Top Istanbul How to Get Around

Istanbul is famous for its waterside landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and Maiden’s Tower—but with so many tall buildings, it can be hard to enjoy clear views from land. On this Bosphorus cruise, soak up the city’s scenery while comfortably seated indoors or outdoors, and give sore legs a break. Plus, learn facts behind each attraction via an included online audioguide requiring your own headphones and smartphone.

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 the highlights of Istanbul without worrying about getting lost with this private tour. Your guide teaches you all about the city's history as you explore must-see attractions, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and more, with time left over to explore the countless shops in the Grand Bazaar.

Check off three of Istanbul's top sights in just one day on this convenient small-group tour that takes you to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. Prebooked entry ensures your spot inside each architectural wonder and makes getting inside effortless. At each location, listen as your guide offers insight into history, architecture, and religious significance—information you'd miss if exploring independently.

The Bosphorus Strait divides Europe from Asia, and a Bosphorus cruise is a signature Istanbul experience. This round-trip yacht cruise, with live commentary and fun facts from an experienced guide, covers all the classic waterfront sights—bridges, palaces, the Maiden’s Tower, the Rumeli Fortress, and more. It includes a stop for coffee and snacks in the characterful Kanlıca neighborhood, onboard Wi-Fi, and hotel pick-up and drop-off for added convenience.

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.

Cruise the Bosphorus and savor a delightful Turkish dinner surrounded by stunning views of Istanbul's iconic landmarks, such as the Maiden's Tower and Galata Tower. This 3-hour dinner cruise offers a rich menu featuring mixed grill, grilled fish, and vegetarian options, complemented by live entertainment, including traditional Turkish folk dances and belly dancing. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere on board the luxurious Mega Lüfer yacht, where you can relax with unlimited soft drinks or opt for a local alcoholic drinks package. Perfect for couples and groups looking for a unique dining experience in Istanbul. - Enjoy a 3-hour dinner cruise with picturesque views of Istanbul - Indulge in a multi-course Turkish dinner with various options - Experience live entertainment including folk dances and DJ performances

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.

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.

Prepare to be awed by Istanbul’s magnificent architecture, rich history, and eclectic bazaars as you discover the unmissable highlights of the Old City on this 1-, 2-, or 3-day private tour. Marvel over the glorious Hagia Sophia, learn how the Blue Mosque earned its famous nickname, tour Topkapi Palace to gain an insight into the lavish lifestyles of the Ottoman sultans and their harem, and browse the legendary Grand Bazaar, where you find everything from carpets to Turkish delight.

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 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.

Discover Istanbul’s European and Asian sides—and taste a range of delectable Turkish delicacies—on this full-day, small-group tour. Meet your guide in the morning in Istanbul’s Old City, and be sure to come hungry: you have a day of feasting ahead of you. Explore a spice market, and enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast, before crossing the Bosphorus to trendy Kadikoy. Sip Turkish coffee, visit multiple restaurants, and discover Istanbul’s must-try dishes.

Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace was the seat of Ottoman power. Save time and skip the line for the palace and the Harem on this small group tour. Learn about the history of Topkapi Palace from your guide, and visit the imperial kitchens, the relics room, the royal courts, and the landscaped gardens. Admire the intricate tilework of the Harem and soak in views of the Bosphorus Strait from the palace.

Explore Istanbul’s Old City with a private licensed guide dedicated to your group. Discover the stories behind its iconic landmarks at a pace that suits you, with time for questions, photos, and breaks. Shape your route with your guide around the places that interest you most. Suggested highlights include the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and Grand Bazaar. Your interests and the available time help determine the final itinerary. Choose which ticketed attractions, if any, you would like to enter. Admission tickets are not included and are paid separately only for the attractions you choose to enter. From Byzantine monuments to Ottoman architecture, your guide connects the sights with the people and events that shaped Istanbul, making your walk a personal and engaging introduction to the city.

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.

Get an authentic taste of Istanbul on this food tour, featuring delicious Turkish street eats, a rooftop dinner at a 140-year-old family restaurant, and spectacular city views. Feast on food it’s easy to overlook if exploring alone, and make new friends on this small-group tour, which includes drop-off at Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Eminönü, Galata, Taksim, and cruise ports. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available.

Explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic attractions during this small-group walking tour of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Take a walk through the vibrant Sultanahmet neighborhood and admire the beautiful Islamic architecture of the Blue Mosque. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the Hagia Sophia, where you learn about life under Ottoman and Byzantine rule.

Appreciating Istanbul’s many historical and cultural landmarks can be tricky on a self-led excursion. Explore on a walking tour with a local guide for an intimate insight into top attractions, including the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern. Avoid long lines with priority admission (entrance fees are paid to the guide on the day) and benefit from the small-group tour size for a more personalized experience.

Cruising the Bosphorus Strait affords magnificent views of Istanbul’s European and Asian sides, and the most magical time to set sail is at sunset. On this early evening cruise, relax on a luxury yacht and enjoy drinks and snacks on board as you glide past 19th-century palaces, Rumeli and Anadolu Fortresses, and the Galata district. The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours.

Istanbul has a thriving food scene, but it can be hard to know where to find an authentic Turkish experience. Enjoy an evening immersed in Istanbul's traditional culture with dinner at a historical family restaurant loved by locals, complete with a dervish performance—an 800-year-old tradition that's Unesco Heritage listed. Plus, transportation back to your hotel is included at the end so there's no hassle of flagging a taxi.

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.

Stroll the atmospheric neighborhoods and historic streets of old Istanbul on a full-day, private walking tour with an experienced guide. Enjoy the flexibility to customize the day to your interests, with plenty of time to visit the sites that interest you most. Trace a path through centuries of Turkish history as you explore the hippodrome, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Take in the soaring dome and minarets of Hagia Sophia, then get an insider’s guide to the Grand Bazaar’s vibrant displays of handicrafts, souvenirs and carpets.