Things to Do in Istanbul
• Wander beneath the 56-meter-high dome, admire the Deësis mosaic of Christ, and take in the calligraphic medallions that define the interior.
• Head up to the upper gallery for sweeping views of the vast nave, where intricate Byzantine artistry meets majestic Ottoman design.
• For an even richer experience, upgrade your visit with options like a guided tour of the Hagia Sophia History & Experience Museum, or explore the Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque with a multilingual audio guide.
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!
• 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.
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.
• 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.
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
- Rooftop View
- 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
- Turkish Coffee Tasting
- 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.
- The coffee tasting and rooftop access are both free of charge.
- 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.
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!
• Immerse yourself in Turkish culture with live traditional music accompanying this UNESCO-recognized ceremony.
• Watch the ritual in a historic setting near Istanbul’s iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet.
• Upgrade your ticker to include a traditional Turkish dinner or even a Bosphorus cruise showcasing the city's famed shoreline.
• Fun fact: The dervishes’ continuous turning symbolizes a journey from the earthly world toward divine love and inner harmony.
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.
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Suleymaniye Mosque. On this tour of the mosques of Istanbul, we'll visit some of its most important religious landmarks.
• 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!
DISCOVER THE BLUE MOSQUE AS NO ONE TELLS YOU!
Go beyond the postcard view and step into a living masterpiece of Islamic art and architecture. This immersive, expert-led tour is your key to understanding the Blue Mosque, from its grand courtyard to its breathtaking interior.
Join Dr. Sib, a licensed guide and researcher, for a concise yet deeply enriching journey. We don't just look at the monuments; we uncover the stories, symbols, and history etched into every tile and dome.
📜 What You Will Experience & Discover:
- The Exterior: Decode the mosque's majestic silhouette. Learn the meaning behind its six minarets and cascade of domes, and understand the architectural genius of its founder, Sedefkâr Mehmet Ağa.
- The Interior (Guaranteed Entry): Step inside to witness the awe-inspiring space that gives the mosque its name. We'll explore:
- The 21,000+ hand-painted Iznik tiles that create its famous blue hue.
- The intricate calligraphy and what these Quranic verses represent.
- The architectural balance of the central dome and the significance of the mihrab, minbar, and sultan's loge.
- This isn't just a sightseeing stop. It's a focused, in-depth exploration led by an expert.
Essential Tour Details:
💰 Pricing | Pay what you feel the tour worth, some pays €15 per person others pay €50, based on satisfaction. Payment is individual. EUR, GBP, USD accepted. Cash only.
📍 Meeting Point | Serpent Column
👗 Dress Code | Modest dress is mandatory. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Scarves are provided for women.
🎯 Perfect For: Travelers with limited time who want a deep dive into one of Istanbul's most iconic site.
Have questions about a private tour?
Dr. Sib offers tailored experiences in Arabic, English, Persian, Turkish, Kurdish and Spanish. Feel free to contact!
Have a nice trip, 🚀🛸
Dr. Sib
[Istanbul Free Tour] [Blue Mosque inside] [Dr. Sib] [Small Groups]
• 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.)
