We had a short lay over in Istanbul and being our first visit there, we wanted to discover the most iconic places. Oguz, whom a friend of mine had connected me with ahead of time, was a wonderful guide and managed to get everyone engaged and excited including our 2 teenagers. His way of telling the long and incredible history of Hagia Sophia was super instructive and fun. He also made us discover a true local place for lunch where we had one of the best kebab ever. When we finished the tour, he recommenced the best place to buy Turkish delights (Hazer Baba) in the Spice market. If you have never been to Istanbul, I can not recommend enough that you do. It is truly unique in term of history, culture and food and everyone was super friendly and welcoming. And when you go, make sure to book a tour with Oguz to really understand the richness and complexity of a city that has been at the center of civilizations for 1000s of years! Oguz: a big thank you from the 4 of us!
Top Sites of Istanbul
+2 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 5–7 hours
- Price from
- $166 / person
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 2 reviews
- Languages
- EN, ES
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
Description
Istanbul has such a diverse and rich history. It has been the capital of three great empires; the Roman, Byzantine (Eastern Roman) and the Ottoman. Although it is not the official capital anymore, it is still the cultural capital of the country. There is so much to see or to do in this city. Visitors would normally need more than one day to explore Istanbul. However, for those visitors who are coming to Istanbul for the first time and have rather limited time, we would recommend this tour for the first day of sightseeing in Istanbul. The program will include visits to mosques, a cistern, a palace, a hippodrome, a bazaar and a panoramic terrace.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The word hippodrome comes from the Greek hippos (horse) and dromos (way). The Hippodrome of Constantinople was also home to gladiatorial games, official ceremonies, celebrations, protests, torture to the convicts and so on. Hippodrome functioned all in Roman (203-330 CE), Byzantine (330-1453 CE), and Ottoman (1453-1922) periods
a true wonder of the Byzantine world. Completed under Emperor Justinian in AD 537, this massive building (known best for its resplendent dome) was a Christian church for nearly 1,000 years, until Mehmet the Conqueror claimed it for Islam. Kemal Atatürk, the revolutionary leader and founder of the Republic, proclaimed it as a museum in 1934—but it has reverted back to a working mosque in 2020.
The complex of grand pavilions and courtyards was built by Mehmet II in the middle of the 15th century (just after his conquest of Constantinople) and served as the residence of Ottoman sultans—along with their wives and concubines—for the next 400 years. Today, it is one of the world's richest museums, and during our visit, we’ll behold a staggering collection of arms, porcelain, and priceless treasures that include the jewel-studded dagger made famous by the Hollywood heist film.
It was built during the reign of Emperor Constantine in the 4th Century but greatly enlarged by Justinian in 537 AD, and used as water storage for the Great Palace during Byzantine times
Home to more than 4,000 shops today, this remarkable complex dates back more than 550 years.
Highlights
Private Tour Guides
What's included
Included
Private Tour Guides
Not included
Lunch
Gratuities
Entrance tickets for Topkapı Palace and Basilica Cistern 590 liras for per person90
Pickup Locations & Times
Your guide will bring you to Sultanahmet area by public transportation or walking
Traveller Ratings
5.0
2 reviews
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Frequently asked questions
How long does Top Sites of Istanbul take?
Top Sites of Istanbul lasts about 5–7 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does Top Sites of Istanbul cost?
Prices start at $166 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.
Can I cancel Top Sites of Istanbul for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Your guide will bring you to Sultanahmet area by public transportation or walking Pickup points include CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyPrc++mgzU5/WXgDS9B6kTA=, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyCbG5WlhwADW51blcbem33c=.
What languages is Top Sites of Istanbul offered in?
The experience is available in EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Reviews(2)
B
A wonderful first (but not last) time in Istanbul
A
Osman Günay - the best guide in town
Osman gave us an insightful tour of Hagia Sophia and then the following day at the Archaeological Museum. We skipped the lines and then enjoyed an hour of interest and insights. The best thing about Osman is that he delivers the right amount of information before moving onto another highlight. If you want to hear more, he will gladly provide. Osman does not give you an endless list of facts and dates. Instead, Osman opens your eyes to what is in front of you and what is hidden. And he does this in an entertaining and engaing way. Well worth the reasonable cost.
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