Private Istanbul Old City Tour

Istanbul, Turkey

5 to 9 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Get an in-depth introduction to Istanbul Old City on this full-day tour. Meet your guide at your hotel and set out to visit the Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, the Egyptian Obelisk, the German Fountain, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. Learn the history of Sultanahmet from your guide and stroll through the Grand Bazaar.

Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off
Learn about local history from a guide
See Old City landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
Visit the Grand Bazaar

What's Included

Local taxes
Professional Local guide and driver
Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Food and drinks
Entrance fees

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Your guide will meet you at your hotel or at Galataport, holding a sign with your name on it, and at the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at the same location.

Itinerary

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

TopkapI Palace

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

Historic Areas of Istanbul

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar Jewelers

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Infant seats available
Most travelers can participate
Children must be accompanied by an adult

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Topkapi Palace is closed to visitors on Tuesdays.
Hagia Sophia is an active mosque. Please note that waiting times may occur, particularly during peak hours and busy periods.
Grand Bazaar is closed to visitors on Sundays. Instead your guide will take you to Spice Bazaar.
This tour takes place entirely within the pedestrian area.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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

4.2

based on 5 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

An alternative tour of Istanbul

roger_g, May 2026

Our guide Renan Saylag met us at our hotel and gave us a choice, two cruise ships in Istanbul and so long queues at the major sites. She took us on a wonderful 6 hour tour of the alternative Istanbul. Round the backstreets, into local shoe makers ( and handbags). We absolutely loved it. When we return we will ask for Renan, a great guide, enthusiastic about her city and country. Plus she is a lovely person.

Response from Host, May 2026

We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed discovering the alternative side of Istanbul with Renan and that the experience exceeded your expectations. It is wonderful to know that her enthusiasm, local knowledge, and personal approach made your tour so memorable. We will gladly share your lovely words with Renan, as feedback like yours is truly appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you again on your next visit to Istanbul.

Great introduction to Istanbul

Carol_C, Sep 2025

We visited three of the most iconic visitor sites in Istanbul with our guide, Omar. He was very friendly and knowledgeable and spoke with us about other places we might visit on our trip with information about how to get there and suggestions of places to eat. We ended our tour with a visit to the Bazaar and again had information about the shops within and outside the bazaar and tips about safety etc.

Amazing tour and guide

Stan_B, Nov 2024

We toured Topkali Palace, Aya Sofia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern. Our guide Sharif, arrived promptly at 0900 with a driver. Sharif was cordial and friendly and spoke English very well. We began the tour at Aya Sofia. Sharif gave us lots of details and history. Considerable time at Topkali Palace with lots of details and history. The Basilica Cistern is amazing. The Blue Mosque is beautiful and Sharif gave us a lot of information about Islam and customs. We skipped the Grand Bazaar with Sharif because we had already gone there. As the tour ended after 8.5 hours, Sharif took us by tram to a great restaurant we had previously found. The tour was very good with almost overwhelming information and sights. Saw these things one could see no other way. Sharif was a great guide. He gave detailed information and he was considerate. He knew site employees who often let us walk around long lines. Recommend this highly.

Response from Host, Nov 2024

Dear Stan, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with your guide Mr Seref. It’s fantastic to know that his information, attitude, and perfect timing made your tour so enjoyable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on another tour in the future. Warmest Regards

No body came

542arfans, Dec 2018

I paid money for nothing, I called them and no body answered me. You people just making money. What a pity.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Dear Arfa, Our tour guide was on time to welcome the guest, He waited more then an hour and he left after he asked the hotel reception and reception said that there wasnt any guest registered with this name! We have proved that the client is not correct. We ask you to delete this review cause its not true! and it damage our reputation... Thank you for your understanding