Istanbul Small-Group City and Secret Streets Tour with Guide

Fatih, TR
91% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (207 reviews)

Included

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

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Gratuities (recommended)
  • exclusion
    Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting Point

In front (outside) of FOODIE-IST CAFE AND BRASSERIE. It is approximately 2 minutes walking distance from (T1) Sultanahmet tram stop. Your guide will wear a tour guide badge and will be easy to spot.

Meeting point

Alemdar, Muhterem Efendi Sk. No:13 Zemin kat, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul , Turkiye

End point

End Point

Our tour concludes after visiting Spice Market in Eminönü and leaving you free to continue your Istanbul sightseeing

Meeting point

Rüstem Paşa, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul , Turkiye

End point

What to expect

1

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.

Duration 10 minutes
2

Sogukcesme Sokak

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

Duration 10 minutes
3
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.

Duration 10 minutes
4
Hagia Sophia Grand 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...

Duration 10 minutes
5

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

Duration 10 minutes
6
Sultanahmet District

"Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled

Duration 10 minutes
7
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.

Duration 10 minutes
8
German Fountain

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

Duration 10 minutes
9
Hippodrome

The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus that was the sporting and social center of Constantinople. Today it is a square with a few fragments of the original structure surviving. Monuments decorating the Hippodrome include the 3500-year-old Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column...

Duration 10 minutes
10

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..

Duration 10 minutes
11
Serpent 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.

Duration 10 minutes
12
Sultanahmet Square

This beautiful square and a great place to make a stop, relax and take photos of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Duration 10 minutes
13

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.

Duration 10 minutes
14
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.

Duration 10 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    There is a moderate amount of walking involved
Provided by Tematique Tours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Try a local kebab at Sultanahmet Koftecisi.
  • icon
    Explore the nearby Spice Bazaar after the tour.
  • icon
    Don't miss the views from Galata Bridge.
  • icon
    Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
  • icon
    Grab a Turkish coffee at a local café.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the magic of Istanbul, a city steeped in history and cultural richness, on the Istanbul Sightseeing Walking Tour. As the former capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul is a captivating blend of East and West, boasting magnificent architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. This guided walking tour is perfect for first-time visitors, offering a comprehensive exploration of the city's main attractions and hidden gems. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll delve into the fascinating stories of Byzantine and Ottoman rule, immersing yourself in the city's captivating past.

What to expect?

Embark on a picturesque stroll through the charming streets of Istanbul, taking in the breathtaking sights and sounds that surround you. This tour aims to provide a holistic overview of the city, showcasing its historic attractions, museums, local arts, and traditions. Discover iconic landmarks such as Sultanahmet Square, where you'll meet your guide, and explore the hidden gems that only locals know about. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Istanbul as your guide shares insightful commentary, bringing the city to life before your eyes.

Who is this for?

This tour is designed for anyone seeking an immersive and informative experience of Istanbul. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a curious traveler, this walking tour will captivate your senses and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the city's heritage. From solo adventurers to families and groups of friends, this tour is suitable for all ages and interests. Everyone is welcome to join and discover the wonders of Istanbul.

Why book this?

By booking the Istanbul Sightseeing Walking Tour, you can leave the navigation to your experienced guide and focus on soaking up the beauty and history of Istanbul. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore both the iconic landmarks and the hidden treasures of the city, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in its rich tapestry of culture. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you'll gain valuable insights and little-known facts about Istanbul's past, making this experience both educational and entertaining. Don't miss the chance to discover the heart and soul of this magnificent city.

Good to know

During the tour, you'll be provided with a professional guide who will make your experience engaging and informative. The tour operates in small groups, ensuring a personalized and intimate atmosphere. It's recommended to bring gratuities for the guide, as they greatly appreciate it. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, allowing you the flexibility to explore more of Istanbul on your own after the tour concludes. The tour ends at the Spice Market in Eminönü, leaving you free to continue your Istanbul sightseeing adventure at your own pace.

Reviews

Previous participants of the Istanbul Sightseeing Walking Tour have praised the expertise and passion of the guides, highlighting how their storytelling brought the city's history to life. Travelers have also appreciated the balance between visiting famous landmarks and discovering hidden gems off the beaten path. Overall, the tour has received glowing reviews for its informative and captivating nature, leaving participants with unforgettable memories of Istanbul's beauty and cultural richness. Don't just take our word for it, join the tour and experience it for yourself!

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