The former capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul is a vibrant city filled with magnificent architecture and a rich history as the bridge between east and west. Perfect for first-time visitors, this in-depth guided walking tour covers the main attractions while also venturing to hard-to-find secret spots. Leave the navigation to your guide, who also provides illuminating commentary.
After meeting your guide at Sultanahmet Square, head off on a scenic stroll through one of the world’s most spectacular cities. Your guide will tell stories from the heyday of Byzantine and Ottoman rule as you wander the picturesque streets. This tour aims to give you an overview of the city, its historic attractions, museums, local arts and traditions etc.
Duration
The tour starts at
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Basilica Cistern *
Spacious Roman built cistern shows off impressive Roman engineering
This spacious Roman built cistern shows off impressive Roman engineering was commissione...
This spacious Roman built cistern shows off impressive Roman engineering was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. The largest surviving Byzantine cistern in İstanbul has been backdrop for many movies over time. Its cavernous depths make a great retreat on hot summer days.
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Caferaga Medresesi
The Caferağa Medresseh is a former medrese and now recognised as an important centre of...
The Caferağa Medresseh is a former medrese and now recognised as an important centre of Turkish classical arts where traditional Turkish handicrafts such as calligraphy, ceramics, jewelry and so forth are taught, made and sold.
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Sogukcesme Sokak
This is a small street with beautiful historic houses which are leaning against the wall...
This is a small street with beautiful historic houses which are leaning against the wall of Topkapi Palace.
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Hagia Sophia Mosque *
Began its life as a church in 532 AD, converted into a mosque after the Turkish conquest...
Began its life as a church in 532 AD, converted into a mosque after the Turkish conquest of Constantinople in 1453 and now a museum since 1935. By general consensus, it is the most important Byzantine structure and one of the world’s great monuments built under the direction of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Istanbul and famous for its lofty interior, stunning surviving mosaics and the massive dome...
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Topkapi Palace *
Imperial residence of Ottoman sultans is the subject of more colorful stories than most ...
Imperial residence of Ottoman sultans is the subject of more colorful stories than most of the world's museums put together. Libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines and scheming eunuchs lived and worked here between the 15th and 19th centuries when it was the court of the Ottoman empire. About 24 sultans ruled from the Topkapı Palace for nearly four centuries during the Ottoman Empire's 600-year reign
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Sultanahmet Square
"Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman ...
"Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. This beautiful square and a great place to make a stop, relax and take photos of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
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Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque *
Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque by many tourists because of its bluish int...
Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque by many tourists because of its bluish interior decoration( blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design), is the most important mosque of Istanbul standing next to the Byzantine Hippodrome in the old city center..
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Hippodrome
Go to the former Hippodrome of Byzantine chariot races, see the ruins and hear the stori...
Go to the former Hippodrome of Byzantine chariot races, see the ruins and hear the stories behind the scene
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German Fountain
Constructed as a present from German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1898, it represents one of th...
Constructed as a present from German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1898, it represents one of the most beautiful monuments in Istanbul.
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Serpentine Column
Also known as the Serpentine Column, Plataean Tripod or Delphi Tripod, is an ancient bro...
Also known as the Serpentine Column, Plataean Tripod or Delphi Tripod, is an ancient bronze column at the Hippodrome of Constantinople (known as Atmeydanı "Horse Square" in the Ottoman period). It is part of an ancient Greek sacrificial tripod, originally in Delphi and relocated to Constantinople by Constantine the Great in 324.
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Walled Obelisk
The Walled Obelisk or Masonry Obelisk (Turkish: Örme Dikilitaş) is a Roman monument in...
The Walled Obelisk or Masonry Obelisk (Turkish: Örme Dikilitaş) is a Roman monument in the form of an obelisk. It is situated at the southern end of the ancient chariot-racing track of Constantinople's central barrier, beside the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column.
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Tahtakale District
"Shop till you drop" in Tahtakale, a sub-district of Istanbul's Eminönü, where you can...
"Shop till you drop" in Tahtakale, a sub-district of Istanbul's Eminönü, where you can find anything and everything you are looking for, all for resonable prices.
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Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)
No visit to Istanbul is complete without stopping by the atmospheric Spice Bazaar with r...
No visit to Istanbul is complete without stopping by the atmospheric Spice Bazaar with roots dating back to 1660, this is one Istanbul's most famous bazaars. Vividly coloured spices are displayed alongside jewel-like lokum (Turkish delight) at this Ottoman-era marketplace, providing eye candy for the thousands of tourists and locals who make their way here every day. Stalls also sell caviar, dried herbs, honey, nuts and dried fruits.
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English Speaking Professional Guide
Small-group or private tour (depending on option chosen)
Gratuities (Recommended)
Hotel pickup and drop-off