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Istanbul Neighborhood tours

Our most recommended Istanbul Neighborhood tours

Istanbul: Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Combo Tour (English Guide)

1. Istanbul: Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Combo Tour (English Guide)

Visiting Topkapi Palace requires standing in 2 lines: one for the ticket, and one for the security check. With this combo tour, you skip the ticket lines and enter the Topkapi Palace as fast as possible, giving you more time to spend inside museums. At Hagia Sophia you can not skip the line and need to wait for the security check on the way along the security check the tour guide will share with you the most important historical facts about Istanbul. To use your voucher, meet your local host at the entrance of Hürrem Sultan Hamam across the Hagia Sophia or the Topkapi Cafe, next to the main entrance of the Topkapi Palace. Your guides are available at the time selected during the booking process at a very visible meeting point.  With this combo tour, you can visit each attraction one time. You can visit both attractions in one day or you can visit each location on different days.

Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour

2. Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour

Discover the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Hippodrome on a private or shared guided walking tour in Istanbul. Admire the historic architecture and unique views of the city. Get an insider perspective of these must-see sights. Meet your guide in the Sultanahmet neighborhood at an easy spot and check out Istanbul's greatest monuments on a walking tour. Start with the Blue Mosque, the most visited monument in Istanbul famous for its stunning blue tiles. Marvel at this imperial Ottoman Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Ahmet. Witness the evocative power and splendor of its past as you enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of the Blue Mosque. Afterward, enjoy the courtyard for breathtaking views of modern Istanbulites and take a stroll around the neighborhood. Walk through the Hippodrome, the social and political center of the city, and learn about the significance of the famous obelisks. Visit the Hagia Sophia and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul and learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Explore the stunning monument with elements of a mosque and a church standing next to each other. Admire the basilica’s stunning dome and minarets, and countless mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns. Learn how the impressive İznik tiles were added over time in the Mosque, how the stunning Virgin Mary mosaic was made, and why the Ottomans chose to bury their sultans in the courtyard. Explore the Arasta Bazaar nestled right under the shadow of the Blue Mosque to understand 17th Century architecture of public buildings. It is a well-known but modest open-air market in the heart of Sultanahmet. Enjoy a last-minute tea break and hunt for gifts to take home. End your tour in Sultanahmet Square with enough information and hints to help you be independent for the rest of your time in Istanbul.

Istanbul: Bursa and Uludag Full-Day Trip with Cable Car Ride

3. Istanbul: Bursa and Uludag Full-Day Trip with Cable Car Ride

Visit Uludag Mountain, one of Turkey's best destinations for winter sports, on this day trip from Istanbul. Ride on the cable car, enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch, and take a walk through the old silk market. After getting picked up from your hotel in Istanbul, hop on the ferry at Kocaeli for a 45-minute journey to Yalova, where you will drive to Bursa, the former Ottoman capital. Your first stop of the day is the historical Inkaya Tree, a 600-year-old tree and the symbol of Bursa. Refuel with a mixed grill lunch on the outskirts of the town. Continue to Uludag Mountain and climb to the summit by bus. Enjoy some free time for winter activities such as skiing, motor skiing, or riding on the chair lift before taking the cable car back down the mountain for some panoramic views. Next, head to the Green Social Complex, where you'll find the stunning Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum. These impressive sights are nearby the Old Silk Market, where you can find typical Turkish products such as Turkish delight, honey, and jam (not included in tour cost). Return to Istanbul by bus in the evening and get dropped off back at your hotel.

Istanbul Food and Culture Tour: Taste of 2 Continents

4. Istanbul Food and Culture Tour: Taste of 2 Continents

Explore the cuisines of Istanbul on a food tour of both sides of the Bosphorus. Take in the city as your cross the Bosphorus with the included ferry. Stop a 9 mouth-watering locations and sip on 4 drinks. Savor an entrée, main course, and a dessert. Starting at Karakoy Pier, ride a public ferry across the Bosporus Strait to Kadikoy Port. Enjoy views of 2 continents on the journey.  Stroll around the Kadikoy neighborhood visiting local markets and diving down a maze of streets lined with local shops selling all kinds of produce. Go to the fish market to try some delicious mussels stuffed with rice and spices. Stop at break at a café, full of locals playing backgammon. Follow your guide to a restaurant that specializes in home cooked food from the Kurdish area of south east Turkey (vegetarian and gluten free options available). Head back to the European side on the ferry, admiring views of Istanbul at night. Indulge in something sweet at a local eatery where you can sample a Turkish dessert. Relax with a drink as you watch the locals going about their business. Try the fruity flavors of an authentic Nargile (water pipe), washed down with some Turkish beverages, such as chay (Turkish coffee), sahlep (milky drink made from orchid tubers). 

Istanbul: Galata Guided Walking Tour and Tower Entry

5. Istanbul: Galata Guided Walking Tour and Tower Entry

Meet your guide in front of the exit of the Tünel funicular station and start strolling through the backstreets of the Pera district. See the first luxury hotels of Istanbul which have hosted kings, queens, and world-famous writers and artists. After exploring the backstreets of Pera, follow your guide to a historic fish market and one of the most famous bar streets of Istanbul. While here, have the chance to try some local street food. Reach Istiklal Avenue and see people from all around the world, shops, restaurants, art galleries, and many historic buildings. Walk by some of the oldest consulates and churches from the 18-19th century Ottoman Empire. From Istiklal Avenue, find yourself in the neighborhood of Galata. On your way to the Galata Tower, pass through a cobblestone street full of music shops. The go-to street of every musician in Turkey, see shops specialized in hand-made ethnic instruments and equipment. After a few minutes of walking, find yourself in front of one of the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul, Galata Tower. Listen to its stories and legends and head inside to access the elevator of the tower. Your guide will assist with your entry. From the tower's terrace, witness an impressive view of the city. See Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Bosphorus Strait, the Bosphorus Bridge, Marmara Sea, both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, Golden Horn, and even the Prince Islands. Your tour will end in Galata Tower, and here you are free to spend as much time as you want to take incredible pictures of Istanbul.

Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private City Guided Tour

6. Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private City Guided Tour

Discover the best of Istanbul on this 1, 2, or 3-day private tour that covers the major attractions, such as the Hagia Sophia Museum, the iconic Blue Mosque, the bustling maze of the Grand Bazaar, and the obelisk of the Hippodrome of Constantinople. A few of the possible attraction you'll visit on your tour include: The Hagia Sophia, a great architectural beauty and an important monument during the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. For many centuries, this was the largest church in the world, and it still boasts the 4th largest dome after St. Paul's in London, St. Peter's in Rome, and the Duomo in Florence. Dedicated to the Hagia Sophia or 'divine wisdom', it is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. The Blue Mosque, more officially known as the "Sultanahmet" Mosque has striking blue tiles give it its more common name and make it one of Istanbul’s most iconic attractions. Located close to Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet Mosque was considered the Supreme Imperial Mosque in Istanbul. Topkapi Palace, a relic of the glory days of the great Ottoman Empire. The former palace boasted a population of about 4,000 people at its peak and was home to 25 sultans over a period of 400 years. Located on a promontory overlooking the Golden Horn, it sits in tranquil gardens that provide shade from the blazing heat of the summer. Pop in to the museum to see the gorgeous Iznik tiles and the ornate stateroom of the harem, among other attractions. The Hippodrome is the former circus built in 203 AD by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus. Three monuments from the original building remain, including the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Constantine Column. Pause to look at the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, made from 8 marble columns. The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With hundreds of small handcraft shops selling everything from handmade carpets to Turkish coffee, the atmosphere is electric, and it's a great place to try out your bargaining skills. The spice bazaar is located in Fatih. It's known as the Egyptian Market because during the Ottoman period, Egyptian exports were sold there. The Bosphorus is a narrow, navigable strait between Europe and Asia that connects the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea. Rumeli and Anadolu Fortresses are located at the narrowest point of Bosphorus. There are also magnificent Ottoman palaces and mosques along the Bosphorus. Keep an eye out for them. Built in the 19th century, Dolmabahce Palace was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and housed some of the last Ottoman Sultans. The palace site was created by filling in the small bay on the Bosphorus. This gave rise to its name — in Turkish, Dolma means "filled" or "stuffed," and bahce means "garden". Istiklal Street is brimming with life. There, you'll find a plethora of shops, restaurants, and bars, and from there, it's an interesting and scenic 2-kilometer walk down to the Tunel Galata Tower area. See this and more depending on which length tour option you select. Possible Itinerary for each day of the tour: Day 1: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Hippodrome Day 2: Spice Market, Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal, Galata Tower Day 3: Suleymaniye Mosque, Chora Church, Fener/Balat Districts, Pierre Loti Hill

From Istanbul: Ephesus & Pamukkale 2-Day Trip with Flights

7. From Istanbul: Ephesus & Pamukkale 2-Day Trip with Flights

Visit the ruins of Ephesus and the pools of Pamukkale on this 2-day tour from Istanbul. Fly from Istanbul and stay overnight in Kusadasi as you travel to Turkey's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Day 1 Begin your travels with a pickup from your hotel in Istanbul. Your driver will take you to the airport so you can board your 1.5-hour flight to Izmir. At your arrival, you wıll be greeted by your driver and safely taken to Selcuk to meet with your group participants and start your full-day tour. During the course of your day break for lunch. Head to the House of Virgin Mary, a church built on the top of the foundations of a structure thought to be the house where the Assumption happened and Mary spent her last days. Continue on to Ephesus, an archeological treasure and well-preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. See one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Temple of Artemis, and walk along ancient streets before you concluding your day with a drive to your hotel for a 1-night stay. Day 2 Enjoy your hotel breakfast and check out in the morning to start your full-day tour. Go to Pamukkale, also know as the Pools of Heaven on Earth. See why Pamukkale was a popular settlement and be mesmerized by its hot springs. Head to the ancient city of Hierapolis, home to the biggest necropolis in Anatolia, and see the Sacred Pool, a stunning site of thermal waters rippling over scattered ancient ruins. After your day tour, you will be driven to Cardak Airport for your return flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival ın Istanbul you will be greeted by your driver and transferred safely back to your hotel.

Istanbul: Taste of Two Continents Food Tour

8. Istanbul: Taste of Two Continents Food Tour

From home-made dishes and street food to traditional kebabs and Turkish ice cream, immerse yourself in Istanbul’s food scene and acquaint yourself with Turkish culture and habits during this walking tour. Make stops at 10 different eateries with a variety of samples at each. Begin your morning with a delicious Turkish breakfast of locally sourced produce on Istanbul’s European side before crossing the mighty Bosphorus by ferry to explore the more modern and chic area of Kadıköy, on the Asian side, where you will discover the best restaurants in Istanbul. Sip on freshly brewed Turkish coffee while enjoying locally-made baklava. Taste delicious dolma, tantuni and kokoreç, as well as other local favorites. Enjoy the home-cooked flavours of Kadıköy’s most loved restaurant, Çiya Sofrası. Finally, finish your day with the cool, refreshing flavours of the best Turkish dondurma (ice-cream) in Moda.

Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out

9. Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out

Join this 7-hour pub crawl for a big night out in Istanbul if you’re looking for the best places to party and the craziest places in the city. Start out with a free welcome beer at the meeting point and then head to at least 3 of the top party spots, where your entrance is free! Act as the locals do and experience alternative venues that tourists have never heard of before. Gather your group of friends together, or head out into the night to meet new friends from around the world. The pub crawl ensures free and immediate entry to all locations visited. You’ll find this pub crawl to be different than many of the others, as the guide takes you to the most popular bars, clubs, and pubs in Istanbul.

Istanbul: Fener and Balat Private Walking Tour

10. Istanbul: Fener and Balat Private Walking Tour

Start your tour with a ferry ride along the Golden Horn and see the skyline of Istanbul from this famous waterway. Learn from your guide as they explain the history of Constantinople, the conquest by the Ottomans, and the introduction of Jewish culture. Visit the extraordinary church of Mary Blachernae, and see the Ahrida Synagogue. Walk through the streets and markets of Balat through the splashes of color and the vibrancy of its street life. Take a break in this vibrant neighborhood and enjoy watching people in their everyday activities. End your tour in Fener after seeing the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, an essential part of this tour, as it is the most sacred site for the Orthodox people.

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What people are saying about Istanbul

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 863 reviews

brilliant trip. although the travelling there and back is long, its definitely worth it. value for money is crazy and lunch was amazing. only 1 criticism i would have is maybe less time in bursa and more at the uludağ for people to do more in the snow. but overall a brilliant day well worth it

brilliant trip with very good guide. her english was excellent and she was very knowledgeable about the places. the blue mosque was closed so we went to the sulymani mosque instead

It was a nice experience. I enjoyed it a lot. The guide was very fluent and gave us all the necessary information.

We are from South Africa and first time experienced the real snow. Overall very pleasant and awesome experience.

Excellent trip and tasting tour. Our guide was knowledgeable about the food and the city. Glad we booked!