Top Istanbul Arts & Design - page 4

There’s nothing as reassuring as arriving in a new city after a tiring flight and seeing a driver holding a sign with your name on. Enjoy the convenience of a private transfer from either of Istanbul airports into the city and avoid navigating public transport. City to airport transfers are also available, as are transfers between the airports. This private transfer can be customized to suit your needs.

Located on the northern shore of the Golden Horn, Galata is a district rich in faith and culture ready to be explored. This Galata walking tour offers first-time visitors an easy way to get their bearings with a guide leading the way on foot. With five authentic stops, learn about notable Turkish historical locations and see famous landmarks. Perfectly structured to suit all holiday itineraries, don’t miss the opportunity to add this tour to your Istanbul visit.

Get an in-depth overview of Istanbul's most famous attraction, plus a look at some of the city's cultural corners on this private tour. Begin with an immersive visit to the Hagia Sophia—where you'll enjoy skip-the-line enjoy—and take the time to ask questions and take photos on this personalized experience. Then, stop at a charming mosque most tourists miss. After sampling baklava at a traditional pastry shop, end the experience with a glass of typical Turkish tea.

Most visitors to Istanbul see the same three things. This isn't one of them. Beneath the famous skyline lies a hidden infrastructure that kept empires alive for two thousand years — and almost no one follows it. On this intimate route (maximum 10 guests), you'll move through a 6th-century underground marble forest, beneath 1,500-year-old Roman arches, and into an Ottoman sacred space most travellers never find. The journey ends at a 16th-century hammam hidden in plain sight — adorned with original İznik tiles. Experience a traditional ritual here if you choose. Not a tourist performance. The real thing. Along the way: complimentary Ottoman şerbet and Turkish coffee at venues that have been serving locals for centuries. Small group. Deep history. The Istanbul most people miss.

Experience the finest attractions in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district during this private, guided day tour of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Marvel at these famous monuments alongside your expert guide who will give you individual attention on this private voyage.

Most travelers in Istanbul must choose between spending their evening dining out on Turkish cuisine, or on a sightseeing experience. This Bosphorus dinner cruise lets you enjoy the best of both worlds. Catch views of lit-up attractions such as Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and the Bosphorus Bridge as you drift past. Enjoy a menu of mezze and grilled fish or meats, plus fireworks, DJ sets, and traditional dance performances.

Fit all of Istanbul's top attractions into one activity-packed day, with the help of a guide for insider tips. Rather than missing out on details as you explore in a vehicle, stroll Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, brimming with iconic buildings and storied streets. Tour the Blue Mosque, delve into the history of the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Istanbul Hippodrome, as well as the 'sunken palace' of Basilica Cistern.

Cruising the Bosphorus affords magnificent views of Istanbul’s European and Asian sides, passing landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Galata Tower. On this evening cruise, set sail at sunset for the most impressive views and feast on a 3-course dinner with a choice of appetizers and two alcoholic drinks. While on board, enjoy live entertainment, including traditional Turkish dance and music.

Immerse in Istanbul’s spiritual and cultural heritage with a half-day tour. Visit the vibrant Spice Bazaar, sail the Bosphorus, explore historic mosques in Uskudar, and marvel at Dolmabahce Palace’s grandeur. Enjoy a delightful local lunch and discover the city’s rich architectural wonders, including masterpieces by Mimar Sinan.

Explore Istanbul’s Highlights: Dolmabahce Palace & Basilica Cistern Combo! Visit the elegant Dolmabahce Palace, the last residence of the Ottoman sultans, known for its grand halls, crystal chandeliers, and Bosphorus view. Then explore the mysterious Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground structure supported by marble columns and guarded by the legendary Medusa heads. Admissions are included in this pass. An audio guide is included and available in 25 languages: English, German, Russian, Persian, Arabic, French, Italian, Chinese, Dutch, Spanish, Hindi, Romanian, Ukrainian, Korean, Turkish, Bulgarian, Polish, Swedish, Japanese, Indonesian, Greek, Hungarian, Portuguese, Urdu, and Croatian. Operating hours: Dolmabahce Palace: 09:00 - 17:00 (closed Mondays) Basilica Cistern: 09:00 - 18:30 This combo ticket offers a seamless way to explore Istanbul’s cultural heritage at your own pace, perfect for history lovers and curious travelers!

Don’t just cross Istanbul on this full-day sightseeing tour – cross-continental lines as you explore the city’s past wonders and present attractions. The centerpiece of this tour is an easygoing cruise down the Bosphorus, the river that separates Europe and Asia. Complement your cruise with highlights on both sides of the divide. Sample Turkish Delights at the Spice Bazaar and step back into Turkey’s past at Dolmabache Palace.

Be immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul on this full-day private tour, with hassle-free round-trip transfer by air-conditioned vehicle. Follow a comprehensive sightseeing itinerary to discover the city’s highlights, including the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, with personalized attention and insights provided by your personal driver-guide.

Seeing Istanbul’s landmarks from the shore can be crowded and rushed, making it hard to fully enjoy the views. This evening Bosphorus cruise solves that by letting you relax on the water while gliding past Bogazici Bridge, Ciragan Palace, and Anatolian Fortress. Enjoy a buffet dinner and onboard entertainment while taking in the city lights at a leisurely pace.

Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests: 2-hour: Old City & Hagia Sophia Book a private tour of Hagia Sophia and see the highlights of the Old City, such as the Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square. 3,5-hour: Old City, Hagia Sophia with Transport Book a 1,5-hour round-trip transfer and a 2-hour private tour of Hagia Sophia and see the highlights of the Old City, such as the Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square. 4-hour: Old City, Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace Museum Book a private tour of Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace Museum, and see the highlights of the Old City, such as the Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square. 5,5-hour: Old City, Hagia Sophia & Topkapi with Transport Book a 1,5-hour round-trip transfer and a 4-hour private tour of Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace Museum, and see the highlights of the Old City, such as the Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square.

Exploring the Cistern of Theodosius: A Hidden Gem of Istanbul Beneath Istanbul’s busy streets lies the Cistern of Theodosius, an ancient structure offering a glimpse into the city’s history. Built during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II (408-450 AD) and later expanded by the Ottomans, it was designed to store water during shortages or sieges. The cistern features 32 columns made of Marmara Island marble and is supported by 45 sail vaults. Its thick walls and curved corners were built to withstand pressure. The Cistern of Theodosius blends ancient architecture with modern technology, offering a unique way to discover Istanbul’s rich heritage.

You can see all the historical beauty of Istanbul with this experience. Dolmabahçe Palace, Galata Bridge, Rumeli Fortres, Ciragan Palace. Watch dance performances throughout the night and sip your drink while having your dinner. The tour will be start at 20:30hrs and will be served with your selection of food and drinks. The boat will sail along the European and Asia shores passing by all the historical buildings. You will be free to join the higher terrace part of the boat taking pictures, mesmerising and getting dazzled by the sparkle of the city at night. The tour will end 23:30 hrs and around midnight you will be returned back to your hotels by our services

Visit the Basilica Cistern, built in the 4th century and enlarged in 532 AD, used as water storage during Byzantine times. Listen to your guide as they explain the mystery of Medusa heads from Greek mythology. Explore this cathedral-size cistern, built during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in 532 A.D. to supply water to the Great Palace. It stores up to 80,000 cubic meters of water, delivered via 20 kilometers of aqueducts from a reservoir near the Black Sea. An audio guide is included and available in 25 languages: English, German, Russian, Persian, Arabic, French, Italian, Chinese, Dutch, Spanish, Hindi, Romanian, Ukrainian, Korean, Turkish, Bulgarian, Polish, Swedish, Japanese, Indonesian, Greek, Hungarian, Portuguese, Urdu, and Croatian. Guests who have selected the Basilica Cistern Guided Tour are required to meet their guide at the meeting point, Dsign Cafe, at least 15 minutes before the scheduled tour time.

Fast and Easy Access. Visit one of the most famous landmarks with a pre-booked entry ticket and start exploring right away. Your ticket will be sent to you by email 24 hours before your visit — please remember to check your inbox and spam folder. Experience the majestic Hagia Sophia like never before with a ticket that ensures a seamless and enriching visit. Skip-the-Ticket-Line Access saves you time, allowing you to bypass long queues and dive straight into the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the grand dome, golden mosaics, and the blend of Christian and Islamic artistry, all at your own pace. Perfect for independent travelers, this ticket allows flexible, unguided exploration. PLEASE NOTE: IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO SKIP OR BYPASS SECURITY CHECKS AT THE ENTRANCE. DURING THE HIGH SEASON, WAITING TIMES FOR SECURITY MAY TAKE UP TO ONE HOUR.

See Istanbul in all its glory at night. Cruise between two continents and don't forget to make a wish as you pass under the Bosphorus Bridge! You will have a delicious dinner of Turkish cuisine and a show program includes live music, belly dancing, national folklore and dervish performances. At the end of the night, everyone will be invited to dance.

Treat yourself to an unforgettable night with the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise. Indulge in a decadent evening filled with an incredible selection of food, desserts, and unlimited drinks. Get a taste of the evening with nonstop cultural dance shows. Glide along the Bosphorus strait as you are dazzled by the sparkle of the city at night. Admire the view of Istanbul's historical buildings from the higher terrace part of the boat.

Skip the lines and step into the heart of Ottoman opulence with the Topkapi Palace Skip-the-Line Ticket and Audio Guide. This exclusive package offers fast-track entry to both the palace and the Harem, allowing you to bypass the regular ticket queues. Upon arrival, meet your English-speaking host 15 minutes before your selected time slot; they will escort you past the ticket booth and guide you to the entrance—note that security checks are still required. Once inside, explore at your own pace with a downloadable audio guide available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, and Arabic. The app provides rich narratives and historical insights, enhancing your visit to the palace's grand courtyards, the ornate Harem, the treasury, and the imperial chambers. Please ensure you download the audio guide in advance, as on-site internet connectivity is limited.

Fast and Easy Access. Visit one of the most famous landmarks with a pre-booked entry ticket and start exploring right away. Your ticket will be sent to you by email 24 hours before your visit — please remember to check your inbox and spam folder. Explore this historic monument with a self-guided audio tour. Climb to the top of the tower and take in breathtaking 360-degree views of Istanbul’s skyline, the Bosphorus Strait, the Golden Horn, and beyond. Learn about Galata Tower’s Genoese origins, its role in the Ottoman era, and its continued significance in modern-day Istanbul. Enjoy the freedom of a flexible, self-paced visit — no group or guide necessary. PLEASE NOTE: IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO SKIP OR BYPASS SECURITY CHECKS AT THE ENTRANCE. DURING THE HIGH SEASON, WAITING TIMES FOR SECURITY MAY TAKE UP TO ONE HOUR.

Welcome – Important Information The confirmation email from Viator is not your entry ticket. After completing your booking, please contact us via WhatsApp. We will send your official QR code tickets immediately. Children under 7 years old are free (with passport or ID shown at the ticket booth). ⏩ Skip the Ticket Line: You will skip the ticket line, but there may be a short wait at the security check. Audio Guide: Scan the QR codes inside Hagia Sophia with your phone to listen to the audio guide. ℹ️ This is not a guided tour. No tour guide is included.

Our tour stands out because it offers an immersive journey through Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, coupled with rich historical insights and personal touches. Explore Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, and its stunning courtyards. Stand in awe of the architectural grandeur of Hagia Sophia and discover its fascinating transformations through the ages. Visit the Blue Mosque and admire its breathtaking tile work and six minarets. Wander through the bustling alleys of the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets, offering a unique shopping experience. And finally, step back in time at the ancient Hippodrome, the center of Byzantine social life. This comprehensive tour, crafted by expert guides, not only covers the must-see sights but also unveils hidden stories and lesser-known facts that make Istanbul a city like no other. Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to experience Istanbul’s vibrant history and culture in depth.