Top Istanbul How to Get Around in 2026

Step aboard a cruise between Europe and Asia on the Bosphorus to enjoy dinner and shoreline views. Eat a 3-course menu of traditional Turkish meze at a private table accompanied by soft drinks and alcohol. In addition to enjoying views of the sites on shore—such as the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge and the Bosphorus Bridge—enjoy a show of traditional Turkish entertainment. Hotel pickup and transfer are included for convenience.

Skip the long entry lines and uncertainty of exploring alone with this private guided tour of Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern. Enjoy VIP fast-track access to the 6th-century Byzantine landmark and discover its atmospheric underground chambers alongside your own expert guide. Gain deeper insight into this hidden city gem while experiencing one of Istanbul’s most unique historic sites in a seamless, time-efficient way.

Experience Turkey’s Ottoman and Byzantine eras during this full-day guided Istanbul city tour in the Sultanahmet district. Aboard a comfortable coach, head to top attractions like Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and the UNESCO-listed museum Hagia Sophia. Witness the lively atmosphere of one of the world’s largest covered markets - the Grand Bazaar. Prior to lunch, enjoy engaging stories about sultans and their harems and other Istanbul lore from your friendly local guide.

Skip the crowds at Topkapi Palace, one of Istanbul’s most popular attractions, with guaranteed on-the-spot entry. Bypass the long entrance lines and discover how Ottoman sultans lived for more than six centuries as you explore the Audience Hall, High Court, palace kitchens, treasury, and the Harem. This hassle-free visit lets you focus on the palace’s history and architecture without wasting time waiting.

Avoid the tourist traps and embark on a private walking food tour of Karakoy and Kadikoy, exploring both European and Asian sides of the city. Roam through markets that most travelers miss, with all tastings included for a seamless experience. From home-cooked dishes and traditional favorites, this tour showcases two different sides of Istanbul through its food.

Enjoy a private half-day food tour through Istanbul's Karakoy and Kadikoy districts, guided through hidden alleyways to savor authentic local flavors. Take the ferry across the Bosphorus Strait, admiring views of Istanbul’s European and Asian sides. Wander through Kadikoy and the Spice Market to indulge in tastings like freshly baked simit, börek, baklava, lahmacun, and street food favorites such as mussel dolma. Conclude at a coffeehouse for a classic Turkish ending.

Enjoy the convenience and flexibility of hiring a private driver and guide to explore Istanbul. Enjoy the freedom to decide where you want to go and for how long. Your personal tour guide and driver will give you detailed information about places you visit and will be happy to answer any questions.

This private day trip saves time by flying you from Istanbul to Cappadocia and back the same day. Travel by private vehicle through the region, visiting iconic attractions like Goreme National Park, the rock-carved houses of Pigeon Valley, and Kaymakli Underground City. Flights, admission tickets, lunch, and door-to-door ground transfers are included.

Perfect for food lovers, experience a whole range of traditional Turkish cuisine with this Istanbul food tour. Visit 7 different eateries and restaurants, often enjoying multiple tastings at each location. Your local guide will keep you away from touristic areas, ensuring you see old local restaurants that serve delicious, centuries-old recipes.

First-time travelers can discover the best of Istanbul with this small-group highlights tour, perfect for getting your bearings in this picturesque city. Explore the city's top landmarks with your guide, find a few hidden gems, and learn about the city's diverse cultural and architectural achievements. Along the way, you will visit the underground Basilica Cistern and the Blue Mosque, and even stop at Ottoman-era Grand Bazaar to get a taste of the time-honored marketplace experience. Be inspired by the local art and craft scene, and discover the secrets of traditional carpet weaving during a visit to a historic carpet workshop.

Get a taste of Turkish culture and see the city from the water on this night-time dinner cruise. Depart from your European-side hotel and sail down Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait. Admire the views of Ottoman palaces and transcontinental bridges. Enjoy dinner and watch a Turkish Night show featuring belly dancing, folk dancing, a henna ceremony, and more.

Get an in-depth exploration of Istanbul on this full-day or half-day private tour. Enjoy personalized attention from your guide and stroll through the Sultanahmet neighborhood. Visit the Hippodrome, the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. Choose to add Topkapi Palace to a full-day itinerary.

Taste your way around the Asian side of Istanbul on this private, half-day food tour through Kadikoy. Enjoy 10 food and drink tastings, with alternatives available for any dietary requirements. Discover neighborhood landmarks and get an off-the-beaten-track perspective on the dynamic Turkish capital from a local host, who can also give you tailored recommendations for the rest of your vacation.

Explore the WWI battlefields and ANZAC memorials along the Gallipoli Peninsula on this full-day tour from Istanbul. Visit sites that can’t be reached by public transport, including ANZAC Cove and Lone Pine, Johnston’s Jolly, The Nek, and Chunuk Bair, and benefit from a guided tour that provides historical context. Learn about the Allied campaign of 1915-16 that resulted in great losses for the Australian, New Zealand, and Turkish troops.

See the main attractions of Istanbul with your private guide and car. Visit the Hippodrome, the center of Roman sporting activities. Explore the Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church, and the Blue Mosque with its blue tiling. Explore the Topkapi Palace, the former seat of the Ottoman Empire, before browsing the Grand Bazaar for artisan goods. Visit a traditional carpet weaving village to see artisans at work.

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.

See the best of Istanbul on this 1-day sightseeing Istanbul shore excursion. With the help of your expert local guide, spend your time at port in Istanbul exploring this world class city’s many highlights. This tour serves as an ideal introduction to this fascinating city that spans two continents and many worlds. After, you will return to your ship for an on-time departure.

Avoid the stress of planning a one-day itinerary in Istanbul with a private walking tour that efficiently connects the city’s layered history. Instead of coordinating multiple routes on your own, your guide leads you through key Ottoman and Roman-era areas before transitioning seamlessly to a Bosphorus ferry ride.

Go beyond the tourist trail and discover the side of Istanbul that most travelers never see. Explore historic mosques, vibrant local bazaars, Bosphorus waterfront views, the iconic Maiden’s Tower, and the colorful streets of Kuzguncuk with a local guide. Start with a beautiful ferry ride while you see the views of both continents. Unlike traditional city tours focused on major attractions, this experience offers an authentic look at daily life on Istanbul’s Asian side. You’ll walk through local neighborhoods, hear fascinating stories, and uncover hidden cultural gems while experiencing the city like a local.

Recognized with UNESCO World Heritage status, Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, while Yalova offers outstanding natural beauty. This full-day tour includes hotel pickup and round-trip transfers from Istanbul, saving you time. See historic mosques, shop souvenirs, explore the forest, and enjoy views from the cable car and chairlift (entrance fees excluded).

Admire beautiful architecture and capture stunning views of illustrious palaces during a full-day tour in Istanbul including a Bosphorus cruise. Aboard a cozy coach explore the highlights of Istanbul including the Walls of Constantinople, views of the Golden Horn and witness the lively Spice Bazaar on foot. You will then experience a must-do in Istanbul, a Bosphorus Strait sightseeing cruise. The cruise concludes with a visit to the beautiful Dolmabahce Palace where Istanbul’s late sultans once resided. Plus, you will gaze over this east-meets-west city for eye-popping views at Yeditepe or Çamlıca Hill.

Istanbul is famous for landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace and Rumeli Fortress—but to access the best views, traveling by land just won’t cut it. On this half-day dinner cruise, take in a front-row panorama of the city’s most iconic attractions along the Bosphorus. As you relax onboard the boat, dig into a lavish dinner spread, followed by live dance performances and a DJ set for a total nightlife package.

Get a holistic look at Istanbul’s highlights on a full-day group tour of the Old City. Together with your guide, you’ll discover the eventful stories behind the Hippodrome, Sogukcesme Sokak, and the German Fountain. Guided visits inside the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace ensure a truly comprehensive experience. Set at a comfortable pace, you’re able to fully appreciate Istanbul's history. Lunch is included at a traditional Turkish restaurant.

Experience Istanbul from the water on board your very own private yacht. Hop aboard a luxury yacht with space for up to 15 people and set sail along the Bosphorus. Admire views of Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, and Rumeli Fortress; tuck into snacks and soft drinks on board; or upgrade to a full-day cruise to visit the Princes Islands.