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.
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!
• 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.
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 15. Reserve your place without wasting time.
- Since our tour has a limited capacity of 15 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: 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.
• 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.
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!
• Bypass long queues with priority access, giving you more time to enjoy the exhibitions and the tower itself.
• From the observation deck, take in sweeping views of the city and its icons: the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Suleymaniye Mosque, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn.
• Wander the historic Galata quarter, walking down its centuries-old streets toward the seaside for a deeper cultural experience.
• Enhance your visit with a multilingual audio guide app filled with fascinating stories, or dine at the tower’s restaurant to savor Turkish delicacies with a view.
Discover Istanbul with the no 1 Free Tour in English!
Looking to explore Istanbul in an authentic, fun, and stress-free way? This is the tour you’ve been waiting for! At Free Tour Istanbul, we’ll take you on an unforgettable journey through the best-kept secrets of this magical city.
Why Choose Us?
🌟 Passionate Local Guides:
Our guides don’t just tell stories—they make you feel part of Istanbul’s rich culture from the very first moment.
📍 Unique Stops:
Not your typical tourist tour—we visit hidden gems you won’t find elsewhere.
🎙️ 100% in English:
Fluent Spanish guides make every story clear, engaging, and enjoyable.
⏰ The Perfect Duration:
With over two hours of exploration, you’ll fully immerse yourself in Istanbul’s charms without it feeling too long.
💰 You Decide the Price:
It’s a free tour! Pay at the end what you think the experience is worth.
What Can You Expect?
🔹 Immerse yourself in Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
🔹 Learn the fascinating stories of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires—told in a fun, easygoing way.
🔹 Capture unforgettable memories at legendary sites like:
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Topkapi Palace (free first courtyard)
- Basilica Cistern (Sunken Palace)
- Roman Hippodrome
- German Fountain
- Bosphorus Strait... and much more!
Enjoy fun facts and anecdotes throughout the tour that will make you laugh and learn along the way.
Plan Your Visit with These Tips!
📍 Meeting Point:
We’ll meet at the circular water fountain between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
🚗 Plan Ahead:
Not staying in Sultanahmet? Allow extra time for traffic to arrive stress-free.
👥 For Large Groups:
Groups of more than six? Please contact us to arrange a private tour.
Book Your Spot Now
Spots fill up fast—don’t miss your chance to explore Istanbul like never before! Walk through streets brimming with history, colors, and life, and create unforgettable memories (and maybe even new friendships!).
📅 Daily Tour:
10:30 AM and 14:00 PM in Sultanahmet.
🔗 Reserve your spot now on our website/app and get ready for an adventure!
• 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!
Welcome to Kadıköy, Istanbul's vibrant heartbeat on the Asian side of the city!
Join us on this adventure through its bustling streets and alleys, where the aroma of delicious street food mingles with the excitement of its nightlife.
Discover hidden gems known only to locals, savoring a rich tapestry of flavors from traditional Turkish snacks to contemporary delights.
As the sun sets, immerse yourself in Kadıköy's lively nightlife scene, where trendy bars and cozy cafes offer the perfect setting for relaxing and enjoy the local vibe. Get ready to eat, drink, and explore the eclectic charm of Kadıköy like never before!
(This is not a typical food tour.We can grab some snacks during the tour and keep walking. This is a walking tour.)
Please follow the meeting point instructions has been given on the app.We have other Atatürk monuments on the Asian side. The right one is given by the link.
• Head up to the open deck to spot iconic landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus Bridge.
• Meet a marine officer at the pier who will welcome you aboard, hand you a cruise map, and point out key sights to watch for during the cruise.
• Opt for the dinner cruise to enjoy a 4-course dinner with drinks and live entertainment like Turkish folk dance and sword shows onboard.
This tour is for fun-lovers, night-owls, and tireless travelers who are done with the "essentials" of Istanbul. There are countless tours of the main attractions during the day... but at night? I want to showcase how the historical peninsula of Istanbul transforms in the evening. We'll mostly be around Karakoy and Taksim and you'll see how the nightlife of Istanbul takes shape. Besides showing you some of the oldest bars and restaurants, I really want to explain the alternative scene and what makes Istanbul so "cool." So, I'll be pointing out structures like: Ottoman-buildings which have been converted into libraries and public learning spaces, a self-sustaining soup kitchen run by an activist and survivor of sex-trafficking, or the only unofficial queer club in Taksim.
I recommend you...
- Prepare your stories and fun facts
- Stay comfortable as there will be a few steep climbs
- Come hungry (~5€, optional, great street food at the end)
I am an avid-traveler myself and I deeply treasure the spontaneous connections created under such colorful circumstances so, this tour has a SOCIAL focus as well. There will be a conversational atmosphere and the opportunity to grab drinks (optional, of course) at our stops. This tour is ideal for a dynamic group or extraverted solo-travelers because sorry, I will try to make all of us become FRRRIEEENDS
• Every half hour, the buses whisk you to 11 key spots in Istanbul, letting you hop on and off to your heart's content for limitless exploration.
• Take your Istanbul trip to new heights with a scenic Bosphorus cruise and see the bustling Galata Tower and other landmarks rise above the shoreline.
• Let Istanbul's panorama unfold from the double-decker's roof as multilingual audio guides with free earphones bring the landmarks to life.
• From Galata Tower's ancient stone building to the Blue Mosque's graceful spires and Hagia Sophia's massive domes, Istanbul's icons await your discovery.
Sultanahmet Premium: Gems and Tales with Dr. Sib
Timeless Stories Where Monuments Whisper
The Bold Promise:
Step beyond the guidebooks and into the hidden narratives of Istanbul's ancient heart. This is not a lecture; it is a journey where the very stones tell stories of emperors, sultans, and the everyday people who shaped history. Join Dr. Sib, an expert guide and researcher, for a premium walking tour designed to bring the past vividly to life.
Your Itinerary: A Walk Through History
We will explore the Sultanahmet district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting iconic landmarks and hidden corners, including:
- Sultanahmet Square (The Ancient Hippodrome): Feel the echo of chariot races at the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain.
- The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Enjoy guaranteed entry to admire its magnificent interior, a masterpiece of over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles and cascading domes.
- Hagia Sophia (Exterior): Stand in awe of this architectural marvel that has defined the city's skyline for 1,500 years, and hear the epic tale of its transformation.
- ...and more: We'll also see the Million Stone, the Fountain of Ahmed III, the Hurrem Sultan Hamam, and the Palace of Ibrahim Pasha, now home to the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum.
Why This Tour is Your Best Choice in Istanbul
- 🎓 Expert-Led, Not Just Guided: Gain deep insights with Dr. Sib, a licensed guide and researcher who facilitates an interactive, question-friendly environment.
- 🔊 Intimate & Audible: Small groups ensure a personal experience. For groups over 8, we provide a high-tech headphone system so you never miss a word.
- 💎 Uncover Hidden Gems: We go beyond the basic facts to share the fascinating tales and lesser-known secrets that make history come alive.
- 🚶♂️ Seamless & Well-Planned: A carefully curated route that maximizes your time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the experience without feeling rushed.
Essential Tour Details at a Glance
💰 Pricing | Pay-What-You-Feel (suggested €15-50 per person in cash at the tour's end). For guaranteed private group rates, please inquire.
📍 Meeting Point | Next to the Serpent Column on the Blue Mosque side. I will sit on bench around the big tree if available.
⏱️ Duration | Approximately 2 hours.
👗 Dress Code | Modest dress required for the Blue Mosque (shoulders & knees covered; headscarf for women).
🎧 Inclusions | Expert guiding, small group experience, headphone system (for groups >8).
Note: Only Blue Mosque will be visited from inside. Other attractions will be explained from outside only.
Custom Experiences & Multi-Lingual Tours
Interested in a private tour or adding a Bosphorus cruise to your itinerary? Contact Dr. Sib directly for tailored experiences in Arabic, English, Persian, Turkish, or Spanish!
How to Find Us
- Getting Here From Istanbul Airport (IST), take the HAVAIST Bus (Line HVIST-11). Pay by contactless card (approx. 275 Lira) and get off at the final stop, "Sultanahmet." Please allow at least 2 hours for travel.
Arriving relaxed makes the tour experience infinitely better for you!
👉 Secure Your Spot Now – Legends Await! 🖐🌴🐪
Have a nice trip! 🚀 🛸
Dr. Sib
