Things to Do in Istanbul

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!

Book Istanbul's most comprehensive free walking tour today! 

💎 We cover Istanbul's Old City (Constantinople) in a highly comprehensive tour that covers over a dozen sites including the must-see sites, hidden gems and local hang-out spots. Moreover, we not only cover Istanbul’s past, but also it’s present day situation in a moderate pace that leaves enough room for questions & interaction. This tour has it all. 

Why Book a Tour With Us? 

➕      More Coverage 

We simply cover a bigger area and more topics. Just look at our route map, we cover 4 different neighborhoods and over a dozen places. Plus, we talk about everything from history to modern day Istanbul, daily life and society. 

🎨       Independent & Boutique 

We don't hire people. We are two locals who do our own tours. We're artisans. We're boutique. 

🔥      Full Dedication 

We don't have another occupation. This is all we do, all we think about. We give it our 100%. 

✅      Must-See Sites AND Lesser-Known Sites 

We cover the essentials, but we also cover local hang-out spots hidden in the Old City. 

📚      Online Library Access! 

We provide you with a very comprehensive online library with PDF guides ranging from food to activities & pubs and much more! 

🏝️      No Rush, No Stalling

We don't rush, we don't stall. Moderately paced. We cover a lot of places and topics, but we also give space for interaction, communication and questions. 

IMPORTANT: 

🗓️       Due to high demand and group size limit in season, we need reserved bookings to be able to accommodate our guests in our groups. Please book in advance. 

🙏       This is our main and only occupation, we hope you understand and appreciate our efforts and dedication by contributing a reasonable amount at the end of the tour.

See availability now & reserve your spot before it gets full! 

👇👇👇👇👇 

☆☆☆ 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.

🏛️ Unlock Istanbul’s Hidden Layers: An Expert-Led Journey 🏛️

A Walking Tour Where Monuments Whisper Stories of Sultans, Emperors and Forgotten Worlds✨

Step into the heart of history with our #1 Rated Istanbul Old City Tour! Explore Sultanahmet Square, where Byzantine, Ottoman, and Roman empires collide, and uncover hidden gems most tours miss. Limited small-group slots – book now to secure your spot!

Places to be visited 🕌:

• Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome)
• Blue Mosque (inside & outside)
• Hagia Sofia (outside)
• Old Hospital 
• Obelisk of Theodosius
• Obelisk of Constantin
• Palace of Ibrahim Pasha
• Spartans Serpent Column
• The German Fountain
• Madrasa of Sultanahmet
• Tomb of Sultanahmet
• Hurrem Sultan Bath
• Fountain of Ahmad III
• Topkapi Palace
• Sogukcheshme Alley
• Old Sufi Dergah
• Caferaga Madrasa 
• Arceological Museums of Istanbul
• Gulhane Park
• Basillica Cistern (Yerebatan)
• Million Stone
• Ideas for more places, restaurants, cruises and ferry piers.

✨Why Choose This Tour? ✨
✅ Go Beyond the Basics: Most tours show you Blue Mosque – we decode its secrets. Most stroll the Hippodrome – we revive its chariot races and ancient gossip.
✅ Expert Guide: Dr. Sib, a licensed guide and researcher who turns stones into sagas.
✅ Hidden Gems Included: Explore sites most guides skip – Sufi lodges, haunted cisterns, and palace courtyards lost in time.
✅ Small Groups: No loneliness in crowds.
✅ Interactive: Questions and answers.

💸 How It Works 💸
Pay What You Feel It’s Worth – No Fixed Fees, Just Fairness & Fun!

✅ Flexible Pricing: You decide the value! Individuals pay €15–50 (or equivalent) at the END of the tour based on your experience. No pressure – just honesty!
✅ Groups Made Easy: Flat rate of 600 TL or €14/$15 per person for groups.
✅ No Hidden Costs: All fees and stories included – just bring curiosity (and cash).
✅ Cash only (no cards/crypto – I'm an old-school storyteller!  💵 ).

🔍 Honesty Matters:
I am part of a small team keeping Istanbul’s history alive! Your fair payment supports local guides and ensures quality.

🌟 Love Istanbul? Pay What You Can – But Remember: Great Stories Deserve Great Tips! 🌟

📍 Itinerary Highlights 📍
🏺 Iconic Monuments

• Marvel at the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia’s majesty.
• Stand beneath the Obelisk of Theodosius and Serpent Column – relics of ancient Constantinople.
• Explore the eerie beauty of the Historical Peninsula and Million Stone, the "zero point" of the Roman world.

🔍 Hidden Gems

• Wander Sogukcesme Alley’s pastel Ottoman houses.
• Discover the Old Sufi Dergah and Caferaga Madrasa – off-the-radar cultural treasures.

🏰 Royal Legacies

• Tour the Sultanahmet square where there are roots and remnants of several mighty empires. 
• Admire panoramic views of the Soghukcheshme alley that led to Archaeological Museums and Gülhane Park from scenic vantage points.
• 
  

👑 Ottoman Opulence:

• Unlock the Hurrem Sultan Hamam – where Roxelana, the scheming sultana, bathed in power.
• Topkapi Palace where Ottomans ruled the world for several centuries

⚔️ Roman Rivalries:

• Stand where emperors raced chariots in the Hippodrome – decode the Serpent Column’s and the Obelisk of Theodosius’ stolen glory.
• See the Million Stone, the ancient “GPS” of the Roman Empire.

🔮 Forgotten Worlds:

• Discover the Old Sufi Dergah, where dervishes once dived into wisdom and divine love.
• Peer into the Madrasa of Caferaga, a school frozen in the 1500s.
• Hear whispers of stones talking to you behind the ages.

📸 Photo Magic:

• Pose by the the German Fountain, and stroll through history in Sultanahmet Mosque.
• Capture the Fountain of Ahmed III, a Rococo masterpiece fit for a sultan’s Instagram.
• Stroll Gülhane Park’s cherry-blossom lanes (spring only!).

👉 Limited Availability: Small groups ensure personalized attention.

👉 No Entrance Fees: No hidden costs – enjoy hassle-free exploration.

🌟 Don’t Just Visit Istanbul – Live Its History! 🌟

🕰️ Travel Through 3,500 Years in Just 2 Hours 🕰️
👉 Book Now and journey through 3,500 years of empires, legends, and architectural wonders!

🎟️ Why Settle for Ordinary? 🎟️
👉 Small Groups Only: No megaphones – face to face conversations.

📆 Flexible Booking
Morning / afternoon slots | Family-friendly | Private tours available on demand.

Dress Code:
Visitors entering indoor areas are required to dress modestly. Women must cover their heads with a scarf as a sign of respect for cultural norms.

Cancellation Policy:
If your plans change and you’re unable to attend, kindly cancel your reservation via the booking page or confirmation email. This allows others to join the tour and ensures everyone has a chance to enjoy the experience.

Scheduling Note:
For reservations made in advance, please note that tour timings may be adjusted slightly due to seasonal variations or prayer schedules.

Custom Experiences:

Interested in a private tour or cruise? Contact me directly to discuss tailored options in Arabic, English or Spanish! I’m happy to answer any questions you may have—feel free to reach out.

🌟 Istanbul Isn’t Just a City – It’s a Palimpsest. Let Dr. Sib Help You Read Between the Lines. 🌟

Recommended tours from other guides:
Three historic mosque visits:
https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/56715-sacred-and-historic-sultanahmet-blue-mosque-little-hagia-sophia-sokullu-mehmet-pasha

More tours for Istambul
https://www.guruwalk.com/istanbul?ref=dspt6o0crhj4771s920t&pro=true

👉 Secure your spot now – legends await!

Have a nice trip 🚀 🛸
Dr Sib 

 
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.) 

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 Han
• The Flower Passage (Çiçek Pasajı)
• European Passage
• Three Horan Church
• Fish Market
• Galatasaray High School
• Passage Hazzopulo
• St. Antoine Church
• 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.

 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.
 

We’ll begin at the Hippodrome, where emperors once watched chariot races, and explore the stories behind the Walled Column, Serpentine Column, Egyptian Obelisk, and German Fountain. From there, we’ll admire the glowing beauty of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, their silhouettes unforgettable under the night sky.

We’ll continue to the Basilica Cistern, standing above the hidden world beneath the city, and see the elegant Hürrem Sultan Hamam, a gift of love from a sultan to his queen.

You’ll hear unforgettable stories, feel the city’s soul, and see Istanbul like never before.

By night, Istanbul feels like a dream—quiet, glowing, unforgettable. Come and experience it with me.