Top Istanbul How to Get Around

Step into one of Istanbul’s most charming and character-filled neighborhoods with this unforgettable Fener and Balat Walking Tour. In just a few hours, you will wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with brightly painted houses, historic churches, cozy cafés, and hidden corners that reveal the authentic soul of the city. Your expert guide will lead you through centuries of history shaped by Byzantine, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, and Ottoman communities. From ancient landmarks to trendy photo spots, this tour blends culture, architecture, and storytelling into a delightful local experience. Perfect for travelers who want to see Istanbul beyond the classic tourist paths, this tour delivers color, culture, and history all in one.

Hagia Sophia has served as a church, a mosque, and a museum, and its many changes are hard to follow without context. Your private guide explains how each era shaped the building, from its Byzantine origins through Ottoman rule to its return to use as a mosque in 2020.

Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace are two of the city’s unmissable cultural and historic sites. Focusing on these two places will allow you to concentrate on their beauty and unique histories at leisure, without rushing on to other sites. Save time by skipping the ticket line in Topkapı Palace with priority access, definitely a bonus whether it’s your first time in Istanbul or you’re a repeat visitor.

Discover the cosmopolitan neighborhoods of Istanbul’s Asian side on this full-day tour, including a 3-course lunch of traditional Turkish cuisine. Experience local life as you explore the lively fish market and admire the Ottoman-era architecture of Üsküdar, renowned for its marvellous mosques. After lunch, browse the markets of Kadıköy and wander through the stylish Moda district, before hopping on a ferry for a 20-minute cruise back across the Bosphorus.

Travel back in time nearly two millennia and discover the House of Virgin Mary and Ephesus during this guided day trip from Istanbul. With round-trip flights to Izmir included, you'll fly to the best preserved ancient city in the eastern Mediterranean for an epic trip. Stroll along roads once roamed by toga-clothed Romans; enjoy visits to the Library of Celsus, the stunning Great Theatre; gaze at temples and walk along shop-lined streets. You'll then explore the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, have lunch, and highlight your day with a tour of the stone home where it’s believed the Virgin Mary spent her final days. Numbers limited to 14 on this small-group tour.

Experience Ephesus without the complexity of planning long-distance travel from Istanbul or coordinating multiple transport steps on your own. This private day trip streamlines the journey with included flights and transfers, making it easy to access one of Turkey’s most important ancient regions. With a flexible pace and private guide support, you can focus on the history and significance of key sites rather than logistics or group schedules.

Every neighborhood in Istanbul has a story, and every bite tells part of it. This isn't just a food tour—it's your opportunity to discover Istanbul's history, culture, and everyday life through its food. Led by a licensed professional tourist guide, you'll explore both Europe and Asia, travel like a local by public ferry, and visit carefully selected places that locals genuinely love. From the historic Egyptian Spice Bazaar to the lively streets of Kadıköy, you'll enjoy authentic Turkish delight, traditional Turkish coffee, freshly baked simit, stuffed mussels, traditional Turkish menemen, and freshly made baklava while discovering the stories and traditions behind every stop. With a max of 10 guests, you'll enjoy a relaxed and personal experience Along the way, take in breathtaking Bosphorus views, learn fascinating local history, and receive insider recommendations to make the most of your time in Istanbul. Come hungry. Leave with stories.

Traverse Turkey’s remarkable Aegean Coast without the hassle of planning your own itinerary with this 5-day, 4-night group tour from Istanbul, which includes transportation, accommodation, and breakfast and dinner. See historic cities, ancient ruins, steaming hot springs, and the battlefields of Gallipoli, all with an expert English-speaking guide to enrich your experience with commentary.

Experience Istanbul like a local during this private full-day walking tour, including convenient hotel transfers. Allow your guide to unveil hidden gems and enrich your visit with insider knowledge. Indulge in authentic local cuisine, recommended by your guide, as you explore the old city's enchanting atmosphere away from the crowds. Skip-the-line admission ensures a seamless and time-saving experience throughout your day.

Glide by Istanbul's bridges, bazaars, palaces, mosques and bustling squares as you dine on Turkish cuisine on this Bosphorus dinner cruise, with pickup and drop-off so there's no need for a designated driver. Admire classic monuments and modernist lights as you enjoy a full program of live entertainment, including belly dancers and folk performances.To get you in the party spirit, your dinner includes alcoholic drinks.

Take a poignant tour of the notorious Gallipoli peninsula and walk the idyllic landscapes that played host to some of the most pivotal and bloody battles of WWI. Visit the ANZAC memorials and cemeteries, the Turkish Trenches and the battlefields; take a boat cruise around Brighton Beach and ANZAC Cove; and learn more about the Gallipoli Campaign at the Kabatepe Simulation Center. This 2-day tour from Istanbul, includes overnight accommodation and a visit to the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Troy.

Spend two days exploring Cappadocia on this tour from Istanbul, which introduces you to all of the area's best sights. Stay overnight in a cave hotel and explore locations such as the Kaymakli Underground City, the Rose Valley, Uchisar Castle, the Goreme Open Air Museum, and others. Upgrade to include a 1-hour hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia's unique landscape.

Bursa was the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire, and its cultural and historical attractions make it well worth a visit—but reaching the city from Istanbul can be complicated when you don’t speak the language or know your way around. Ideal for time-pressed travelers, this full-day tour whisks you there and back by air-conditioned vehicle, with lunch, a guide, and a cable-car ride to Uludag Mountain included.

Istanbul is a city full of history, culture, and stunning architecture. It can be overwhelming to navigate on your own, so explore the city at your own pace on a private walking tour with a licensed guide. See the landmarks up close in a walking tour, and walk around stress-free without needing to spend time navigating.

Capital of empires for more than 1,500 years, Istanbul’s Sultanahmet neighborhood is rich in history and world-class attractions. Explore with a private guide who tailors timings and explanations to your group’s knowledge and interest levels on this enriching cultural experience. You’ll visit the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, and Basilica Cistern, with stops at the Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar. Entrance fees are at your expense.

Avoid wasting time at the wrong stalls and enjoy a stress-free private shopping tour of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. This experience is tailored to your interests, with exclusive deals through local connections. Get inside tips on the best stores for souvenirs, jewelry, carpets, ceramics, and more, so you can shop respectfully and like a local on this private tour.

Exploring Buyukada on foot can mean long walks between its historic mansions, viewpoints, and natural areas. Cover more ground with less effort on an e-bike tour through the Princes’ Islands, following a guide to notable sights and scenic coastal spots. Along the way, learn about local history and culture and sample food and drinks, combining active sightseeing with a relaxed way to experience the island.

Go back in time and discover two of Turkey’s most significant historical sites during this 2-day tour of Gallipoli and Troy from Istanbul. Rather than arranging transportation, tours, and accommodation yourself, you can leave the logistics to your guide so you can focus on exploring the monument. Hear stories of the Trojan War and see the famous Trojan Horse, and get insight from your guide that you won't find in the guidebook.

The journey from Istanbul to the Aegean Coast resort of Kusadasi passes some of Turkey’s most-visited attractions, and this 2-day one-way tour ensures that you make the most of your time. Start by visiting the WWI battlefields at Gallipoli, an important place of memorial for both the ANZAC and Turkish troops. Continue to two UNESCO-listed ancient cities, Troy and Pergamon, before ending your tour in Kusadasi.

Explore Ephesus and Pamukkale on this overnight tour from Istanbul. Traveling with a small group of just 15 people or fewer means you'll get personalized attention from your guide as you learn about the ancient history of these sites. Your guide will lead tours of each UNESCO World Heritage Site and be available to answer any questions. Accommodations, and some meals are included.

Dive into Istanbul’s Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history on a small-group 7-hour tour, and visit the city’s historical highlights. Traveling mostly by foot, hear revealing facts and historical anecdotes about the city, and visit must-sees such the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Learn about Istanbul’s remarkable past from your informative guide, and stop for lunch and a shopping session at the Grand Bazaar, home to a myriad of tempting stalls. Numbers are limited to 15 people on this small-group tour to ensure personalized attention from a guide.

Skip the stress of navigating Istanbul on your own with this private city tour. Explore landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace at your own pace with a professional English-speaking driver in a Wi-Fi-equipped vehicle. Enjoy a seamless, flexible, and personalized experience, customizing your visit as you choose (admission fees not included).

Marvel at Istanbul's historic charm on a small-group tour of the Old City, Golden Horn, and iconic skyline. Wander through Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar, then enjoy a serene Bosphorus cruise and take in the view from Pierre Loti Hill. End your day with the often-overlooked Eyup Sultan Mosque for a truly immersive experience. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available as an option for added convenience.

Hello, Dukes and Duchesses! I’m Seth, a professional fashion, portrait, and street photographer with over a decade of experience. Join me for a personalized and unforgettable photoshoot as we explore the breathtaking sights of Istanbul! From the majestic Hagia Sophia and the serene Blue Mosque to the iconic Galata Tower, the vibrant Umbrella Street, and the bustling Taksim Square, we’ll capture beautiful moments together as you experience the city. As your photographer, I’ll provide expert posing guidance, using the best angles and lighting to showcase your journey. Within 48 hours, you’ll receive a link to a digital gallery with high-resolution photos ready for download and easy sharing. Do you have more questions? Feel free to reach out at sethnamin.com or on Instagram @sethnamin. Let’s make memories in Istanbul that you’ll cherish forever!