Best of Istanbul covers major sights of Istanbul with interior visit to each place with one of the best tour guides.
Out at sunset: the 3:30 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 6:04 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 16.
Private guided tour of Hagia Sophia
Guided visit to Blue Mosque
Guided visit to Basilica Cistern
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Best of Istanbul lasts about 3 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
Prices start at $120 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.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 3:30 PM.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is Meeting point is main entrance of Hagia Sophia, infront of the line. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 14 participants.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 221 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Tour Guide Metin Koca.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
We did a 6 hour walking tour with Metin and it was amazing! He started with the skip the line Hagia Sofia tour. He was fantastic and we saw Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Cistern. He took us to a delicious local lunch stop too. I highly recommend Metin! He was very knowledgeable, personable and funny. It was the best way to see Istanbul in a day. Awesome tour and tour guide!
Well organized. Interesting information - not too much and not too little. Had at early guided tour guide just for us: perfect!
Top tour - I like history and knew a few things about Hagia Sofia -therefore i booked a dedicated tour for it - the tour was really great - good energy - lots of interesting information - knew all the small details and the explanations were spot on - really recommend it
Metin Koca is amazing and so worth the money. He tells the history in such an interesting way. I have ADHD and struggle with just listening or reading but I felt like I really understood the complex and vast history. Metin speaks great English and is a great teacher. He anticipates questions and is so knowledgeable about history and culture. Worth every penny. And the line does get long if you don't get there early so he waits in the line so you do not have to.
Metin is just amazing and exciting!!! It mixes history/current events but just what it takes to avoid friction and a lot of honesty with both religions regarding this phenomenal mosque. It explains the whole history of the sultans and Turkey and goes into the details of the mosque so we have the Impression that this visit takes us out into the world is taking us back into the mosque. Brief Metin Koca is recommended 3000%.
Amazingly informative tour led by Metin! Learned so much about the building and its history. We could have listened to him for hours. A must-do tour.
This was a good tour. We were able to be the first in line and so had smaller crowds to deal with. We had trouble finding our way, and the guide called our cell and directed us straight to the group. Explanations were well thought out and free time to roam around was much appreciated. Couldn't have been better!
Metin was excellent. Very knowledgeable and lovely to deal with. The Hagia Sophia was incredible. Would highly recommend!
A solo tour enjoying every part of this church now mosque. Only the upper part can be visited as the lower part is used as a prayer room for Muslims only.
Our guide was very engaging and knowledgeable and committed to ensuring we got to our meeting location on time.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best of Istanbul | 3 hours | 4.9 (221) | $120 | |
 Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour | 7–21 hours | 5.0 (10,457) | $90 | View |
 Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour | 7h 15min | 5.0 (329) | $78 | View |
 Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Istanbul Private Tour | 3 hours | 4.9 (248) | $127 | View |
 Best Istanbul tour with private guide by skipping ticket line | 4–7 hours | 5.0 (135) | $86 | View |
 Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise | 10 hours | 4.8 (188) | $57 | View |
 8 Days Best of Turkey Istanbul Cappadocia Ephesus and Pamukkale | 8 days | 5.0 (111) | $3,204 | View |