Tours/Istanbul/Old Town Of Istanbul - Orientation Walking Tour
Viator · group up to 25 pax

Old Town Of Istanbul - Orientation Walking Tour

4.9(300)Istanbul1 hour
VIATOR4.9(10)TRIPADVISOR4.9(290)

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

2.5 Hrs - Walking Tour
  • Booking Fee + Minimum Tipping

Itinerary

15 min

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.

25 min

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.

Admission not included15 min

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.

10 min

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.

10 min

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.

15 min

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.

15 min

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

Booking fee.
Guiding Fee
Sampling Turkish Delights with fruit tea.

What's included

Included
Booking fee.
Guiding Fee
Sampling Turkish Delights with fruit tea.
Not included
Tipping Tour Guide

Traveller Ratings

4.9
300 reviews
5
284
4
14
3
2
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(300)

N
Nomad12717626864
August 18, 2026
Tour Istanbul

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.

N
N7509DBnataliem
August 15, 2026
Worth doing

Very good, our guide was very informative

7
79jacib
August 14, 2026
Outstanding tour

Fantastic guide fantastic tour!

2
295dustin
August 8, 2026
Walking Tour with Yunnus- Best Guide Ever

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!

S
sofiay131
August 5, 2026
Great tour!

Great walking tour-- probably the best way to start your Turkey trip!!

T
TracyH3028
August 1, 2026
Fantastic tour.

Fantastic tour. Very informative. Would highly recommend. Good clear communication and helpful tips on Istanbul. We even got into the Blue Mosque on tour.

D
David_H
July 31, 2026
Great walking tour

The tour guide was very informative and welcoming. There's a lot of walking wear good shoes for this activity

D
denis7234
July 28, 2026
Walking tour of Istanbul's old city.

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.

N
NorthStar51142394798
July 27, 2026
A must!

Such a great guide!! Lots of interesting history facts, advices and informations about the city! Thanks for this moment :)

T
Tourist27453229236
July 27, 2026
Knowledgeable local guide!

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!

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