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.
☆☆☆ 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.
Join us as we fly to a city that became a major religious, cultural, and commercial center of the Roman Empire. Let's discover Ephesus!
• 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.
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!
• 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.
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.)
• Tickets also have skip-the-line access, so you can avoid long queues, and spend more like at the museum that houses exhibitions about Turkish history.
• Revel in the panoramic vista of the city and see iconic landmarks - from Topkapi Palace to the Hagia Sophia, and the Suleymaniye Mosque to the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
• Walk down some of the oldest streets in the Galata quarter of Istanbul as you head to the seaside.
• Upgrade your ticket to include an audio guide app and listen to fascinating facts and stories about the Galata Tower.
• Did you know? There is a restaurant on top of the Galata Tower. Indulge in fancy Turkish delicacies at the Galata Restaurant.
• Skip-the-Line Access – Avoid long queues and enjoy a hassle-free visit to one of the city's top landmarks.
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.)
Immerse yourself in Turkish culture with a Turkish bath and massage in Istanbul! Unwind and relax at the Gedikpasa Hammam, a lavish spa that spans 500 years.
• 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!
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.
• Take in the grandeur of Hagia Sophia’s Upper Gallery, look up at its golden mosaics, and uncover centuries of imperial history with your audio guide.
• Explore the hidden terrains of the Basilica Cistern, where rows of ancient columns stand in water and the haunting Medusa heads wait in the shadows.
• Enjoy the comfort of exploring Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with skip-the-line tickets, an expert guided tour, and multilingual audio guides, all in one day.
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!
• 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.
The best tour of Istanbul .
With this Free Tour, we will visit a large part of the city and we will have the opportunity to see spectacular buildings, we will walk among the hidden gems and see the best view of Istanbul.
You will also have the opportunity to feel the local atmosphere and walk like a local.
On this Istanbul tour, we are going to explore a large part of the city.
Do you want to learn about the hidden gems of Istanbul? We offer an impressive tour of Istanbul that you will not find anywhere else.
It will be a great opportunity to get to know the city while enjoying the lively nightlife.
What will we see on this tour?
- Rustem Pasa Mosque (inner visit)
- Spice Bazaar
- Traditional and old-fashioned Ottoman-style cafes (sisha and nargile cafes)
- Roof-Top Panoramic view spots
- Galata Tower
- New Mosque,Eminönü Square
- Golden Horn, Galata Bridge, Bosphourus
- Oldest Metro (Tunnel),Karakoy
- Pera,Asmali mescit,Bar streets,hidden passages,Istiklal Street (the most famous street in Istanbul)
I will not only tell you history, but also important tips about life in Istanbul and the best places to enjoy a good meal.
For all this and much more, join my tour and have an unforgettable experience, have fun like a local with me in Istanbul.
Useful information for the traveler:
Thank you for your booking, your reservation has been confirmed. Our guide will be waiting in EMİNÖNÜ SQUARE in front of HAMDİ RESTAURANT with a yellow umbrella at 17:00.
-We have a limited space on our tours. Your space has been already confirmed.If you won't be able to join the tour,please cancel your reservation so that we can open space for other travellers.
-Please be on the meeting point ten minutes earlier
- 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.)
Best regards
guide4istanbul team
