What to do and see in Istanbul, Turkey: The Best Cultural Tours

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

We will meet at your hotel or any place that you want. The tour duration is 8 hours and according to weather conditions or traffic, it might take more than 8 hours or less. The museum entrances will be extra.  We will visit most visited sites of Istanbul as Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia.

Inclusions: Guiding Services

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Museum entrance fees

This tour offers a unique full-day experience at both sides of Istanbul. First, enjoy a colorful sightseeing along the Golden Horn; followed by a visit to the world-renowned Spice Bazaar in the heart of the Historical Peninsula. Take memorable photos during the 90-minute cruise through the Bosphorus and arrive in Asia to visit Beylerbeyi Palace, which was used to be the summer residence of the Sultan in the late Ottoman era, famous for its marble exterior facade and mixture of European and Ottoman baroque interior decorations. Afterwards, enjoy a splendid panoramic view of Istanbul city from Çamlica Hill, widely referred to as the Lovers' Hill.

Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pick up and drop off services , Museum fees

Exclusions: Drinks, Personal expenses, Gratuities

Ready for a cultural awakening? Step into the beautiful Blue Mosque and check out a palace to see how every culture celebrates its beliefs in Istanbul. And for the local touch: enjoy a tasty pastry & have some tea. Get ready to be enlightened and come with a desire to discover!

Inclusions: Private Tour, Local Guide, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Hotel Pickup & drop off, Extra food & drinks

Begin your 3-hours Bosphorus dinner cruise with either a coach pickup from your hotel or join your guide at the port. Then, board your festive boat for a sightseeing cruise of the Bosphorus Strait and see the monument-laden European and Asian coastlines. To help you settle in, grab a complimentary drink from the cabin bar, and then pick your favorite viewpoint to gaze out at Istanbul’s stunning monuments. Enjoy this exciting performance of music and dancing which sheds light on the city’s Anatolian culture. As the show picks up, get ready for classic belly dancing with playful twists and shakes enjoyed by all. Once the show is over, spend the last few minutes admiring the sparkling city as your boat arrives at the port. Next, either head back to your hotel by coach or continue your evening from here at your leisure.

Inclusions: Rich Ordovr Plate,The speciality of the day, Meatball, Grilled chicken or Grilled Fish, Salad, Seasonal Fresh Fruits,Soft Drinks (with 10 euro extra, you can include unlimited local alcoholic drinks), Air-conditioned vehicle, Two ways hotels transfers from centrally located hotels, 3-Hours boat cruise on double deck boat, Great Turkish night shows including whirling dervishes and folk dances, Turkish belly dance shows

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages (can be purchased at the cash bar)

This is a special tour including some of the unique places in the city but also which are difficult to visit on your own. The tour will take you to the roots of historic Istanbul with a visit to the monuments of Byzantine and Ottoman cultural heritage. As the places of visit are all located out of the touristic centers, you will also have the chance to visit the current daily local life.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance fee

Exclusions: Lunch

Visit top-sights of Istanbul with your private family and kid friendly tour guide in 1-2 or 3 days; DAY-1 Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, German Fountain, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace. DAY-2 Spice Market, Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower(from outside).  DAY-3 Suleymaniye Mosque, Chora Church, Fener-Balat Districts, Iron Church, Pierre Lotti Panorama Hill by Cable Car.

Inclusions: Private tour, Professional local guide

Exclusions: Museum/Attraction Tickets, Transportation from/back to hotel and between sites (unless option selected), Lunch, Gratitude (suggested)

This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Istanbul with hidden gems that only a local can show you. Get to know Istanbul on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, from culture, history, and local lifestyle - this tour has it all! Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Istanbul at its best thanks to your local guide’s knowledge and stories. Check out main landmarks like Topkapi, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and uncover city secrets that will show you the city through a different perspective. As they say, the locals know best! Highlights & Hidden Gems of Istanbul: Private City Tour is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

Inclusions: Private tour, Small-group tour option available, Local Guide, 1 local drink/tasting

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Extra food & drinks

Let’s start to explore Istanbul. First visit is Hippodrome. It was the center of sport activities of Constantinople. Haghia Sophia, is the most famous museum in Turkey and one of the greatest marvels of architecture. Haghia Sophia was built as a church in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. (Closed on Monday) Blue Mosque, as known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, this breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman Mosques in all of Turkey. (Closed on Friday) Topkapi Palace, which has been home to the Ottoman dynasty for many years, was used for educational administrative and as the art center of the state. (Closed on Tuesday) Grand Bazaar, is the biggest market and the most attractive shopping center of Istanbul which has lots of shopping opportunities. (Closed on Sunday) Hagia Irene also called as “St. Eirene” Church. It is one of the oldest Byzantium churches in Istanbul, was the 2nd largest church of the Eastern Roman Empire after Hagia Sophia. (Closed on Tuesday)

Inclusions: Entrance Fees, Professional Licensed Tour Guide, Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off, A/C Mercedes Sprinter

Exclusions: Food & Drinks, Personal Expenses, Driver & Guide Tips – Gratitue, Topkapi Palace Harem Entrance Fee

Let us introduce you the old and wise city Istanbul in the best way we can! With our experienced tour guides, you will know more than you ever did before about the magnificent city! (Only guiding service is included, all the other expenses belong to the guests!)

Inclusions: Guiding Service

Exclusions: Museum tickets, Lunch, Private transportation