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Istanbul Modern City Walking: Taksim to Galata With Secret Passages

Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Istanbul, Turkey
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • Group discounts
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9
·
· Deepti_S ·
Sep 2025
Erol was an excellent guide, took us around from taskim to Galata. Introduced us to the history; buildings, food place. We got a good gist of the city - places to eat and shop at. It was good pace, walking and did not get tired.
· ELENI_F ·
Dec 2025
Our guide was very knowledgable, helpful and friendly!He took us to the most amazing places of Istanbul and he really helped us the history behind them!So much worth it!

Explore our promoted experiences

Overview

    What's Included

    • Professional Guide
    • Small Group
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Gratuities

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • Cafe Marmara
      Gümüşsuyu, Tak-ı Zafer Cd. No:3/1, 34437 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

      Meet your guide in front of (outside) CAFE MARMARA, located beneath The Marmara Taksim Hotel at Taksim Square. Your guide will be wearing an official tour guide badge and will be easy to recognize.

    End point

    • Galata Tower
      Bereketzade, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

      Our tour concludes near to Galata Tower, leaving you free to continue your Istanbul sightseeing.

    Operating hours
    .2:30 pm

    Itinerary

    1

    Taksim Square

    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Taksim Gezi Park (Pass By)

    Republic Monument (Pass By)

    2

    Balik Pazari

    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    3

    Beyoglu

    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    4

    Hagia Triada Church

    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    5

    Cicek Pasaji

    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    6

    Avrupa Pasaji

    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    7

    Passage Hazzopulo

    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    8

    St Antoine Catholic Church

    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    9

    Istiklal Caddesi

    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Pera Museum (Pass By)

    The Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews (Pass By)

    10

    Galata Tower

    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Kamondo Stairs (Pass By)

    Historic Areas of Istanbul (Pass By)

    Karakoy (Pass By)

    Galata Koprusu (Pass By)

    Halic (Pass By)

    Istanbul (Pass By)

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    • Infants must sit on laps
    • Most travelers can participate
    • Not suitable for stroller
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 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

    4.9
    based on 59 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
    We perform checks on reviews

    Exceptional Guide!

    ELENI_F, Dec 2025
    Our guide was very knowledgable, helpful and friendly!He took us to the most amazing places of Istanbul and he really helped us the history behind them!So much worth it!

    Erol was a great guide...

    Tracy_R, Nov 2025
    Erol was a great guide and took us to some very interesting places we would never have found by ourselves. He also gave us a good overview of where the locals go and what they eat.

    Erol was an excellent...

    Deepti_S, Sep 2025
    Erol was an excellent guide, took us around from taskim to Galata. Introduced us to the history; buildings, food place. We got a good gist of the city - places to eat and shop at. It was good pace, walking and did not get tired.

    Our guide was amazing and you will see things that are in plain sight but you didn’t know were there

    Catherine_C, Sep 2025
    Delving into the back streets was fascinating. Our guide had the most amazing insight and knowledge to share and was enthralling. I learnt so much despite having lived in Istanbul many years ago. My only suggestion to her would be to use headsets as she is quietly spoken and it is a busy area.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for sharing your thoughtful feedback! 🌟 We’re so glad you enjoyed our Istanbul Modern City Walking Tour: Taksim to Galata With Secret Passages and discovered fascinating details hidden in plain sight. It’s wonderful to hear that even after living in Istanbul, our guide’s knowledge and insights brought you a new perspective on the city’s history and culture. We also truly appreciate your constructive suggestion regarding the use of headsets in busier areas — feedback like yours helps us improve our guest experience. We hope to welcome you back soon for another journey through Istanbul’s history, food, and culture — whether it’s exploring the Old City, enjoying a Bosphorus cruise, or sampling delicious Turkish street foods.

    Excellent guide, interesting tour

    Caroline_B, Sep 2025
    Fabulous tour in areas we would have never known about - we were in a small group and so it was very informative. Kim, out guide was lovely and explained all areas of interest in a very entertaining and joyful way.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you so much for your kind words! 🌟 We’re delighted you enjoyed the Istanbul Modern City Walking Tour: Taksim to Galata With Secret Passages. Exploring hidden corners of the city with a small group allows for a more personal and insightful experience, and we’re thrilled that Kim’s joyful and informative guiding style made the tour memorable for you. Istanbul is full of fascinating stories and secret gems, and it’s wonderful to hear that this tour helped you discover places you may not have found on your own. We’d love to welcome you back to explore more of the city — from the historic Old Town to culinary adventures across two continents.

    Great experience, our...

    Drina_J, Aug 2025
    Great experience, our tour guide was very kind and knowledgeable. Ideal way to familiarise oneself with the city and the hidden gems of the laneways. Highly recommend 😊

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed discovering the hidden gems of Istanbul with our guide. Walking through Taksim and Galata’s secret passages is such a special way to connect with the city, and we’re glad it gave you a great introduction. Your recommendation means a lot to us—hope to see you again for more Istanbul adventures!

    Great modern city tour!

    Gennady_K, Jun 2025
    Great tour, with hidden gems. Super knowledgeable tour guide, best experience in Istanbul! We would recommend this tour to everyone visiting Istanbul for the first time!

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed discovering Istanbul’s hidden gems with our knowledgeable guide. It’s wonderful to know that your experience stood out as one of the best in the city. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back for more memorable adventures in Istanbul!

    Purely by chance, I was...

    Phil, May 2025
    Purely by chance, I was the only one on this tour--a private tour for the price of a group tour. Guide was knowledgeable, personable, enjoyable and helpful.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    What a fantastic coincidence! We are so glad you got to enjoy a private Istanbul tour and that our guide made it such a wonderful experience. It’s great to hear that our guide was knowledgeable, personable, and helpful. We strive to make every tour special, and it's clear that your guide delivered. Thank you for your kind words! We hope to welcome you back on another tour soon.

    Great experience! Tour...

    Cassie_M, Feb 2025
    Great experience! Tour guide was very knowledgeable and easy going. I really enjoyed the tour and learned lots

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for sharing your experience! We're so glad you had a great time on your tour and that our guide was both knowledgeable and easygoing. It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the tour and learned a lot about Istanbul. We hope to see you again soon!

    A very worthwhile tour!

    Lyn_W, Jan 2025
    From the moment I met my Guide I felt I was going to learn more about Istanbul and the area around Taksim Square He gave so much interesting information about the area that you would never get by exploring yourself. I was so very pleased with my experience and I would recommend this tour with this guide to others. You will not be dissapointed

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you felt a connection with your guide right from the start and that you learned so much about the Taksim area on your Istanbul tour. It's our goal to provide insights and stories that you can't find on your own, and we're so glad your guide delivered on that. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we appreciate you taking the time to share it. We hope to see you on another tour soon!

    We had a great time with...

    Michelle_C, Dec 2024
    We had a great time with Enrol our local guide. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and most importantly knows all the great food places. This was the perfect tour to get a taste of Istanbul if you don't have a lot of time

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for the fantastic review! We're so glad you had a great time with our local guide, **Erol**. It's wonderful to hear that his friendly nature and extensive knowledge of Istanbul's best food spots made your experience so enjoyable. We agree—it's the perfect tour for anyone who wants a delicious taste of the city, even if they're short on time.

    Great tour and guide!

    Sondra_O, Dec 2024
    Excellent guide! He was so knowledgeable and friendly. We really enjoyed our time on this tour and highly recommend it!

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a great time on the tour and that you found your guide to be both knowledgeable and friendly. Your high recommendation means a lot to us!

    Discover hidden ancient passageways and beautiful churches

    Geraldine_S, Oct 2024
    Finding the hidden passageways in the Pera District and the beautiful churches which we would not have found without our guide

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    That's fantastic to hear! We are so glad that you had such a wonderful time exploring the hidden gems of the Pera District. It's our goal to provide unique experiences that you wouldn't find on your own, and it sounds like our guide did a great job of showing you those beautiful, hidden passageways and churches. Thank you for your review—it means a lot to us to know we're helping people discover the true magic of Istanbul.

    Wonderful walking tour with Isil!

    Simon_R, Sep 2024
    On out first day in Istanbul we enjoyed an absolutely wonderful walking tour with Isil, spending a few hours getting to know the Taksim- Kadakoy area. Her English is perfect, she has a great knowledge of the city and it's history and took us to some wonderful places that we certainly wouldn't have discovered on our own. Can't recommend this tour, and this guide, highly enough.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so glad you had such a great experience with **Işıl** on your first day in **Istanbul**. It's fantastic to hear that her perfect English and deep knowledge of the city's history helped you discover so many wonderful places you wouldn't have found on your own. We truly appreciate your high recommendation of both the tour and your guide.

    Wonderful walking tour

    Grizel_U, Jul 2024
    My tour guy was fantastic. She was able to provide me with the history about the neighborhood. I found the neighborhood to be quite interesting. In fact, I went back there twice based on some of the things that she talk to me about.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for your review! We're so glad you had such a wonderful experience on the **Istanbul Modern City Walking Tour**. It's fantastic to hear that your guide was able to share so much interesting history about the neighborhood and that her insights inspired you to return and explore it more on your own. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to her.

    A great experience

    Shan_C, May 2024
    A great experience. Elif was very knowledgeable and I learnt so much. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Istanbul. Unfortunately the Galata tower was closed for maintenance but that is something which could not be avoided.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for sharing your experience! We're so glad you had a great time on your tour and that **Elif**'s knowledge made it such a valuable learning experience for you. We appreciate your understanding about the **Galata Tower** being closed. We always do our best to adapt to these situations and ensure our guests still have a wonderful and informative tour. Your high recommendation for anyone visiting **Istanbul** means a lot to us!

    Istanbul tour with Gamze

    Mathews_G, May 2024
    Gamze gave our family a wonderful tour and had many details to share and showed us many unique restaurants which only a local would know. She was pleasant and knowledgeable

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so glad that **Gamze** gave your family such a wonderful and memorable tour. It's fantastic to hear that her knowledge and pleasant demeanor, combined with her ability to show you unique, local restaurants, made your experience so special. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to her!

    Must so!

    Nancy_M, Apr 2024
    Our guide Tolga is excellent. Knowledge, friendly and excellent English. We could have never appreciated the area without his insight and off the beaten paths he took us.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so glad you had such a great experience with **Tolga** and that you found him to be so knowledgeable and friendly. It's fantastic to hear that his insights and ability to take you off the beaten path made you appreciate the area in a way you couldn't have on your own. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words to him.

    Great tour!! Don't hesitate to book this one.

    Brenda_G, Mar 2024
    Erol gave us a wonderful tour of the backstreets of the Taksim and Galata areas of Istanbul. He was very knowledgeable and weaved us in and out of the areas where the locals eat and hang out. It was a very enjoyable way to get acclimated to the area.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for your fantastic review! We're so glad you had such a wonderful tour with Erol. It's great to hear that he was able to guide you through the backstreets of the Taksim and Galata areas, providing a genuine glimpse into where locals eat and hang out. Getting acclimated to a new neighborhood in such an enjoyable way is exactly what we aim for. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words to him. We hope to see you again soon for another adventure in Istanbul!

    Wonderful Taksim to Galata walking tour!

    Melinda_H, Nov 2023
    Thank you to my lovely, knowledgeable tour guide, Mr Erol Utgun. What was initially booked as a group tour turned out to be a private tour which was amazing! We walked me down Istikial Ave, winding our way through secret passages to Galata Tower. Erol’s knowledge of history and culture, combined with his love of food proved to be a sensational way to see and taste Istanbul. Erol has given me, a single female traveler. the confidence to walk solo throughout Istanbul. Thank you Erol.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for the wonderful review! We are so glad to hear that you had such a great experience on the **Istanbul Modern City Walking Tour** with **Erol**. It sounds like it was a truly special experience, especially since it turned into a private tour. We're proud that Erol's deep knowledge of history, culture, and food made your walk from **Taksim** to **Galata** so sensational. It means a lot to us that he was able to give you the confidence to explore **Istanbul** solo. We will be sure to pass on your heartfelt thanks to him.

    A walking tour at a good pace with an enthusiastic guide!

    Ann_O, Oct 2023
    Elif was prompt, knowledgeable, and an enthusiastic guide. Zigzagged through the city and secret passages at a good pace. The view from the top of the Galata Tower was incredible. Elif was very helpful in helping us navigate the Istanbul card machine. Ended the tour at the spice market where I was able to finish my shopping for gifts to take home. Great tour!

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for your review! We're so glad you had such a great experience on the **Istanbul Modern City Walking Tour**. It's wonderful to hear that your guide, **Elif**, was prompt, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. We're happy that you enjoyed the pace of the tour and the incredible view from **Galata Tower**. We're especially proud that she went the extra mile to help you with the Istanbul card machine and that the tour's end at the **Spice Market** was convenient for your shopping.

    Modern Istanbul history

    Rachael_J, Sep 2023
    The guide we had was very knowledgable and accommodating. The tour itself took in the main sights for Modern Istanbul and some of the ‘off the beaten track’ sights like the oldest working lift in one of the exclusive hotels!

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for your wonderful review! 🌟 We’re thrilled you enjoyed our Istanbul Modern City Walking Tour: Taksim to Galata with Secret Passages. Our guide will be delighted to hear that their knowledge and accommodating style made the tour enjoyable, highlighting both the main sights of modern Istanbul and the hidden gems, like the oldest working lift in one of the city’s exclusive hotels. Exploring both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path locations is a unique way to experience Istanbul’s rich history and vibrant culture. Your recommendation will help future travelers discover authentic walking tours in Istanbul. We hope to welcome you again soon — perhaps for a culinary tour, Bosphorus cruise, or a private guided tour of the old city.

    Great walking tour

    Jackie_D, Sep 2023
    Elif is knowledgeable and personable; we had a great afternoon with her and would highly recommend her - a great ambassador for the fascinating city of Istanbul.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you so much for your kind review! 🌟 We’re thrilled that you enjoyed our Istanbul Modern City Walking Tour: Taksim to Galata with Secret Passages. Elif will be delighted to hear that her knowledge and personable style made your afternoon memorable and enjoyable. Exploring both the main sights and hidden passages of modern Istanbul with a passionate local guide is one of the best ways to experience the city authentically. Your recommendation helps future travelers discover our walking tours and experience Istanbul like a local. We hope to welcome you again soon — perhaps on a culinary tour, Bosphorus cruise, or a Hidden Streets Walking Tour.

    Erol, a great tour guide. Don't let history pass you by on the streets of Istanbul

    Suzie_D, Aug 2023
    Erol, our incredible and knowledgeable guide, walked and talked through the passages of İstiklal, Avenue, a lively street where millions walk every day. We learnt so much about Turkish history and culture, that we would never have known without Erol's expertise. Highly recommended. Especially with Erol.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 🌟 We’re thrilled that our Istanbul Modern City Walking Tour: Taksim to Galata with Secret Passages provided such an insightful and enjoyable experience. Erol will be delighted to hear that his knowledge and storytelling brought the history and culture of Istanbul’s streets to life for you. Exploring İstiklal Avenue and hidden passages with a passionate local guide is one of the best ways to connect with the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Your recommendation will help future travelers find our walking tours and experience Istanbul authentically.

    Loved the tour

    Sahil_G, May 2023
    Erol our guide was great and we actually had 2 tours with him. Excellent guide very understanding, helpful, friendly, informative and went out of his way to show us everything he could about Istanbul. 👍👍Brilliant.

    Taksim Square walking tour

    Ronel_N, Mar 2023
    Guide Made an effort to take us to areas that are not typical for tourists. Was very informative and pace was good.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for this wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our Istanbul tour and that our guide's effort to show you non-touristy areas made your experience special. Providing authentic, local experiences is what we're all about. We're glad the pace was comfortable and that you found the tour informative. We'll be sure to pass on your compliments to the guide. We hope to welcome you on another one of our unique tours in the future!

    Fun, easy, walk!

    Kayla_G, Jan 2023
    What an interesting evening walk down Istiklal. Our guide, Erol, showed us life beyond the Main Street, and gave interesting historical highlights, while zigzagged toward Galata Tower. We had a great time! I definitely recommend going on this if you have a spare evening, be sure to pay the 175 lira fee to go to the top of the tower! It does not disappoint!

    Response from Host, Feb 2023

    Thank you for sharing your experience of the evening walk down Istiklal with Erol! We're thrilled to hear that you had an interesting and enjoyable time, and that Erol was able to show you a different side of the area beyond the Main Street. We're glad that the historical highlights he provided added to your understanding and appreciation of the area. We're also glad to hear that you enjoyed the visit to Galata Tower and found it to be worth the 175 lira fee. Thank you for recommending this tour to others, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable experience in the future!

    Tour de force!

    Joseph_M, Apr 2022
    Erol was a fantastic tour guide - knowledgeable, well-paced and engaging, brimming with facts on everything from food, language, architecture, lifestyle, and eating and drinking customs, not to mention a span of history leaping between ancient times to the modern day! A great way to get to know the modern city - would highly recommend!

    Outstanding tour!!!

    David_U, Nov 2021
    Outstanding tour!!! Erol was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic as he showed the non-tourist areas along side streets in the Taksim area as well as providing historical context. Highly recommend!!!

    My first tour of Istanbul.

    Nawar_A, Oct 2021
    I booked this tour the day I arrived in Istanbul for the first time, such a pleasant experience, especially since I stayed in the Galata neighborhood so it gave me a good insight on what’s around, Erol did a fantastic job describing neighborhoods from the angle of a local. Highly recommended!

    From $64.54

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    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 44 days in advance.

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