Prices checked on Sep 12, 2026Things to do in Istanbul
Discover Istanbul's fascinating Old City, where the legacies of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires come together. Visit iconic mosques, palaces, and historic squares while hearing the stories that shaped one of the world's greatest cities. We arrange skip-the-line entry whenever available, allowing you to maximize your sightseeing time. * Guided tour through Istanbul's historic Old City * Visit famous mosques, churches, and palaces * Skip-the-line access where available to save time * Discover the rich history of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires * Perfect for history lovers * Children up to 7 years old join the tour free of charge. For complimentary museum admission, a passport or another valid document showing the child's date of birth is required.
Once the largest stadium of ancient Byzantium, the Hippodrome was the center of chariot races and public events. Today, visitors can see fascinating monuments like the Serpent Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Walled Obelisk, each telling stories of Istanbul’s vibrant past.
Known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, this iconic landmark dazzles with its six minarets and beautiful blue İznik tiles. Still an active place of worship, it welcomes visitors from around the world to admire its grandeur and serene atmosphere.
Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks and a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, dating back to 537 AD. It has served as a cathedral, a mosque, a museum, and today is once again a mosque. As the building is currently under restoration, we will admire it from the outside and enjoy excellent photo opportunities. Guests who wish to pray may enter the mosque free of charge, and sufficient free time will be provided for those who would like to visit the interior.
The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul's most breathtaking underground landmarks. Built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, its atmospheric lighting, towering marble columns, and the famous Medusa heads create a truly unforgettable experience. The entrance ticket costs approximately 2,250 TL (around USD 45 + applicable taxes). This ticket is included in the tour price, so there is no additional cost for your visit.
We will visit the ''First Courtyard'' of Topkapı Palace, where we will see Hagia Irene (Aya Irini), the Executioner's Fountain, and the impressive Gate of Salutation (Bab-üs Selam) while learning about the history of the Ottoman Empire and the palace.
One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar invites visitors to explore its 4,000+ shops filled with carpets, spices, jewelry, and souvenirs. Wander through its vibrant alleys and experience the bustling heart of Istanbul’s trade and culture.
We will welcome our dear guest by holding their name or with İstanbul By Locals.
Flexible Private Guided Tour of Istanbul Old City Ticket İncluded lasts about 7h 30min. The itinerary has 6 stops.
Prices start at $135 per person for this Istanbul experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Yes, pickup is offered. We will welcome our dear guest by holding their name or with İstanbul By Locals. Pickup points include MEET_AT_DEPARTURE_POINT, CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyFhvZV+sgwIp2X55LZPerE8=.
The experience is available in DE, EN, KU, FA, FR, ES.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Our tour guide Mustafa made Istanbul unforgettable! Incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and attentive, he brought the city’s history and culture to life while making us feel completely comfortable. This tour was truly one of the highlights of our trip. We couldn’t recommend him more highly—an exceptional five-star experience!
I love Türkiye, our guide Ufku was professional, available and permit to have a very good experience. I will recommend him without any hesitation. Explanations he gave was very clear. He also recommends very good restaurants.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great experience with Ufku and enjoyed his recommendations. We’ll be sure to share your lovely feedback with him. We hope to welcome you back to Türkiye again soon! Warm regards, Istanbul By Locals
Our guided tour on Saturday 16 May with Moustaffa was outstanding. He met us at our hotel and helped us navigate the trams with ease. His skip‑the‑line access as a licensed tour guide was absolutely indispensable, we saved hours. Moustaffa has an excellent command of English, a great sense of humour, and is genuinely personable. He showed us Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace (including the Sultan's Harem), Grand Bazaar, and Basilica Cistern. He also took us to a good lunch spot. Whenever minor issues arose at sites, he smoothed them over calmly. We had full confidence in him. His broad historical and local knowledge brought everything to life, and he pointed out the best photo spots. Fantastic value for money. Highly recommend Moustaffa!
Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review of Mustafa! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your day with him and appreciated his knowledge, humor, professionalism, and local insights. It’s wonderful to know that he made your visit comfortable and enjoyable from beginning to end. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Mustafa. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Istanbul again! Warm regards, Istanbul By Locals
As a Travel Agent myself, I highly recommend the expertise and professional guiding services of Mustafa and Seyan. Their knowledge on history, their understanding of the culture will leave you speechless!
Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation! Coming from a fellow travel professional, your feedback means a lot to me. It was a pleasure sharing Istanbul’s history and culture with you, and I truly appreciate your trust and support. I hope to welcome you back to Istanbul again soon! Warm regards, Seyhan
Seyhan arranged a city tour for my 12-hour layover in Istanbul. It included: pickup from the airport; must-see highlights (Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar), a ferry ride on the Bosporus and dinner at a local restaurant with a tutorial on the proper way to imbibe raki. He is personable, knowledgeable on the history of the city and got me back to the airport in plenty of time for my flight.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible Private Guided Tour of Istanbul Old City Ticket İncluded | 7h 30min | 5.0 (4) | $135 | |
 WONDERS of ISTANBUL : Full Day Private Guided City Tour | 5–7 hours | 5.0 (445) | $75 | View |
 Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour | 7–21 hours | 5.0 (10,115) | $100 | View |
 Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour - Spice Market & Ferry | 5h 30min | 5.0 (3,592) | $135 | View |
 ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City Tour | 6–8 hours | 5.0 (1,478) | $85 | View |
 Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise with Snacks | 2h 30min | 4.9 (2,384) | $47 | View |
 Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern with Tickets | 3 hours | 4.9 (131) | $135 | View |