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Istanbul Guided Walking Tour: Discover Hidden Gems and Historic Sights

from $188

Duration

4 hours 30 minutes

Type

Guided

Difficulty

Easy

Taste Turkish Delicacies in Istanbul: A Culinary Journey Across Continents

Taste of Turkey on Two Continents: From European Istanbul to Asian Kadikoy

The former capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul is a vibrant city filled with magnificent architecture and a rich history as the bridge between east and west. Perfect for first-time visitors, this in-depth guided walking tour covers the main attractions while also venturing to hard-to-find secret spots. Leave the navigation to your guide, who also provides illuminating commentary.

After meeting your guide at Sultanahmet Square, head off on a scenic stroll through one of the world’s most spectacular cities. Your guide will tell stories from the heyday of Byzantine and Ottoman rule as you wander the picturesque streets. This tour aims to give you an overview of the city, its historic attractions, museums, local arts and traditions etc.

Inclusions

English Speaking Professional Guide
Small-group or private tour (depending on option chosen)

Exclusions

Gratuities (Recommended)
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Tour Plan

Eminönü
Turks love to eat and since a traditional Turkish breakfast is the best way to start the day, our food journey begins with a visit to local breakfast cafes to sample different breakfast options from delicious Börek ( a family of baked filled pastries made of a thin flaky dough) to Menemen (made with scrambled eggs, red and green peppers, tomatoes, and onions.).

Historic Areas of Istanbul
The historical city of Istanbul, the only city in the world located on two continents, was the capital of three great empires; Roman, Byzantine and the Ottoman Empire.

Rustem Pasha Mosque *
Rüstem Paşa Mosque is a hidden gem of Ottoman architecture. Designed by the famed architect Mimar Sinan in the 16th century, this mosque is renowned for its stunning interior adorned with exquisite Iznik tiles.

Galata Köprüsü
This bridge spans the Golden Horn, connecting the old city with Beyoglu, the modern district of Istanbul.

Eminönü Square
Eminönü Square is one of Istanbul's most vibrant and historic hubs, located at the heart of the city where the Golden Horn meets the Bosphorus. This bustling area is a gateway to some of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, including the Spice Bazaar, Galata Bridge, and the Yeni Mosque. Once a major port during the Ottoman era, Eminönü is now a lively mix of old and new, where you can witness the city's dynamic energy. From ferries departing to the Asian side to street vendors selling simit and balık ekmek (fish sandwiches), the square offers a true taste of Istanbul's culture and history. It's a perfect spot to soak in the city's atmosphere and explore its rich heritage.

Eminönü Pier
Eminönü Pier is one of Istanbul's most iconic and bustling transportation hubs, located along the shores of the Golden Horn. It serves as a major ferry terminal, connecting the European and Asian sides of the city, as well as nearby islands like the Princes' Islands.

Bosphorus Strait *
-Ferry Crossing To Kadiköy-You'll hop on a ferry and get to Kadıköy on the Asian side: Crossing Bosphorus has always been fun while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the old city and the islands, sometimes feeding the seagulls or watching fellow passengers rushing for their job. This short journey gives you an insider look at everyday life of local people.

Bosphorus Bridge *
The Bosphorus Bridge is one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, spanning the Bosphorus Strait and connecting the European and Asian sides of the city. Completed in 1973, it was the first bridge to link the two continents and remains a vital transportation route.

Kız Kulesi *
The Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, steeped in history and legend which dates back to ancient times. It has served as a lighthouse, a customs station, a quarantine zone, and even a radio station.

Camlıca Hill *
Çamlıca Hill is one of Istanbul’s highest and most scenic spots, offering panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus.

Kadıköy Market
Kadıköy has a fascinating past and one of the most distinctive neighbourhoods in Istanbul today. Our Tour is fun, informative and of course, delicious, this is so much more than a food tour – it’s a taste of the both continents all in one day! You’ll try a selection of proper Turkish foods and enjoy many food tastings at a range of local haunts.

Surp Takavor Church *
Surp Takavor Church is a peaceful and historically rich site that offers a glimpse into Istanbul’s diverse cultural heritage.

Kadikoy Istanbul Boga Meydanı
Explore the lively square and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by cafés, shops, and street performers.

Haydarpaşa *
Haydarpaşa Train Station is one of Istanbul’s most iconic and historic landmarks, located on the Asian side of the city, right on the shores of the Bosphorus. Once a bustling railway hub, it now stands as a symbol of Istanbul’s rich history and architectural grandeur.

Kadıköy Ferry Terminal
Our food journey ends in Kadıköy Ferry Terminal. Our guide will make sure you take the ferry (fare included) back to Eminönü (European side ) or give you a recommendation of what to see next nearby.

*️⃣↘️
* Seen from outside / Pass by

Itinerary

Expand All

Basilica Cistern *

This spacious Roman built cistern shows off impressive Roman engineering was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. The largest surviving Byzantine cistern in İstanbul has been backdrop for many movies over time. Its cavernous depths make a great retreat on hot summer days.

Caferaga Medresesi

The Caferağa Medresseh is a former medrese and now recognised as an important centre of Turkish classical arts where traditional Turkish handicrafts such as calligraphy, ceramics, jewelry and so forth are taught, made and sold.

Sogukcesme Sokak

This is a small street with beautiful historic houses which are leaning against the wall of Topkapi Palace.

Hagia Sophia Mosque *

Began its life as a church in 532 AD, converted into a mosque after the Turkish conquest of Constantinople in 1453 and now a museum since 1935. By general consensus, it is the most important Byzantine structure and one of the world’s great monuments built under the direction of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Istanbul and famous for its lofty interior, stunning surviving mosaics and the massive dome...

Topkapi Palace *

Imperial residence of Ottoman sultans is the subject of more colorful stories than most of the world's museums put together. Libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines and scheming eunuchs lived and worked here between the 15th and 19th centuries when it was the court of the Ottoman empire. About 24 sultans ruled from the Topkapı Palace for nearly four centuries during the Ottoman Empire's 600-year reign

Sultanahmet Square

"Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. This beautiful square and a great place to make a stop, relax and take photos of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque *

Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque by many tourists because of its bluish interior decoration( blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design), is the most important mosque of Istanbul standing next to the Byzantine Hippodrome in the old city center..

Hippodrome

Go to the former Hippodrome of Byzantine chariot races, see the ruins and hear the stories behind the scene

German Fountain

Constructed as a present from German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1898, it represents one of the most beautiful monuments in Istanbul.

Serpentine Column

Also known as the Serpentine Column, Plataean Tripod or Delphi Tripod, is an ancient bronze column at the Hippodrome of Constantinople (known as Atmeydanı "Horse Square" in the Ottoman period). It is part of an ancient Greek sacrificial tripod, originally in Delphi and relocated to Constantinople by Constantine the Great in 324.

Walled Obelisk

The Walled Obelisk or Masonry Obelisk (Turkish: Örme Dikilitaş) is a Roman monument in the form of an obelisk. It is situated at the southern end of the ancient chariot-racing track of Constantinople's central barrier, beside the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column.

Tahtakale District

"Shop till you drop" in Tahtakale, a sub-district of Istanbul's Eminönü, where you can find anything and everything you are looking for, all for resonable prices.

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)

No visit to Istanbul is complete without stopping by the atmospheric Spice Bazaar with roots dating back to 1660, this is one Istanbul's most famous bazaars. Vividly coloured spices are displayed alongside jewel-like lokum (Turkish delight) at this Ottoman-era marketplace, providing eye candy for the thousands of tourists and locals who make their way here every day. Stalls also sell caviar, dried herbs, honey, nuts and dried fruits.

*️⃣↘️

* Seen from outside

Meeting / Pickup

Meet on location: This experience has no pick-up service, customers have to make their way to our meeting point.

Know Before You Go

Public transportation nearby
Infants must sit on your lap

Please Note

Not wheelchair accessible
Not stroller accessible
Not suitable for pets
Infant seats unavailable
There is a moderate amount of walking involved
This tour aims to give you an overview of the city, its attractions, museums, local arts and traditions etc. Museums are seen from outside.
⚠️ Please arrive at least 5 minutes before the activity starts as finding a taxi and traffic congestion are always a problem. The tour starts on time as it is a shared tour with other participants.