Prices checked on Sep 12, 2026Things to do in Istanbul
Discover Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and vibrant old neighborhoods on a private guided tour. Step inside the legendary Hagia Sophia, explore Sultanahmet’s historic squares, visit the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar, and wander through the colorful streets of Balat & Fener, home to centuries-old churches and rich Greek Orthodox heritage. Visit Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture Step inside the stunning Blue Mosque See the Hippodrome, including the German Fountain Wander the lively lanes of the Spice Bazaar Explore Süleymaniye Mosque, an Ottoman-era gem Stroll Balat & Fener, known for colorful houses and rich history
Begin at the ancient Hippodrome, the former arena of Byzantine chariot races and imperial ceremonies.
Walk through Istanbul’s historic main square surrounded by the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Discover the city’s most famous monument, admired for its grand dome and rich Byzantine–Ottoman heritage.
Visit the stunning Blue Mosque, known for its blue İznik tiles and elegant Ottoman architecture.
Explore a lively historic market filled with spices, Turkish delights, teas, and colorful aromas.
See one of Istanbul’s grandest mosques, designed by the master architect Sinan, with sweeping Golden Horn views.
Explore colorful wooden houses, photo-worthy streets, and charming cafés.
Visit the unique St. Stephen’s Bulgarian Church, the world’s only iron church, famous for its prefabricated steel structure, gold detailing, and peaceful riverside setting.
Explore historic churches, including the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the spiritual center of Eastern Orthodoxy. Then admire the Phanar Greek Orthodox College from the outside, known for its striking red-brick, castle-like architecture.
The guide will meet you at your hotel or at the designated meeting point. Please be ready and wait at least 5 minutes before your scheduled activity time.
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Tour with Balat & Fener lasts about 8 hours. The itinerary has 9 stops.
Prices start at $1,399 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.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Yes, pickup is offered. The guide will meet you at your hotel or at the designated meeting point. Please be ready and wait at least 5 minutes before your scheduled activity time. Pickup points include MEET_AT_DEPARTURE_POINT, CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyEImGbFa+5CBKbpmTZC40Eg=.
The experience is available in EN, TR.
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 10 travellers can book together.
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments
It was definitely a great tour and very enjoyable. I felt like I saw the whole of Istanbul. Many of my questions were answered during this private tour about Istanbul’s history. Our guide was very knowledgeable and gave us so much information about the city’s past, and also highlighted some of the best eateries in Istanbul. The Turkish delight and fruit tea shop she recommended was amazing — I’m going home with a whole case of them.
Our guide was outstanding — incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to understand. She tailored the tour perfectly to our interests and made every stop meaningful. A truly memorable experience and the best way to explore the city.
Loved this tour! Atta was the best guide. Very professional and knowledgeable. He made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. I learned a lot about local culture and history, and the itinerary was perfectly organized. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting!
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul: Private City Highlights Tour with Balat & Fener | 8 hours | 5.0 (3) | $1,399 | |
 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 |