Istanbul Walking Tour: Explore Historic and Hidden Gems

Embark on an engaging walking tour of Istanbul, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire. Discover magnificent architecture, rich history, and hidden gems with a knowledgeable guide.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Basilica Cistern - This spacious Roman built cistern shows off impressive Roman engineering was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. The largest surviving Byzantine cistern in
    stanbul has been backdrop for many movies over time. Its cavernous depths make a great retreat on hot summer days.
What's Included
  • Professional Guide
  • Small Group
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities (Recommended)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Istanbul, once the epicenter of the Ottoman Empire’s power, brims with life, boasting impressive constructions and a storied past that serves as a cultural crossroads. Ideal for newcomers, our comprehensive walking excursion delves into the foremost sights, as well as seeking out hidden gems. Trust your guide to lead the way and provide fascinating insights along the journey.

Join your guide in the historic Sultanahmet Square and embark on an enchanting walk through this incredible metropolis. As you meander through the cobblestone lanes, your guide will share tales from the zenith of the Byzantine and Ottoman era. The purpose of the tour is to present a panoramic view of the cosmopolitan center, including its historical landmarks, museums, artistic heritage, and local customs.

  • It is a walking tour, so there is a moderate amount of walking involved
Location
Foodie-ist Cafe and Brasserie
Muhterem Efendi Sokak
In front (outside) of FOODIE-IST CAFE AND BRASSERIE. It is approximately 2 minutes walking distance from (T1) Sultanahmet tram stop. Your guide will wear a tour guide badge and will be easy to spot.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(186 Ratings)
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Morvarid_c
Jul 5, 2024
Perfect Introduction to Beautiful Istanbul! - We had the most incredible and informative tour with Hoessein! He spent hours teaching us the history of Istanbul, showing us special key stores in the bazaar and even gave us the best tips for our future days in Istanbul. Both our children (ages 10 and 12) were captivated. Couldn’t recommend the tour enough!
Review provided by Viator
Maria_b
Jun 22, 2024
Great waking tour of old City - A Great morning walking tour to get your bearing. This tour does not go inside any of the listed attractions except for the Blue Mosque. If you want to go inside the Basilica Cistern it’s an extra cost. Our guide Kismet was excellent. She explained the history of Istanbul, the transport system and how and where to buy tickets to the various attractions etc. The meeting place to easy to find.
Review provided by Viator
Paull_m
Jun 12, 2024
Excellent - Excellent Great time Lots of fun. Amazing So much to see in Turkey. Guide was the very best in whole country.
Review provided by Viator
Roslyn_f
May 25, 2024
Small group with high quality guiding - Our guide Torga, was very knowledgeable and fun. He was considerate and enthusiastic. I would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Inna_d
May 25, 2024
Very interesting tour. - Very informative and interesting tour. Our tour guide Tolga was very knowledgeable and very helpful. He even walked with me to the starting point so I can find my way back to the hotel. The pick up location was very easy to find. The group was very small as advertised. I would definitely recommend this tour.
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Kerry_l
May 17, 2024
Good city tour! - Great guide. MUCH history, almost too much to take in. In all, covers much of the old city. The best!
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Tracy_s
May 28, 2024
Lovely way to start a trip in Istanbul - Had a lovely time on this walking tour. We got to see all the major sites, and our guide even added the Cistern tour (added charge, but we planned to go anyway, so this was perfect!) for us.
Review provided by Viator
Shan_c
May 20, 2024
Description is misleading does not include admission - The tour was informative and I had a great time. However, I would like to call out that the tour description is misleading. It suggests 'free admission' however none of these were included we simply passed by. The one admission which was included (the blue mosque) the tour guide was late which meant we missed it due to prayer times. She said she would take us back at the end but then said sorry she has another tour so couldn't take us back. That aside it was a good tour.
Review provided by Viator
Samantha_s
May 10, 2024
A day well spent! - We enjoyed our tour around Istanbul. Erol was friendly, engaging and knew so much about this outstanding city. It was a great introduction. Particularly enjoyed the visit to the Blue Mosque and learned so much.
Review provided by Viator
Maree_j
May 24, 2024
Poorly prepped and delivered - The guide was poorly briefed. We were exoecting an orientation walking tour looking at the outside of highlights of central Istanbul. Our guide wanted us to either queue for entry tickets or catch the tram. Some left 1/2 way thru the remaining 2 were less than happy
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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