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.
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.
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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...
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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.
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
4.8/5
4.8/5
4.8/5
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
This walking tour exceeded our expectations. Oz was extremely knowledgeable and shared a lot of valuable information throughout the experience.
Helpful? Yes
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Outstanding guidance throughout the experience.
Helpful? Yes
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
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
Zuhai, our guide, was both well-informed and patient throughout the tour. It was an excellent overview of Istanbul’s main attractions.
Helpful? Yes
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
An excellent tour with Erol that gave a perfect first impression of Istanbul. Many thanks for the informative tour and helpful advice.
Helpful? Yes
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
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
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
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
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
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
It was an engaging tour, perfect for the first day in the city. I definitely recommend it.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide was amazing very informative, very friendly, highly recommended
Helpful? Yes
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
The guide was friendly and well prepared, making for a good experience.
Helpful? Yes
A pleasant and straightforward walk that served as a great introduction to the authentic Istanbul, its culture, and history.
Helpful? Yes
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
Our guide, Errol , was outstanding. He carefully explained the history in detail and addressed every question we had.
Helpful? Yes
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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