We did a tour with Halil and it was, without question, the highlight of our time in Istanbul. The group was very small and intimate, which made the experience feel personal and engaging. Halil is incredibly passionate about history and it shows in every detail—his background as an academic gives the tour such richness and nuance that you simply wouldn’t get anywhere else. He brought the city to life in a way that made us feel deeply connected to its culture and past. Beyond the history, Halil is warm, friendly, and generous. After the tour, he even took us to a local vendor for traditional Turkish delight and shared amazing recommendations for the rest of our trip. If you’re visiting Istanbul, do this tour on your first day—it will set the tone for the rest of your stay. This was hands down the best thing we did in the city, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
2 Hours Walking Tour Through Istanbul's Old City
+6 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Price from
- $13 / person
- Location
- Istanbul, Türkiye
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 20 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 20
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Walkytalky
- Meeting point
- I will be at German Fountain with my yellow umbrella.
Description
Experience a slice of Istanbul in just two hours, immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant history, from Byzantine to Ottoman times, while also savoring local flavors offered to you (yes, it is free), through various miniatures depicted in old Ottoman manuscripts. Step into the enchanting world of Istanbul's old city with our captivating tour, where history whispers through ancient stones, and every corner reveals a tale waiting to be heard. Imagine a journey that goes beyond the ordinary, a mosaic of wonders that unfolds in the heart of Sultanahmet. As your guide, I'll lead you through the iconic Hagia Sophia, where centuries of stories are etched into its magnificent walls. Feel the famous hippodrome of Constantinople, where the Byzantines once watched the chariot races, and then let the aromatic Egyptian Bazaar tease your senses.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Mon, Tue, and Wed
- Start times
- 5:15 PM
- Next available
- Tue, Oct 27
- Adult (ages 17–64)
- $13
- Youth (ages 6–16)
- $10
- Child (ages 2–5)
- $6
- Infant (ages 0–1)
- Free
Out at sunset: the 5:15 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 5:58 PM in the coming weeks.
In demand: 6 of the next 9 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 21.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Hippodrome
The Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the bustling heart of Byzantine political and social life, is now a historic site in Istanbul, Turkey, marked by remnants of its ancient grandeur, including the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpent Column.
Ayasofya Camii
Then, we will take you to Hagia Sophia, a marvel of Byzantine architecture, is an iconic monument in Istanbul, Turkey, renowned for its vast dome, intricate mosaics, and rich history spanning over 1,500 years.
Blue Mosque
• Following that, we will continue with the Blue Mosque known as Sultanahmet Mosque, stands as a magnificent example of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul, Turkey, distinguished by its impressive domes, six minarets, and the intricate blue tiles adorning its interior, evoking a sense of celestial beauty.
Gulhane Park
Gulhane Park, situated adjacent to Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, invites visitors to stroll through lush gardens adorned with colorful flowers, while also offering a glimpse into history with its ancient structures and serene atmosphere, providing a peaceful escape amidst the bustling city.
Misir Carsisi
As for our last stop, we will visit Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar, is a vibrant marketplace, offering a tantalizing array of spices, herbs, sweets, and other goods, creating a sensory feast for visitors.
What's included
Included
Guideing
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
20 reviews
How it compares in Istanbul
- Starting price $13 is 77% below the typical $57 for tours of similar length in Istanbul
Excurgo comparison of 3,640 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does 2 Hours Walking Tour Through Istanbul's Old City take?
2 Hours Walking Tour Through Istanbul's Old City lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does 2 Hours Walking Tour Through Istanbul's Old City cost?
Prices start at $13 per person for this Istanbul experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does 2 Hours Walking Tour Through Istanbul's Old City run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, starting at 5:15 PM.
How much does 2 Hours Walking Tour Through Istanbul's Old City cost for children?
Children aged 2–5 pay from $6, adults from $13. Infants go free.
Does 2 Hours Walking Tour Through Istanbul's Old City sell out?
It can: 6 of the next 9 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel 2 Hours Walking Tour Through Istanbul's Old City for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is I will be at German Fountain with my yellow umbrella. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is 2 Hours Walking Tour Through Istanbul's Old City offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 20 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(20)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
N
The Best Thing We Did in Istanbul – A Must for Your First Day
S
Tour of Old Istanbul
Halil was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and made us feel very welcome. I highly recommend. Thank you
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm really glad to hear you enjoyed the tour with me.
4
Istanbul Walking tour
We had the best experience discovering the historical sites of old Istanbul. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and funny. He convert the messages in storytelling thing. He asko gave us some guides where to eat and what to buy from the Egypt Bazar. I highly recommend this tour.
Operator response
Thank you! We're glad you enjoyed!
T
The tour was great - very...
The tour was great - very informative. Recommended. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and helpful.
A
Very informative walking tour!
Very informative and conversational small group walk around Sultanahmet. I recommend this tour for anyone interested in learning about the history of the Old City.
X
Istanbul walking tour with guide
We had a very nice 2 hour visit of Istanbul highlights. Our guide Halil was ver knowledgeable and added some “free extra’s” to the tour.
R
Mustafa is AWESOME.
Mustafa was a friendly, generous, and knowledgeable tour guide who showed me around all the major tourist sites in Old City Istanbul and effectively explained their history. He then went above and beyond in showing me good places to buy clothes for family, demonstrating excellent patience. He event taught me how to bargain at the Bazar. Thanks alot man!!! Great memories.
M
Listen very carefully!
Very knowledgeable guide who could answer our questions! Would definitely recommend this tour on early upon your arrival to Istanbul
C
Very enjoyable experience
Really enjoyed this tour. Halil was very knowledgeable and friendly and covered a lot of the history of Istanbul in two hours.
A
A great way to start to know the city
Our guide Abdullah was super handsome and friendly, a great starting point for our visit to the city. Not only he explained the history but also told us intersting lore about it.
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from$13
5.0(20) Free cancellation