All Istanbul Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

7 to 21 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City Tour

ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City Tour

6 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

(1,409)

from $85

Istanbul Private Transfer - IST Airport, Cruise Ports and Hotels

30 minutes to 1 hourFree Cancellation

from $37

Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Cistern of Theodosius

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(521)

from $66

Although many cross-country tours in Turkey only allocate a day to Cappadocia’s preternatural landscape and innovative architecture, most travelers find that a two-day tour strikes the right balance between seeing the region’s highlights and sacrificing time elsewhere in the country. See all of the highlights of Cappadocia comfortably during this two-day tour departing from Istanbul. Don’t risk running out of time to see all of the region’s unique natural heritage; instead, make sure you get to experience all of Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes, its cave churches, and the underground city.

Cappadocia Dream: 2-Days Tour from Istanbul & Balloon Ride Option

2 daysFree Cancellation

4.3

(243)

from $571

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.

Istanbul Highlights Private Tour with free pick up service

4 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

Discover the rich history of Istanbul on this full-day, guided private tour, perfect for first-time visitors. Explore the city's major landmarks like the 400-year-old Blue Mosque and the 1,500-year-old Hagia Sophia, a former Roman church now functioning as both a mosque and a museum. Continue to Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans, Basilica Cistern, and the historic Hippodrome, once the site of chariot races. Finish your tour at the bustling Grand Bazaar, a 500-year-old market offering everything from exotic spices to traditional Turkish goods.

ISTANBUL Full-Day PRIVATE Guided Tour; For the Top Historic Sites

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

Many travel agencies in Istanbul offer island tours, but we are truly different! Most tours claim to visit 2 or 3 islands just to make the itinerary look attractive, but these extra stops are a waste of time and leave guests feeling like they’ve just taken a long boat ride without guide and nothing special to do. The only island truly worth visiting is Büyükada, and that’s exactly where we focus. With us, you won’t waste time on unnecessary stops—instead, you’ll enjoy real time on the island, exploring its beauty and atmosphere the right way. Büyükada is the crown jewel of the Princes’ Islands, famous for its peaceful car-free streets, historic Ottoman mansions, pine-covered hills, and stunning sea views. While many travelers who take standard tours come back saying there’s nothing to do on the islands, our guests say the opposite—because we take the experience one step further with an ısland shuttle vehicle tour that brings the island’s history, culture, and hidden corners to life.

(338)

from $75

Princess Island (Büyükada)Tour with Lunch and Island Shuttle Car

Princess Island (Büyükada)Tour with Lunch and Island Shuttle Car

9 hoursFree Cancellation

The 2-day all-inclusive Cappadocia tour from Istanbul with optional balloon flight is the perfect way to explore this stunning region without the stress of planning. This small-group tour simplifies everything by arranging flights, ground transportation, and guided activities so you can focus on enjoying the incredible scenery. To make your trip even more memorable, you’ll stay in a boutique cave hotel that truly captures the essence of Cappadocia.

(611)

from $23

2 Day All Inclusive Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul with Optional Balloon Flight

2 daysFree Cancellation

(468)

from $715

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.

Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern with Tickets

Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern with Tickets

3 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

İstanbul Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show - Pvt. Table

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(3,126)

from $30

Likely to Sell Out

Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour - Spice Market & Ferry

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 Taste of Two Continents Food Tour - Spice Market & Ferry

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

(3,533)

from $135

Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise with Snacks

Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise with Snacks

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

(2,356)

from $48

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.

Turkish Food Night and Rooftop Experience Istanbul

Turkish Food Night and Rooftop Experience Istanbul

3 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Getting between Istanbul Airport (IST) and the city center on public transportation is time-consuming, while taxi lines can be long. Enjoy a more premium experience when you book this door-to-door private transfer service by a smooth and stylish Mercedes-Benz vehicle. For airport pickups, a video guide helps you meet your driver the effective way so you can depart straight away, avoiding the crowds found with many transfer services.

Istanbul Airport & Cruise Port Transfer – Direct Pickup VIP

30 to 45 minutesFree Cancellation

Experience Istanbul's Beauty from the Bosphorus – Daytime, Sunset & Night Cruises See Istanbul from a unique perspective on our modern, comfortable boat, perfectly timed for a breathtaking sunset or a scenic cruise at any time of the day. Relax and enjoy iconic landmarks along the Bosphorus while our friendly guides share fascinating stories. Iconic Sights Along the Way: As we cruise, you'll pass the Galata Bridge and Tower, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Dolmabahçe Palace (with its Mosque and Clock Tower), Çırağan Palace, and Ortaköy Mosque. Sail under the First Bosphorus Bridge, pass Galatasaray Island, and glimpse Bebek Khedive Pavilion. Admire the Rumeli Fortress before passing under the Second Bosphorus Bridge. On the return, enjoy views of the Maiden's Tower, Topkapı Palace, Yeni Camii (New Mosque), and the majestic Süleymaniye Mosque. Whether you choose a daytime, sunset, or night cruise, each journey offers a memorable perspective of Istanbul.

Enjoy Istanbul’s Bosphorus:2-Hour Daytime, Sunset & Night Cruises

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Discover the heart of Istanbul with a fully private guided Old City highlights tour designed for a personalized and flexible experience. Explore the most iconic landmarks of the historic peninsula in a carefully planned route including Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar, while learning the rich history of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Unlike group tours, this experience allows you to move at your own pace, ask questions freely, and enjoy a more comfortable and intimate exploration of Istanbul’s Old City. This tour is perfect for visitors who want to experience the essential highlights of Istanbul in a limited time with a knowledgeable local guide.

(2,021)

from $12

Private Guided Istanbul Highlights Tour Top Historical Sites

Private Guided Istanbul Highlights Tour Top Historical Sites

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

(61)

from $75

Uncover the lesser-known treasures of Istanbul on this captivating half-day tour exploring the City Walls of Constantinople, the historic Yedikule Fortress, the Chora Museum, and the vibrant neighborhoods of Fener and Balat. Walk through the ancient fortifications that once protected empires, marvel at Byzantine art in the Chora Museum, and immerse yourself in the colorful streets that showcase the city’s rich cultural tapestry. With a professional guide sharing local insights, this tour is perfect for culture enthusiasts, history buffs, and photographers seeking authentic experiences away from the crowds. - Duration: 4 hours and 30 minutes - Guided exploration in English or Spanish with a professional licensed guide - Includes entrance to Yedikule Fortress; Chora Museum entry not included - Convenient hotel pick-up from centrally located areas

Historic Istanbul Shared Tour

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Visit the legendary city of Troy on this day-trip from Istanbul. Feast on Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant when you arrive in Eceabat. After lunch, wander around the ancient ruins of Troy, including the Odeon stage, the Bouleuterion and a replica of the Trojan horse. Witness ongoing excavations and learn more about Greek mythology. You will even go on a ferry ride on the Dardanelles between Europe and Asia.

Troy Full-Day Guided Tour incl. Transfer, Ferry Tickets w/Lunch

17 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(144)

from $149

Wonders of Istanbul Full Day Private Guided City Tour

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

(429)

from $75

Arriving in Istanbul to begin a holiday is every traveler’s fantasy—but contending with long taxi lines and a confusing metro system is often the disappointing reality. Ease your travel worries with this private transfer service from Istanbul Airport. Enjoy a meet-and-greet from your driver, then ride with ease all the way to your hotel in Taksim or Sultanahmet or the cruise port in a standard or luxury vehicle.

Istanbul Airport (IST) Hotels and Cruise Port Pravite Vip Transfers

Istanbul Airport Private VIP Transfers Hotels and Cruise Port

30 minutes to 1 hourFree Cancellation

4.8

(496)

from $36

Per group

Istanbul private tour with skip line tickets included

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.

Istanbul private tour with skip line tickets included

4 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

(208)

from $214

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.

Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar

Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(326)

from $25

The ideal introduction for first-time visitors to Istanbul, this attraction-packed, full-day tour covers the most popular landmarks in the one-time Ottoman capital. See where hundreds of thousands of spectators once gathered in the Hippodrome, watch a handicrafts demonstration by the Grand Bazaar, marvel at centuries-old attractions in the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, and more. Tours include a multi-course Turkish lunch plus transfers from central hotels and the cruise port.

Small Group Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour with Lunch & Tickets

7 hoursFree Cancellation

ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City Tour

(86)

from $167

1 2 3

...

116

Top Attractions in Istanbul

1 / 2

Attractions

What are people saying about Istanbul

Monique_S, Aug 2026

Historical immersion of Istanbul

This was our first trip to Istanbul. We stayed in Old Town which was perfect. Sabit picked us up at our hotel and we were able to walk to all of the sites included in the tour. He was extremely knowledgeable about not only the sites but the history of the region and helped us to fully appreciate the history that we were witnessing. There was ample time to fully experience all of the sites and to enjoy a delicious meal at lunch.

Istanbul Private Transfer - IST Airport, Cruise Ports and Hotels

Alejandro_R, Aug 2026

Sabit was great guide

Did private walking tour with Sabit K during our stay in Istanbul. He was extremely knowledgeable about Istanbul and Turkey and also spoke great English. He was flexible with the tour and let us dictate what major sites we wanted to see (or skip). He helped us pick an amazing spot for lunch and helped us return to our hotel via metro. Would highly recommend him as a guide.

Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour - Spice Market & Ferry

Deanna_D, Aug 2026

Fantastic Food, Culture, and History with Bahri

First, let me say that our tour guide, Bahri, was AMAZING! He was knowledgeable, personable, and incredibly friendly. He made this walking tour about so much more than just food and its history—he seamlessly incorporated Istanbul’s history and culture throughout the experience, which made the day even more special. We started around 9:30 a.m. with an introduction to Turkish sweets before making our way to an amazing, authentic Turkish breakfast. From there, we visited the Spice Market, where Bahri gave us a wonderful look at how locals shop for spices and other market goods, including fruits, nuts, Turkish delights, and so much more. We continued through various markets, sampling fresh fish, local delicacies, Turkish treats, and appetizers along the way. A special call-out has to go to the stuffed mussels—they were the highlight of the tour for me! We ended on a sweet note with Turkish ice cream and, of course, baklava. I can’t say enough about the quality of this tour or about Bahri. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience, and his knowledge and personality truly made the day memorable. If you’re visiting Istanbul, this is one tour you don’t want to miss! Also, is a great resource for local restaurants; the dinner recommendation was exceptional and not to be missed!

Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

Rebecca_A, Aug 2026

Best tour ever

Absolutely best tour we’ve ever done! Volkan was our tour guide and he was extremely knowledgeable and efficient (we avoided so many crowds and lines) while maintaining a good pace for our kids. It was very nice to have someone who knows how to navigate the city, sites, and lines, who knows the history, and who makes the tour engaging for everyone. I cannot recommend this tour more!

ISTANBUL Full-Day PRIVATE Guided Tour; For the Top Historic Sites

Tamari_G, Aug 2026

Incredible tour!! Our...

Incredible tour!! Our guide, Cuneyt, was exceptional. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, and took us to a couple of special extra places to show us more about the culture and heritage of Istanbul. I cannot say enough good things about him and the tour. There are many tours to choose from on Viator, and I can tell you for certain that this one exceeds expectations and is more than worth it. Touring with a local who is passionate and knowledgeable about the history and culture of the region you are visiting is invaluable. Thank you, Cuneyt!!

Istanbul Traditional Turkish Dinner and Dervish Experience

Robert_P, Aug 2026

Delicious food for mind and body

This is wonderful mix of mistical music and very delicious food for dinner afterwards. Also both locations - very old Ottoman theatre and over 130 year old family owned restaurant were perfect. Not to mention the delicious food (also vegetarian option which was chosen by my wife). Plus we were very lucky with our personal guide Zeynep. She told us a lot about Sufic (Dervish) religion, its rituals and history, and about all the food recipies we were eating later for dinner. But we also had very interesting conversation on other world's places and cultures (it's just happens that we are all quite intensive world travelers so the exchange was interesting). Additionally she send us later a lot of additional material of Dervish and Turkish cousine.

İstanbul Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show - Pvt. Table

Roberto_G, Aug 2026

Solo traveler - discovering the world one trip at a time!

I booked the cruise the night before the cruise. Arriving at the port and boat was an easy 20min walk from Taksim. The experience started with a live dance (whirling dervish) and light snacks. Once the boat pulled from harbor, dinner started 10min after, along with more live acts. The entire experience in the boat, food, dancing and entertainment were spectacular! Don’t forget to step outside from time to time to capture the beautiful scene and views from both sides (EU and Asia) side of Istanbul. My waiter was Adem which kept me informed of what was happening and kept my beer full. The manager of the boat was extra special and switched my seat from the back to a table that that was centrally located to the performance stage, Tuan was amazing and very accommodating

Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern with Tickets

Cerene_H, Aug 2026

Umut was a great guide for Blue Mosque and more

This was a wonderful tour. Umut was funny, gave us a lot of history and information in a fun way. The sights were amazing. He gave general suggestions about what to do afterwards without naming any particular place. Ig was like visiting the sights with a friend showing us around their town. There was ample for breaks and the tour moved at a good pace. He answered all questions. I loved hearing how he told stories. Great tour!! I hope you get Umut as your tour guide! Highly recommend!! There is zero sales pitch anywhere in this tour so no need to worry about that. It was a warm day and he was quite mindful to keep us in the shade as we moved from monument to monument.

Wonders of Istanbul Full Day Private Guided City Tour

scottybmaine, Jul 2026

Time well spent

From where our hotel was located, the tour was 100% a walking tour. Our guide was knowledgeable about the historic sites we visited and how the culture in Turkey has been formed over the centuries as this region sits between Europe, the Middle East and Asia. We were exhausted at the end of our day but believe our time and energy were very well spent. Our guide introduced us to a “locals” restaurant. The food and price were fabulous. We highly recommend this tour but be sure to cover your knees if you are a man and women bring a scarf to cover your head and a sweater or shawl for your shoulders. We were very happy with our decision to take a private tour as opposed to trying to stay up with many of the larger “group” tour groups we saw while out and about during our tour yesterday.

Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise with Snacks

Allison_H, Jul 2026

A must-do in Istanbul

This wasn’t part of our original plan, but our guided and hotel both told us it was a must do, so we booked. The price was reasonable and the hotel pickup was hassle-free. And the cruise itself was amazing. You get a sense of Istanbul’s size and history, and it’s simply gorgeous. We asked and were told the best seats were in the back—we got a seat on the left (if you’re facing the front of the boat) and it was perfect. The coast was on our left the whole trip, so we had the best views for photos! Bring a light jacket—even on a 90° day, I wore mine the whole time on the water!

Enjoy Istanbul’s Bosphorus:2-Hour Daytime, Sunset & Night Cruises

Peter_D, Jun 2026

Great value, with a brilliant ‘live’ audio commentary

Great value for money, a full 2 hour cruise, great pictures of the sunset, easy to understand meeting-point instructions (sent to us on the afternoon before the cruise) and a fabulous ‘live’ audio commentary in both English and Turkish. Very highly recommended.

Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Cistern of Theodosius

Jesse_M, Jun 2026

Great cultural sites to view but be weary of construction and crowds

Great experience and tour guide who was always visible and made sure the entire group was accounted for (trust me when you have that many tourists and tour groups it can be very overwhelming in popular cultural attractions such as Blue and Hagia. One thing I did not expect his how much repair/construction going on inside and around both mosques and how much of the internal structures were off limits (which I totally get as they are active worship sites for people who actually live there). Crowd can be overwhelming and have a negative impact on all facets of the experience