Things to Do in Istanbul
• Skip the lines and explore Basilica Cistern with a local expert or a multilingual audio guide.
• Choose a self-guided audio tour to explore at your own pace or join a local guide for expert commentary and insider stories that bring this underground marvel to life.
• Upgrade your experience to include a guided tour of Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, allowing you to explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks in one seamless visit.
• **Fun fact:** The Basilica Cistern is home to two upside-down Medusa head statues, which are believed to have been repurposed from ancient Roman temples, adding an air of mystery to the site.
Istanbul is the only city in the world situated on two continents. No Istanbul trip will be complete without seeing the Asian side of the city. This tour will start on the European Side and finish on the Asian Side of Istanbul, namely Üsküdar neighborhood, where you will get to see actual local life rather than the tourist bubble. We will take the ferry from Eminönü. Don’t worry about the tickets, I will have my Istanbul card with enough credits for all of us 🙂
Here are some highlights of the tour:
EUROPEAN SIDE:
Ahmed III Fountain
Topkapı Palace (non ticketted parts)
Hagia Irene (from outside)
Archeology Museum (from outside)
Gulhane Park
Sirkeci Train Station
A small Bosphorus tour with the ferry.
ASIAN SIDE:
Ahmed III fountain (Yes, again! :))
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
New Mother’s Mosque
Food streets of Usküdar.
Bosphorus walk
Dolmabahce and Ciragan Palaces (outside)
Turkish Bath with reasonable prices.
Useful information for the traveler:
-No ticket is needed for any place we will enter.
-You may want to bring a scarf to enter the mosques. (Mosques lend scarves too)
-When the tour ends you will be able to pay the guru whatever you consider fair. Some will pay 15, other $50. It's up to you!
Looking forward to meeting you!
• No waiting! Wander under the 56-meter-high dome, admire the shimmering Deësis mosaic of Christ, and trace the calligraphic medallions.
• Enhance your experience with options like a guided tour with an expert, skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern, audio guides for other top sites, guided tours of the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Old Town, plus a map of Istanbul’s historic wonders.
☆☆☆ PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION BELOW BEFORE BOOKING THE TOUR ☆☆☆
"A rollercoaster journey from mosques to crowded markets, it is a fantastic way to see Istanbul" said one of our clients in the past.
We invite you to discover one of the most amazing cities on earth. This gorgeous city has many interesting stories to be told. Listen it's stories while exploring old town in this walking tour.
Discover the Roman Hippodrome, see the famous Blue Mosque, Haseki Hürrem Baths and iconic Hagia Sophia from outside and awaken your senses at Egyptian Bazaar. Get suprised by the hidden gems, columns and cisterns. Learn the culture and customs and see Istanbul from a local's eye.
The route;
- The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
- Hippodrome area
- Obelisk of Theodosius
- Snaked Column
- The Walled Obelisk
- German Fountain
- Blue Mosque
- Haseki Hurrem Baths
- Hagia Sophia
- Basilica Cistern
- Soğukçeşme Street
- Gulhane Park (the garden of Topkapı Palece)
- The street of Historical Restaurants of Hocapasa
- Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market) - inner visit
- The New Mosque
- Eminönü District with views of Suleymaniye Mosque and Galata Tower.
Are you ready to fall in love with Istanbul?
IMPORTANT NOTES:
RESERVATION IS REQUIRED because we have a limited space in our tours for a better experience.
Please provide a whatsapp number or a valid e-mail adress that you regularly check.
We designed this tour for solo travelers, couples, small groups and families. Big group reservations(more than 6 people including kids) are not accepted even in seperate bookings.
No interior visits during the tour except Egyptian Bazaar.
We end up the tour in front of the EGYPTIAN BAZAAR in Eminönü Square.
The route is not baby stroller friendly. Please consider it before booking.
The tour is only in ENGLISH and provided by History Travel.
Our tours are conducted by professional and licensed tour guides, and it's totally free to book and join the group. Considering that these tours are our guide's full time job to make a living, we recommend rewarding the guide minimum 10 € \ 10 $ per person for her\his job.
• Stroll through the stunning rooms, as the audio guide delves into stories of the sultans who once lived here, the palace’s role in shaping Ottoman history, and the lavish ceremonies held in the Ceremonial Hall.
• With the audio guide in 10 languages, you can discover the palace at your own pace in your preferred language, making the experience as immersive and personalized as you like.
• Want to see more of Istanbul? Upgrade your ticket to include a scenic 90-minute Bosphorus cruise, complete with audio commentary on the city’s most iconic waterfront landmarks.
• Did you know that the Dolmabahçe Palace is home to the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier? Weighing in at over 4.5 tons, this sparkling masterpiece was a gift from Queen Victoria of England!
Tour details:
Would you like to capture the essence of this city in a fun and informative way in couple of hours? Then this tour is a must-do for you!
Capital city of both Roman and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul has a lot to tell you about those civilizations. While visiting its Hippodrome and talking about the monumental columns and obelisks on it we will talk about the Roman heritage in the city. Visiting one of the most elegant mosques of Architect Sinan, we will have a chance to see a classic Ottoman Mosque and talk about its past and present. We will also see a traditional Bazaar, a Hamam, learn about the Blue Mosque take amazing photos and finally learn about the amazing history of Hagia Sophia.
- German fountain
- Hagia Sophia (from outside)
- Blue Mosque (inside)
- Hippodrome
- The Walled Obelisk
- Obelisk of Theodosius
- Serpent column
- Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Mosque*
- Arasta Bazaar
- Nakkaş Cistern
- Hurrem Sultan Hamam
Useful information for the traveler:
-No ticket is needed for any place we will enter.
-I use audio headsets during the tour so you will hear me easily even when we walk and talk.
-When the tour ends you will be able to pay the guru whatever you consider fair. Some will pay 15, others $50. It's up to you! (Guruwalk recommends a minimum of 15 Euros per person).
-The agency for my tours is Eyupsultan Travel A-10425
Looking forward to meeting you!
A cruise along the Bosphorus is a must for every trip to Istanbul! We'll sail around the Golden Horn, the oldest quarter in this Turkish city.
• Admire Istanbul’s landmarks from the open deck, including Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus Bridge.
• Skip the long queues with fast-track pier entry and meet a friendly marine officer who shares your route map and highlights key sights to watch for along the way.
• Upgrade to a dinner cruise for a 4-course Turkish meal, two alcoholic drinks, and unlimited soft drinks as you enjoy live entertainment, folk dance, and DJ shows.
Are you curious about the history and culture of Istanbul?
Or do you want to do different tour other than the all the things you've seen at the Istanbul?
Make yourself ready to be charmed by the multicultural life of Fener- Balat used to share with many nationalities living in an empire called Ottoman Empire. Greeks, Armenians, Jews, Turks and more living side by side in which you will see a mosque then a church and a synagogue next to each other !
*This tour is a historical walking tour presented by Historian Professional guides.
This Walking Tour Includes :
📌Greek Patriarchate Orthodox
📌Private Marashli Greek Primary School
📌Colorful Stairs
📌Dimitrie Cantemir House Romanian Prince and Lord of Bogdan
📌Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols (No entrance)
📌Phanar Greek Orthodox College
📌Aya Yorgi Metakhion Jerusalem
📌Panagia Paramythia Church
📌Sveti Stefan Bulgarian Church
📌Wooden Minaret Mosque
📌Stair Hill Historic Balat Houses-Unesco Culture Heritage
📌Antiques-Çifit Bazaar( Jewish Bazaar)
📌Ahrida Synagogue( No entrance)
Information for Our Guest
🚫 Please be careful about the clothing regulation as it is stated for the entrance of the churches.
They do not let people enter both
Women and Men = Due to entrance of the church
🚫No shorts
🚫No skirts or dresses above the knee line
🚫No sleeveless tops or dresses
Please also bring a scarf within you for the entrance of the church as well.
When the tour ends you will be able to pay the guru whatever you consider fair. Some will pay €10, others $50 (minimum recommended amount suggested is €10 per person around the world.)
• See priceless jewels, rich living quarters, and beautiful architecture. Learn more with an audio guide available in 5 languages.
• Explore the peaceful gardens, pavilions, hidden sanctuaries, kitchens, and more.
• Elevate your experience by upgrading your ticket to enjoy a guided tour of Basilica Cistern and Topkapı Palace with an English-speaking guide.
• Fun fact: The Byzantine Church of Hagia Eirene was located in the first courtyard of the palace but was converted into an armory.
Book this Free Tour of the Old Town to discover the old part of Istanbul and learn about Roman and Ottoman history, culture and tradition.
What are you going to visit and see during the tour?
- Hippodrome
- The Walled Obelisk
- Obelisk of Theodosius
- Serpent column
- German fountain
- Blue Mosque (outside)
- Haseki Hurrem bathroom (outside)
- Hagia Sophia (outside)
- Topkapi Palace (outside)
- Archaeological Museum (exterior)
- Souk Cesme Street (Old Ottoman Houses)
- Gülhane Park (exterior)
- Eminönü district, the heart of the old part of the city because you can have a view that allows you to see the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, Galata Bridge, Galata Tower, Soleiman Mosque
- Yeni Camii (New Mosque)
- Spice Market.
Useful information for the travellers:
You can meet the guide he will be waiting with a yellow umbrella!
- It is recommended to bring comfortable and casual shoes.
- Be prepared for any weather conditions and have the right equipment.
- For interior visits of religious buildings ladies can carry a extra scarf and cover.
- When the tour ends you will be able to pay the guru whatever you consider fair. Some will pay €10, others $50. It's up to you! (minimum amount suggested is €10 per person around the world.)
• Enjoy unlimited 5G/4G data, international calls, and a portable hotspot – perfect for work or staying social with ease.
• Choose a flexible data plan from 3 to 30 days with a digital sim valid for 5 years from the date of purchase.
• Ditch traditional SIM cards, get your eSIM instantly via email, and activate with a simple QR code scan.
Discover the vibrant heart of Istanbul on this immersive walking tour through the bustling streets of Beyoğlu and Taksim. Starting at the iconic Taksim Square, you’ll explore a rich tapestry of history, culture, and architecture, visiting notable landmarks such as:
- Taksim Square 🚋
- The Republic Monument
- Hagia Triada Church ⛪
- Rumeli Passage
- The Flower Passage (Çiçek Pasajı)
- European Passage
- Three Horan Church ⛪
- Fish Market
- Galatasaray High School
- Passage Hazzopulo
- St. Antoine Church ⛪
- Biggest Vintage and Second-hand Store
- The Galata Dervish Lodge
- Galata Tower 🏰
This walking tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, cuisine, and stunning architecture — a memorable journey through Istanbul’s most captivating neighborhoods.
- Number of participants is limited to 25. Reserve your place without wasting time.
- Since our tour has a limited capacity of 25 people, please cancel your booking as soon as possible if you decide not to join us.
- You can reach the meeting point by taking the “M2” Metro line and getting off at the “Taksim” stop.
- Or if you are coming from around the Blue Mosque, you can use the “T1” train line and get off at the last stop ‘Kabataş’ and then transfer to the “F1” Taksim-Kabataş Finiküker line to reach Taksim.
Note I : We will visit the Galata Tower from the outside
Note II: Our tour will end in front of Galata Tower
Note III: This walking tour is based on the history of the place.
Note VI: For the comfort of all participants, we recommend that infants and toddlers under 4 years old do not join the walking tour.
Note V: Our tour welcomes individuals, duos, and small family/friend groups. Please note: We do not accept bookings for groups larger than six people (including all children), regardless of whether they are booked individually.
Note VI: As our tours are tip-based, we kindly ask for a minimum tip of $15 per person. Tips in any currency equivalent to $15 (such as approximately 600Turkish liras) are welcome.
• Glide past Istanbul’s top sights like Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
• Savor a flavorful Turkish dinner with mezze, fish or meat dishes, spring rolls, and pasta, all while you watch sword shows and folk dances.
• Upgrade your experience with 2 alcoholic drinks, round-trip hotel transfers, or choose a sunset cruise, with the option to add drinks and snacks for an even more memorable evening.
Welcome and peace be with you all🤲!
Being a tourist in Turkiye as world's one of the most visited muslim majority country, we would like invite you to explore and experience islamic culture with the tour route we exclusively design for you!
The tour calls walkers from non Islamic world to have an awareness Islamic Spirituality trough a two and half hour walk.
In this tour you will be able to meet with Islamic Art✒️ and practising muslims 👳♀️👳🏽♀️ & volunteers 🧕👨.
Plus you will be able to have an idea about food🍗 culture of Turkish Muslims as well on the route.
Here is the walking route that in our heart to conduct with you.
📍Sinanpasha Ottoman Education Madrassah
An religious education complex of the Ottoman period
📍Suleymaniye Cultural Info Center and Terrace of Suleymaniye
A non government organisation run by volunteers
📍Residental Local Neighbourhood
non touristic parts of old city
📍 Pantokrator Monastery (currently Zeyrek Mosque)
An Unesco Heritage in old city of Istanbul
📍 Istanbul University (from outside)
with its monumental gate
📍 Beyazıt Tower (from outside)
A fire observation tower of Ottoman's Istanbul
📍 Local Markets of the residential area
known as Ladies Market
📍 Valens Roman Aqueduct
900 meters waterway aueduct from 4th century
📍 Zeyrekhane Panoramic View Point of Old City
facing to the Golden Horn River
📍 Instagrammable spots
📍 Local food and drink points on the route
❗ Any currency of cash will be accepted.
❗ The tour is not friendly with walkers age under 14
❗At the final tour point we have a bus station(3 mins) and T5 tram station(8 mins) where you will be able to find buses to go central areas of city like Taksim, Karaköy, Eminönü.
❗ Dress modestly or bring your scarf & longer skirt/trousers. Otherwise you need to use the ones used commonly & given by the visiting points.
Can't wait to walk with you!
