Top Istanbul How to Get Around

Step into the golden ages of the Ottoman, Byzantine and Roman empires with a full-day, private walking tour through Istanbul’s Old City. See the monuments and historic sites of Hippodrome Square, where Roman charioteers raced in ancient times, then explore St. Sophia's stunning architecture and museum. See the iconic tiles, mosaics and slender minarets of the Blue Mosque and browse traditional handicrafts inside the Grand Bazaar. Learn about the lives of sultans and courtiers at Topkapi Palace, which contains a remarkable collection of Turkey's greatest holy relics, imperial treasures and artwork.

Exploring Istanbul’s Old Town on your own can mean navigation stress and missing the deeper stories behind its landmarks. This full-day private tour solves that with a personal guide and hotel pickup for a seamless experience. Visit the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and Basilica Cistern at your own pace, with expert insight and the flexibility to tailor the day to your interests.

Explore Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait without stressing about handling the navigation or transportation with this guided yacht cruise, complete with a visit to the Asian side of the strait. Learn about the city's history, landmarks, and culture while your guides share their insights along the way. Take a break at Kanlica to wander its charming streets and savor some creamy yogurt. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Cistern on a 3-hour guided tour. Explore in small groups with skip the line tickets included. Learn about Istanbul’s rich Ottoman and Byzantine history.

Escape Istanbul’s bustle on a luxury sunset cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Sail between Europe and Asia as golden light reveals panoramic, water-level views of the city. Enjoy prime photo opportunities of Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and other iconic landmarks. This small-group experience includes live commentary in English and Spanish, with optional hotel pickup from select areas.

See Istanbul from the water at golden hour, during sunset, and at night on this elegant yacht cruise aboard a double-decker craft with indoor and outdoor areas. You’ll see both European and Asian coasts, with a guide sharing stories behind palaces, fortresses, mosques, and villas. Enjoy local nibbles including baklava, cookies, coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks, with hotel pickup and drop-off included for convenience.

Explore Istanbul’s must-see sights—Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern—on this guided tour, ending with a Bosphorus cruise for breathtaking views of the city. Avoid the hassle of navigating Istanbul’s bustling streets and long queues; instead, focus on experiencing its rich history and cultural wonders. With a guide to streamline the itinerary, you’ll save time and enjoy the city stress-free.

Experience the magic of Istanbul on a Bosphorus dinner cruise, featuring stunning views of landmarks like the Maiden's Tower, Galata Tower, and Bosphorus Bridges. Enjoy a delicious multi-course meal with options like mixed grill or vegetarian dishes, paired with live entertainment including Turkish folk dances, belly dancing, and a DJ performance. With private VIP tables and optional hotel transfers, this unforgettable evening blends culture, cuisine, and breathtaking scenery.

Explore Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet neighborhood on a guided group walking tour. Visit iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia (additional expense), the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, with entry tickets included where applicable. Learn about the city’s rich history and culture as you stroll between some of Istanbul’s most famous sites. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to Istanbul’s old city in a short amount of time.

Travelers who need to stick to a budget but who also want to benefit from the convenience of a private airport transfer will enjoy this service. You’ll be picked up from either of Istanbul’s airports and transported to your accommodation in the central city. Avoid the hassle of public transport while still opting for an economical option.

On the shores of the Golden Horn, the now-fashionable neighborhoods of Fener and Balat played host to a wealth of different cultures over the centuries, particularly Greeks, Bulgarians, and the Jewish community. Discover their rich heritage on this guided walking tour which takes in the Greek Orthodox patriarchate, a Bulgarian Orthodox church, a ruined church, Insta-famous stairs, gorgeous colored houses, a historic tavern, and more. Upgrade for a private experience.

Make the most of your time in Istanbul with a private tour guide and a personalized itinerary. Whether you want to visit top attractions such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, discover Istanbul’s Jewish history, marvel at Roman ruins, or shop for souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar—your tour is tailor-made for you. Your English-speaking guide means there’s no need to worry about the language barrier, navigating a new city, or finding off-the-beaten-track sites.

Explore what lies beneath Istanbul’s city streets on a guided group tour of the Basilica Cistern. Thanks to your guide's illuminating commentary, this immersive visit is perfect for curious travelers who want to go beyond the guidebook. You also have the opportunity to ask questions for a more personalized experience. With skip-the-line admission and tour times available throughout the day, it’s easy to fit this excursion into your vacation schedule.

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Istanbul on this pub crawl. The all women owned and led tours plan everything for you so you can simply go along and have a fun night out. This includes a party bus for transport, drinking games, free drinks, VIP access to some of the best bars and clubs and party photos for memories.

Ensure a stress-free start to your stay in Istanbul with this convenient arrival transfer. Your driver will meet you on arrival at Istanbul Airport, help with your luggage, and drive you directly to your Istanbul hotel or accommodation. Travel in the comfort of a private air-conditioned car or minivan, with no extra stops to pick up other passengers and no waiting around at the airport.

Taste your way around both European and Asian sides of the Turkish capital during this half-day, small-group food tour of Istanbul. Lunch, breakfast, and snacks are included. Get help deciphering local menus as you traverse bustling food markets and family-run shops and eateries in Kadikoy and Karakoy.

Experience Istanbul’s legendary nightlife without the worry of exploring an unknown city by night. With this evening party tour, spend your Friday or Saturday night drinking, dancing, and bar-hopping around Istanbul with a group of fun-seeking travelers and your local guides. Travel on board a party bus and hop off to visit rooftop parties, popular nightlife hubs, and trendy bars known only to locals.

There's no better way to take in Istanbul's beauty than from the water. Discover many of its highlights with none of the step count as you sit back and relax on board this Bosphorus cruise. Learn history and context of what you're seeing as you go with an audio guide, and stay refreshed with unlimited Turkish tea.

Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus. Discover the different styles of its European and Asian sides on this small-group food tour where, unlike on most food adventures, you choose what to eat and where and pay as you go. Start in Karaköy, on the European side, discovering bakeries, cafés, and more; catch the ferry to Kadıköy on the Asian side and uncover markets, street food stalls, and Turkish snacks.

Take advantage of extended layover time in Istanbul on a round-trip tour of city highlights from the airport, customized to suit your interests and schedule. Zip with ease between iconic sights such as the Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar, and benefit from historic and cultural insights provided by your professional guide.

This intimate and in-depth Istanbul food tour focuses on lesser-known culinary hotspots and locally renowned backstreet locations. Eat your way around both European and Asian sides of the city, with stops in Karakoy, Kadikoy, and the up-and-coming Moda neighborhood. The full-day experience includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea and coffee, and bottled water.

Taste your way around Istanbul’s bustling and history-filled Bazaar Quarter during this five-hour, small-group food-tasting tour. Sample delicacies with origins from around the country, from a traditional Konya wedding soup to the Ottoman-era dessert kadayıf from Gaziantep. Understand the neighborhood’s melting pot food culture with explanations and stories from your guide. A full Turkish breakfast spread, lunch, refreshments, and coffee are tea are included.

See some of Istanbul’s historical and cultural highlights without the stress of keeping up with a large tour group, or the struggle of hearing your guide. Join a small-group tour of the Sultanahmet area, visiting the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and more (admissions own expense). You have plenty of chances to ask questions and learn more about Istanbul’s long, colorful history from your guide’s commentary.