City: Istanbul
Top Things to do in Istanbul
Countries
Top 10 Rail Tours in Istanbul, Turkey
The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip: an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there. Kick your trip off at the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.
Restaurants in Istanbul
1. Istanbul Cross-Continental Food Tour Including Tastings, Public Transportation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Explore Istanbul’s culinary scene through the city’s rich history and culture on this 5 to 6-hour small-group walking tour. Created by a noted author and authority on all-things-Istanbul, the tour takes you to hidden gems, through up-and-coming neighborhoods. Enjoy more than 10 different tastings of Turkish food, too. This is a small-group tour.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Public transports, Food tastings, Tea and Coffee
Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By radbrad73
I had the opportunity to spend seven days in Istanbul with Serif and each moment was unique and memorable. He is among the very best guides I have ever had the good fortune to meet. Furthermore, his English is impeccable, and he’s a delight to converse and spend time with. Both priceless traits in a guide. Serif is very intuitive - a people person - and he spends time getting to know you and therefore, can adapt your tour to your particular interests in a way that only someone who has had his years of experience living in Istanbul could. Architecture? History? Ottoman? Byzantine? He knows all of it backwards and forwards, and more importantly, he knows how to present it to you in away that is interesting and entertaining, yet feels effortless. It’s as if an old friend who knows you intimately is showing you his city for the first time. Somehow (probably good planning, with a bit of good luck) we managed to be in the right places at just the right times for visiting. But there were a couple times where the hours advertised weren’t in fact kept. No problem, Serif has a plan and if it rains or the place you wanted to go is closed he has already considered multiple alternatives so that he can turn on a dime and never miss a step - and you won’t waste your precious touring time either. And if you want the perfect picture, he always seems to know just the place to take it! And food! High end, street food and everything in between - be prepared to eat well! Serif is clearly a connoisseur of the culinary arts and you will be the better off for it! When I visited, the pandemic was still in full swing. Serif and I discussed what we wanted to see and how we wanted to see it in the safest way possible. He was so attentive in this way that I was very impressed. I could literally go on for pages about how much I enjoyed the week I spent in Istanbul with Serif as guide. The fact is, I simply would not have seen as much, or enjoyed it as fully, if he had not been there to shepherd me around. Moreover, due to his years of experience and network of connections, he was able to help me find other good guides outside Istanbul. This was an additional added value for which I am truly grateful. Do yourself a favor - book Serif as your guide!
2. Bosphorus Cruise With Dolmabahçe Palace and Fortresses
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Enjoy a visit to Dolmabahçe Palace around 1 hour.( best palace in a city)and then relax on a 1.5-hour Bosphorus Cruise with Local regular boat.You will have wonderful views of Topkapı Palace, Galata Tower, Anatolian Fortress, and more.
Inclusions: Local taxes, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Private tour
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, Lunch, Tickets, Private transportation, Boat tickets
Reviewed By friendly_trails
The information Dilek provided was illuminating. She responded to every question about structure and history. I had a strong sense of the expertise, brutality, and sacrifice that created the structure as well as of the choice and management of the materials with which it was built. An added benefit of Dilek's tour was that she shared some history about religious thought and in one instance of debate during different periods of its history. It was the best experience I had over all the historical sites I visited in Istanbul.
3. Istanbul Two Continents and Backstreets
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
The tour takes you off the beaten track of Istanbul. While discovering local markets, bazaars, and backstreets, you will also gain an overview of Turkish history, culture and the unique architecture of Istanbul on a 6-hour insider walking tour with a local guide.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Public transportation
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By lancek319
Quality of tours is often influenced by the tour guide. Of all the tour guides we have had, Furkan stood atop of the list. He was so knowledgeable & pleasant & kind. Every minute we spent together was absolutely precious. When we return to Istanbul in the future, I would definitely seek out Furkan.
4. Private and guided VEGETARIAN / VEGAN tour of Istanbul
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
The tour takes you off the beaten track so you can sample the real tastes of Istanbul and experience delicious Turkish delicacies you may not have known existed. While discovering local markets you will also gain an overview of Turkish history and culture while appreciating the unique architecture of Istanbul. Whether you are a food expert or just love food the Istanbul Food Tour will fulfill your eating dreams.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Breakfast, Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea
Exclusions: Private transportation, Gratuities, Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By lancek319
Quality of tours is often influenced by the tour guide. Of all the tour guides we have had, Furkan stood atop of the list. He was so knowledgeable & pleasant & kind. Every minute we spent together was absolutely precious. When we return to Istanbul in the future, I would definitely seek out Furkan.
5. Highlights of Istanbul- Half day walking tour with small group of max 8 people
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Tick all the top sites of old Istanbul off your travel bucket list with our specialized small group tour. It is a fully-guided tour inside the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Orient Express train station, Galata bridge and Spice Bazaar. Along the way stop to hear the stories of the Roman Hippodrome (including Egyptian Obelisk, and Serpent Column German Fountain ), Constantine’s Column. Learn about the famous Orient Express, walk along the Galata Bridge and watch the local fishermen . Sit at local shop at the 400 years old market and sample the local products. We take a break for lunch where you can enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine in a friendly setting at a non touristy restaurant where you gourmet guide choose some memorable food for you.
Inclusions: Lunch at a local restaurant, Afternoon tea, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea, Licensed local guide , All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Tipping to the guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By Dani H
My first time visiting Istanbul.I took three tours with my Local Guide I had a very good time Salih is very professional and friendly he is also very knowledgeable I enjoyed the food and culture tour and the meals at the local cafes.He even taught me how to use the public transportation.I highly recommend Salih to the visitors of this beautiful city.
6. ISTANBUL 2 DAYS Private & Guided Istanbul Old City - Istanbul Food Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
The Istanbul old city tour will take you to the roots of historic Istanbul with a visit to the monuments of Byzantine and Ottoman cultural heritage. The Istanbul food tour takes you off the beaten track so you can sample the real tastes of Istanbul and experience delicious Turkish delicacies you may not have known existed. While discovering local markets you will also gain an overview of Turkish history and culture while appreciating the unique architecture of Istanbul. Whether you are a food expert or just love food the Istanbul Food Tour will fulfill your eating dreams.
Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, All Fees and Taxes, Public transportation., Entrace fees of Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia Museum.
Exclusions: Lunch during the old city tour., Harem entrance at Topkapi Palace.
Reviewed By lancek319
Quality of tours is often influenced by the tour guide. Of all the tour guides we have had, Furkan stood atop of the list. He was so knowledgeable & pleasant & kind. Every minute we spent together was absolutely precious. When we return to Istanbul in the future, I would definitely seek out Furkan.
7. Private Guided Foodie Walking Tour in Istanbul
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
The tour takes you off the beaten track so you can sample the real tastes of Istanbul and experience delicious Turkish delicacies you may not have known existed. While discovering local markets you will also gain an overview of Turkish history and culture while appreciating the unique architecture of Istanbul. Whether you are a food expert or just love food the Taste of Istanbul Tour will fulfill your eating dreams.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks, Public transportation such as ferry and tram.
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Private transportation
Reviewed By benethy
My mother and I enjoy so much to try different cuisines and learn about the culinary culture and local recipes to cook at home. While we were in Istanbul we had the Turkish Food experience and absolutely loved it. Derya not only passionate and knowledgeable about Turkish food but also she is knowledgeable about Istanbul's culture, and history. It makes the day more pleasant knowing what was behind each taste and stop and it was especially nice to try her favorite tastes. She shares her favorite places with true generosity. I can really recommend Derya and her private food tours. Truly a remarkable experience.
8. Istanbul Tour Including Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Hippodrome
Our well informed tourist guides will pick you up from your accommodations with the shining beams of the sun in the morning. You will stroll around the old city of Istanbul. You will discover the old city tour by walking and feel the heart of Istanbul.
Inclusions: Private licenced guide, Parking Fees, Lunch, Entrance fees are included
Exclusions: Personal Expenses, Gratuities, Beverages
Reviewed By Comptoc
We had been talking to Hakan from Neopolis Travel for over a year, as I was planning a 6 month Sabbatical, with an Istanbul and Cappadoccia tour. From the beginning the communication from Hakan was always timely and informative with flexibility and options given. We eventually booked the tour with him for this coming May, but obviously circumstances have now prevented this. Via email with Hakan, he gave us options to defer the tour, but unfortunately due to other commitments we have had to cancel. Hakan has been very understanding throughout and will definitely book with him and Neopolis if we are able to do the tour in the future.
9. Excursion of 2 Days in Istanbul: Europe and Asia
This excursion includes History and common life. You will move out of touristic places to visit the life in Istanbul much deeper. District of Kadıköy is a very nice place to see how history and common life walks alongside each other. This tour is perfect to have a real idea about how people live in Istanbul.
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Common Transportation, Private transportation, Entry Tickets , Food and drinks
Reviewed By elfinj20
I love Bursa because it is less touristy and you have the mountain area so close at hand. I always stay at the B Loft Hotel which is 30 mtrs from the beginning of the Bazaar, the rooms are a good size and well appointed, staff are first class and your stay includes breakfast. At night it is quiet but everything is close at hand.
10. The Eclectic Istanbul - Private Tour with Bosphorus Cruise (regular ticket)
Start the tour with the elegant Dolmabahce Palace. We next take finucular to Taksim. After a short exploration, we walk down to Galata along Istiklal Street. Your guide will tell the stories of the famous buildings. Next we climb the Galata Tower for a panoramic view of majestic Istanbul. After a lunch break at a local restaurant we explore Karakoy. A stylish, old neighborhood of Istanbul. We continue with a walk across the picturesque Galata bridge. Next we will visit the Spice Bazaar and around and continue to Rustem Pasha Mosque. Rustem Pasha Mosque is famous for its exquisite Iznik tiles from the 16th century. Our last hightlight is the Bosphorus Cruise up to the second bridge. You will discover old neighborhoods along the Bosphorus and amaze at the beautiful "Yalis" (waterfront, wooden mansions).
Inclusions: Professional guiding services , Skip the ticket line at museums, All taxes and fees
Exclusions: To give our guests more option and flexibility for lunch, we do not include in our prices., Personal Expenses
Reviewed By 662AshleyS662
Had a wonderful time seeing Istanbul as a first time visitor with guide Osman Ozmen. He was knowledgeable, personable, and spoke English well! We were able to customize the itinerary based on which sites were available and what was of interest. I’m so glad I chose to utilize a guide vs trying to navigate the maze of Istanbul on my own. I definitely saw more (and learned more!) through this tour. I had so much fun, we added in a second day! Highly recommended.
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