Prices checked on Sep 12, 2026Things to do in Istanbul
Enjoy a fully private 6-hour tour through the heart of Istanbul, designed to give you the perfect introduction to the city without feeling rushed. Discover the fascinating Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar with your own licensed local guide. But this is more than simply visiting monuments. I’ll bring Istanbul’s history to life through stories, hidden details, legends, and local insights — sometimes serious, sometimes humorous, and always personal. Because this is a private tour, the experience is completely yours. Ask questions, take your time, explore the places that interest you most, and enjoy the freedom to experience Istanbul at your own pace. From the mysterious Medusa heads beneath the city to the magnificent monuments of the Ottoman and Byzantine eras, we’ll uncover the stories that make Istanbul truly unforgettable. Come as a traveler, leave with the feeling that you’ve discovered Istanbul with a local friend.
The 1500-year-old Roman water cistern, where the 1963 James Bond and US-made Inferno movies were shot. It is one of the largest water cisterns in the world and contains two giant Medusa column capital bases from Greek mythology. It is also said that it contains the symbol of eternal immortality of the half-man, half-God Hercules.
Built between 532 and 537, Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom, Ayasofya) represents a brilliant moment in Byzantine architecture and art. It was the principal church of the Byzantine Empire in its capital.
The Blue Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616, by the architect Mehmet Ağa, instructed by Sultan Ahmed I. It was designed as an imperial show of strength to complement the imposing Hagia Sophia Mosque, which faces it across Sultanahmet Square.
The Hippodrome symbolizes the power and strength of the Byzantine Empire. It symbolized its magnificence. Here the emperors appear before the people and celebrate their victories. He celebrated and communicated directly with the public. In this aspect, The hippodrome was a symbol of political power.
Approximately 61 streets and It is a huge maze of more than 4,000 shops. This breadth and complexity gives visitors a unique experience. It offers kegif experience. Guides to visitors streets of the bazaar and important While showing the points the charm of getting lost in the labyrinth structure explains.
Istanbul Old City Private Guided Tour One Up to Six lasts about 6 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.
Prices start at $289 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.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
The meeting point is We will meet in front of Green Corner Cafe opposite the ENTER gate of the Basilica Cistern museum.. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Han and Ozgur were fantastic guides. Even before we arrived Han had managed to track down paintings done by my relative in the 1800s. He found out that they were on display in the Dolmabahce Palace and even sent me pictures of them from the museum. We spent an extremely enjoyable day exploring Istanbul. We saw so much, learned a lot of history and yet didn’t feel overwhelmed. It was a perfect day! Thanks so much, Han and Ozgur.
Had an amazing experience, our host was so friendly and so knowledgeable. He was a lot of fun and had us laughing all day. He took us to some of the most amazing places in Istanbul and also to some places that are unknown to tourists. He took amazing photos of us and even bought us both a gift to take home. We highly recommend this tour!!
Dear my friend Riley, Thank you very much for honered me again with your lovely review and top stars. I pleasure. You’re very much welcome Always. It was great to meet with your family 👍🙏🧿
We enjoyed every moment with him. He was very professional. He spoke English very well. Love his sense of humor. Brilliant knowledge. Highly recommend
Thank you very much for honered me again with your lovely review and top stars. I pleasure. You’re very much welcome Always. 👍🧿Sen
Absolutely amazing and unique tour of the grand Bazaar. Was able to get a behind the scenes look at various locations that routine tourists cannot see. Great places shared to have food with a tour guide and a great experience overall. It is an amazing location and I cannot imagine anyone better to go with on the tour. 10 out of 10 recommend again and when I come back to Istanbul I will be using same tour guide.
Thank you very much for honered me again with your lovely review and top stars. I pleasure. You’re very much welcome Always. 👍🧿
We said that we wanted to experience historical relics, local cuisine, local culture, and Han arranged a wonderful day trip, and in the underground palace he also looked for a Chinese tour to show us; bought a very good quality carpet; and went to a market with hundreds of years of history and a spice market. Overall very liked! However, Han's main language of communication is English, and the whole day's walk is perfect for young people who can communicate in English and are able to experience Istanbul! Finally we bought a lot of dry goods at the spicy bazaar, and Han was very kind to help us with heavy bags, really very careful!
非常感谢您再次用您的可爱评论和最高分来表扬我。 永远欢迎您。👍🙏🧿
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul Old City Private Guided Tour One Up to Six | 6 hours | 5.0 (5) | $289 | |
 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 (10,116) | $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 |