Old Town Of Istanbul - Orientation Walking Tour





Description
Kickstart your Istanbul adventure with this insightful 2.5-hour orientation walking tour. Led by an official tour guide, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the city's history, Islam, and its most essential landmarks, helping you plan the rest of your trip more effectively. Your guide will also share local tips on where to eat, experience a traditional Turkish bath, and much more. This is an orientation tour and does not include interior visits to major sites. However, depending on the line, we will make an effort to go inside the Blue Mosque or an alternative mosque.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We will begin our tour at the German Fountain, a gift symbolizing the friendship between the Turks and Germans, which later led to their alliance in World War I. Through this monument, we will explore Turkey's history and its connections to the past.
During our tours, we aim to visit a mosque to discuss Islam. If the line at the Blue Mosque is manageable, we will go inside. However, since our tours last 2.5 hours, we want to make the most of our time rather than waiting in a long line. If the wait is too long, we will visit another mosque instead. Please note that the Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays, but we will still make an effort to enter a different mosque.
We'll admire the Hagia Sophia from the outside, as entry requires a fee of 25 Euros per person. Our local guide will share insights into its significance, enriching your understanding. If you choose to visit later, you'll appreciate the Hagia Sophia even more with the knowledge gained from our tour.
We will visit a cemetery where members of the royal family and other significant figures are buried. This will give you insight into Turkish burial traditions and how they have evolved since the establishment of the Republic.
Our guide will introduce the Column of Constantine the Great, highlighting its historical significance. We will also explore the city's rich trade history, as this site once marked the end of major trade routes in ancient times.
If the line at the Blue Mosque is too long, our guide may take you to an alternative mosque to explain Islam. Since most mosques share common architectural and cultural features, the knowledge you gain will help you better understand other mosques you may visit during your free time.
We will visit the Grand Bazaar by exploring the areas frequented by locals before moving on to the more tourist-oriented sections. After a brief tour inside, we will step outside, where your guide will share tips on haggling and recommend alternative bazaars to explore. ( Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays ) At this point, you may choose to leave or continue with your guide for a short five-minute walk to enjoy a complimentary sampling of Turkish Delight with fruit tea. This is not a shopping stop—no one will try to sell you anything. Instead, you'll experience a peaceful atmosphere with access to a free rooftop view. Your guide will also share recommendations for local restaurants to consider for lunch after the tour.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(300)
Really nice experience and good explenations. Guide helpful and kind. This tour really helps you if you want to learn more about Istanbul and visit many places in few hours. The guide available for any question.
Very good, our guide was very informative
Fantastic guide fantastic tour!
Yunnus was AMAZING! He took so much time to explain the rich culture of Turkey. He found us lots of shade, gave us so much information, and had such fun, positive energy. He spoke great English and was easy to understand. I also asked a billion questions and he answered all of them haha We felt the love and also love Yunnus :) 10/10 would recommend!
Great walking tour-- probably the best way to start your Turkey trip!!
Fantastic tour. Very informative. Would highly recommend. Good clear communication and helpful tips on Istanbul. We even got into the Blue Mosque on tour.
The tour guide was very informative and welcoming. There's a lot of walking wear good shoes for this activity
It was a wonderful experience: our guide, with friendliness and great professionalism, accompanied us to discover the old city, enriching the route with precious details and curiosities impossible to find in any paper guidebook. You could see the passion and in-depth knowledge of the area, and this made the visit even more engaging and pleasant. An absolutely positive experience, which I recommend without hesitation: 10 out of 10.
Such a great guide!! Lots of interesting history facts, advices and informations about the city! Thanks for this moment :)
Our guide was so personable, easy to understand, and knowledgeable! He had a good sense of humor and gave us a TON of valuable historical context for Istanbul. He gave us so much valuable local knowledge about customs, culture, and shopping, as well as so many great recommendations for places to eat!



