The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten

Recommended by 100% of travelers

Istanbul, Turkey

3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Leave the tourist crowds of Sultanahmet behind and discover some of Istanbul's attractions that most travelers miss on a small-group tour. This short excursion is perfect for people who have already visited the city's essential attractions and are ready to venture further into Istanbul's history, culture, and cuisine. Listen to illuminating commentary as your guide leads you to the Sehazade Mosque, Pantrokator Church Complex, 6th-century Valens Aqueducts, and more.

Enjoy a small tour group size of maximum 10 people
Get off the beaten tourist path in Istanbul
Have a glass of a traditional non-alcoholic Turkish beverage
Travel like a true Istanbulite on public transit (fares included)

What's Included

All Fees and Taxes
Bottled water

Tea, Turkish coffee and soft drinks are also included.
Tram tickets
Boza.It is a popular drink for istanbullies which is fermented and made of corn yeast.

Lunch

We will take you a local restaurant where they have the famous dish call buryan. You can pay for your own meal, aprox 10-15 USD pp.
Tipping to the guide.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

German Fountain
Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
German fountain is a drinking fountain ( no water splashing ones ). It is a green domed located on the west part of the Blue mosque in the hippodrome square.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.10:00 am

What To Expect

Sehzade Mehmet Mosque

Valens Aqueduct (Bozdogan Kemeri)

Kadinlar Pazari

Vefa Bozacisi

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation

Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

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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)

Featured review

Jenn_D

Burak was entertaining and extremely knowledgeable. We visited areas that we would not have found. Very enjoyable and we thoroughly recommend doing this tour.

Reviews

4.9

based on 11 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Hidden Gems of Istanbul

Maria_C, Feb 2026

Salih was very knowledgeable and even though the weather was attrocious (it was snowing and raining he took us to the hidden gems of Istanbul and kept us engaged and warm. We really recomnend him!!!

Be surprised

Yvette_C, Dec 2025

Firstly my guide Salih Batkin was really a great calm knowledgable friendly person Easy to talk to and answer questions We went to off the beaten track mosques neighbourhoods and past authentic butcher shops and restaurants Tasted 2 authentic brewed drinks you don’t see in the main area I think this is a really good tour to see Istanbul life in the suburb I throughly enjoyed it

Do yourself a favour and book this great tour.

Jenn_D, Nov 2025

Burak was entertaining and extremely knowledgeable. We visited areas that we would not have found. Very enjoyable and we thoroughly recommend doing this tour.

Glimpse the Non-Touristy Istanbul

MaryJane_C, Jun 2025

We travelled by tram toward the university district, and started our tour of non-touristy parts of Istanbul to see some lesser known but equally historically important mosques, a Women's market, the aqueducts, a small significant shop to try some Bosa and ended at a magnificent viewpoint. Denker was a knowledgeable and engaging guide ..... great to get out of the hub-bub to where people who aren't servicing tourists live and work.

Bringing History and Culture to Life

Pravin_M, Mar 2022

Our guide Salih was very friendly and accomodating in the way he delivered the tour to take special interests into account. His depth of knowledge is readily apparent, yet he was able to convey this information in an interesting and engaging manner. The time spent in the Topkapi Palace never felt rushed and Salihs explanations and comments brought a vibrancy to the experience that reading alone cannot convey. Similarly the time spent in the food markets provided a fascinating glimpse into life in the city away from (other) tourists. While not specifically mentioned, the tours that Salih has developed appear to be carefully crafted to avoid crowds and maximise the experience. If you're looking for a tour that presents a deep rich context to Istanbuls history, while avoiding large queues look no further - highly recommended

Response from Host, Mar 2022

Thank you for the this lovely review which is well explaining about our service. We are glad to see that you were happy with our service. We were lucky to have the chance to assist you and we hope to have the chance to assist you again in the future.

Fantastic experience

Donnagiaquinto_G, Jan 2021

Knowledgeable guide who was able to bring the tour to life. Had a delightful day. Covid closures were not a problem and he flexibly guided me to fill the day wonderfully caring for my individual needs.

Response from Host, Jan 2021

Thank you for your lovely review. We were lucky to have you on our tour. We are happy to hear that we managed to provide a good tour despide the COVID closures. We hope to see you travel with My Local Guide Istanbul again in the future.