - Brazil
28 June

Our guide, Erobe, was extremely knowledgeable and provided us with an excellent understanding of this stunning city. He shared detailed history about the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, and even took us inside the Basilica Cistern without any waiting in line. Many thanks to Erobe!

Helpful? Yes

L
Lukas Gruber - Germany
15 April

The tour was packed with useful information, and we gained a solid understanding of the city's history in a short period. Igor had a deep knowledge of Turkish history and provided an excellent overview of Istanbul.

Helpful? Yes

S
Sienna Roberts - Australia
24 September

A relaxed and enjoyable walking tour with plenty of valuable insights. The guide was incredibly helpful and shared great information throughout the experience.

Helpful? Yes

M
Matteo Bianchi - Italy
11 May

Fantastic tour experience. Elif shared a wealth of information and demonstrated a strong understanding of the subject. It was really beneficial to learn about Istanbul’s history.

Helpful? Yes

H
Harry Lewis - United Kingdom
13 June

Tolga, our guide, was very approachable and had a good knowledge of the city. However, I'm giving it an average rating because, from my perspective, I would have preferred to plan the day in a different way if I were to do it again.

Helpful? Yes

A
Albert Perkins - United States of America
23 May

Tolga was an excellent guide. I gained a great deal of insight into important moments in Turkish history in a short amount of time. He was approachable and answered numerous questions not just about the landmarks we visited, but also about navigating Istanbul and other interesting spots to explore. This tour is an ideal way to get oriented with the city while visiting various locations by walking and tram. I definitely recommend it, especially if Tolga happens to be your guide.

Helpful? Yes

L
Leandro Costa - Brazil
13 March

We really enjoyed our time with our guide Omer, who helped us uncover some amazing sights in Istanbul along with many fascinating details about the city, the country, and its people.

Helpful? Yes

B
Björn Lindqvist - Sweden
15 September

Outstanding guidance throughout the experience.

Helpful? Yes

P
Peter Arvidsson - Denmark
12 May

The tour with our guide Tolga was excellent. We explored the major tourist spots and learned both historical context and intriguing details along the way. Definitely recommended.

Helpful? Yes

S
Shanti Bali - India
26 July

The experience was incredible, and our guide Erol was truly exceptional. He took the time to explain everything clearly and even helped us get tram passes, along with recommending great restaurants and traditional hamams. His enthusiasm for Istanbul and its history was unmistakable. I would strongly recommend taking a tour with him.

Helpful? Yes

A
Amelia Thompson - United Kingdom
23 April

Zuhai, our guide, was both well-informed and patient throughout the tour. It was an excellent overview of Istanbul’s main attractions.

Helpful? Yes

M
Minghao Liu - China
17 June

The guide provided plenty of information and answered questions thoroughly. It was clear he genuinely enjoyed sharing his knowledge, which made the experience even better.

Helpful? Yes

R
Riku Takahashi - Japan
29 October

An excellent tour with Erol that gave a perfect first impression of Istanbul. Many thanks for the informative tour and helpful advice.

Helpful? Yes

K
Kevin O'Donnell - Ireland
26 September

Our guide Gamze was amazing and very supportive. The tour was thorough and fascinating, providing great insight into Istanbul’s history. I would definitely suggest this to everyone!

Helpful? Yes

I
Isabella Romano - Italy
22 March

Tolga shared a wealth of knowledge about the history and offered useful advice on places to visit and avoid in Istanbul. I highly recommend it.

Helpful? Yes

C
Camille Lefevre - France
16 August

Wonderful tour! Our guide Elif was incredibly knowledgeable and fantastic. We managed to visit many sights within 2.5 hours without feeling hurried. I highly recommend this tour for anyone’s first day in Istanbul to get a solid introduction to the city’s history.

Helpful? Yes

M
Mariusz Nowak - Poland
23 March

I felt a bit dull. We passed a few important buildings without really engaging with what we were seeing. It's a shame we didn't get into anything. It might be nice for someone on their first day in Istanbul.

Helpful? Yes

I
Ivana Petrova - Bulgaria
06 May

My partner and I were fortunate to have a private tour for just the two of us. The experience was ideal laid-back, with plenty of time for photos, casual conversation, and questions about Istanbul. I would highly recommend it.

Helpful? Yes

R
Rajesh Iyer - India
13 June

Our experience with Elif as our guide was outstanding. She was warm and approachable. Her enthusiasm and deep understanding of Istanbul’s fascinating history and vibrant culture made the tour truly rewarding. We would definitely recommend both this tour and Elif.

Helpful? Yes

D
Daria Ivanenko - Ukraine
19 February

It was an engaging tour, perfect for the first day in the city. I definitely recommend it.

Helpful? Yes

P
Pamela Watson - United Kingdom
20 July

Our guide was amazing very informative, very friendly, highly recommended

Helpful? Yes

L
Luise Schulze - Germany
11 April

Erol was fantastic!

Helpful? Yes

V
Vivian Morales - United States of America
13 June

Helpful? Yes

L
Lizzy Visser - Netherlands
17 September

The tour was very informative, though a bit brief at only 1.5 hours. Despite the short time, we managed to cover a great deal.

Helpful? Yes

A
Adam Samuelsson - Denmark
03 May

The guide was friendly and well prepared, making for a good experience.

Helpful? Yes

G
Georgiana Lămboiu - Romania
08 April

A pleasant and straightforward walk that served as a great introduction to the authentic Istanbul, its culture, and history.

Helpful? Yes

J
Jackson Diaz - United States of America
13 June

We truly enjoyed our tour with Erol. We gained a lot of historical insight and knowledge about the city that we wouldn’t have discovered on our own. The experience was wonderful, finishing at the Grand Bazaar where we picked up some sweet treats. I would definitely recommend this tour.

Helpful? Yes

R
Ronald Taylor - United Kingdom
19 August

Our guide, Errol , was outstanding. He carefully explained the history in detail and addressed every question we had.

Helpful? Yes

G
Grace Martin - United Kingdom
22 October

The guide was excellent, putting in a lot of effort and even took photos of me during the tour.

Helpful? Yes

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2 - 12 years

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Infant

Below 2 years

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