Best of Istanbul for First time Visitors

Recommended by 91% of travelers

Istanbul, Turkey

7 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Get oriented to Istanbul’s historic peninsula on this small-group highlights tour designed for first-time visitors. With hotel pickup included, visit must-see landmarks including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome. Skip the lines at Topkapi Palace and enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, then browse the vibrant stalls of the Grand Bazaar before returning to your hotel.

Visit the historical highlights of Istanbul in one day
Enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop-off
Experience the exclusivity of a small group tour
Entrance fees for Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace not included

What's Included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Transportation is being used only for the Pick Up service. The rest of the tour is a fully walking tour
Parking Fees
Professional Licenced Tour Guide

Lunch
Entrance fee - Hagia Sophia

€30.00 per person
Entrance fee - Topkapi Palace

€60.00 per person

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

We provide pick up from designated hotels and pick up points

Meeting point

German Fountain
Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
In front of the German Fountain monument in Sultanahmet

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

TopkapI Palace

2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included

Hippodrome

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Blue Mosque

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Grand Bazaar

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Infants must sit on laps
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.5

based on 11 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Well informed guide

Kandys_S, Mar 2026

Guide was excellent and had a high level of knowledge of each of the sites. He was respectful and patient with the whole group.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you very much for choosing our services. We all hope to see you in Turkey with a longer trip..

The tour guide in Istanbul ever!

Debra_G, Oct 2025

Such a great and comprehensive tour with Baris in Istanbul! He was very articulate and knowledgeable, answering all of our questions thoroughly. He was personable and even took time to take photos at the best locations! He assisted me when I dropped my phone, and helped me recover it at a secure location, all while keeping me at ease. We would highly recommend him for an educational and interesting Istanbul experience!

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Thank you very much for choosing our services. We all hope to see you in Turkey with a longer trip..

We recieved a lot of...

Stanley_K, Aug 2025

We recieved a lot of information from Viator saying they would meet us at our hotel, that is the reason we booked the tour. They texted us and we did not hear the text because we were waiting outside . We called and she blamed us. She said for us to hurry or they would leave us.. We went where she told us but we did not see anyone there with any sign so we kept looking. When we got to the place for the second time still no sign. I do not know how she expected us to know her. This was our first impression of Viator in Istanbul.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

First of all, thank you for your feedback I would like to let you know that we have set meeting / pick-up points which you can choose from while booking. We have tried to reach you multiple times before the tour, and were unable to reach you. But again, we are sorry for the experience you had, and would like to make it up to you by serving you if you come to Istanbul again.

Memorable Istanbul Tour

MaryLee_M, Oct 2024

The guide’s sharing his knowledge of the city and guiding us through all the memorable sights effortlessly!

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Thank you very much for choosing our services. It was our great pleasure to serve you. We all hope to see you again in Turkey with a longer trip..

Great start to a short trip

Megan_C, Aug 2023

Mrs. Edru was very knowledgeable and flexible. If you had any questions about anything Istanbul she had the right answer. She was friendly and kind. Its a lot of walking but worth it.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Thank you very much for choosing our services. It was our great pleasure to serve you.. We all hope to see you again in Turkey with a longer trip..

Una buena primera impresion de Estambul.

Elizabeth_B, Jul 2024

La visita a los lugares obligados: Aghia Sofia, la Mezquita Azul, el Palacio Topkapi fue bien programada y organizada. Se combino ademas con la degustacion de un almuerzo tipico turco, la visita a un taller de ceramica artesanal y la enttada al Grran Bazaar. Completo. El guia, educado y comprensivo con las necesidades de los integrabtes del grupo.