Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 10,478 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour worth booking?
Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour is a 7-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $90 per person. It scores 96 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Peak Performance”, based on a 5/5 rating across 10,478 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 96 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (10,478)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $90 per person
Visit highlights of Istanbul with your private tour guide in 1, 2 or 3 days with a flexible itinerary. Day 1 - Highlights of Topkapi Palace Museum, Sultanahmet Square, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar. Day 2 - Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside), Spice Market. Day 3 - Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), Pierre Lotti Panoramic Hill by Cable Car, Chora Church (or alternative sites). Important Notes: - Skip the line service is not available for active mosques - there is a queue for the entrance. - For the tours that start later than 11 am, kindly note that you may have to skip one/a couple of sites as the sites are closed by 7 pm. Your guide will adjust the program according to your priorities.
What you get
About this experience
Visit highlights of Istanbul with your private tour guide in 1, 2 or 3 days with a flexible itinerary. Day 1 - Highlights of Topkapi Palace Museum, Sultanahmet Square, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar. Day 2 - Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside), Spice Market. Day 3 - Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), Pierre Lotti Panoramic Hill by Cable Car, Chora Church (or alternative sites). Important Notes: - Skip the line service is not available for active mosques - there is a queue for the entrance. - For the tours that start later than 11 am, kindly note that you may have to skip one/a couple of sites as the sites are closed by 7 pm. Your guide will adjust the program according to your priorities.
What's included
Included
- Professional Licensed Guide
- Private tour
- Guide meets you at central hotels
Not included
- Transportation (from/back to hotel, between sites unless van is booked)
- Museum/Ferry/Cable Car Tickets
- Lunch
- Gratuity (suggested)
What you'll see and do
Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet Square
15 minutes here
German Fountain
German Fountain / Alman Çeşmesi
15 minutes here
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque / Sultanahmet Camii Built in the early 1600s for Sultan Ahmet I of the Ottoman Empire, the Blue Mosque is truly a magnificent masterpiece of architecture with amazingly delicate proportions for a building of such massive scale.
60 minutes here
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Hagia Sophia Museum / Ayasofya / Santa Sofia Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, played a very important role in the Christian and Islamic World. After the Ottoman conquest the bells, altar, iconoclastic, and sacrificial vessels were removed, and many of the mosaics were eventually plastered over to convert the church into a mosque then a museum and now it’s a mosque for the second time. The most important stop of an Istanbul tour is operated in Old City Istanbul / Constantinople. *Please note that as it's not a museum anymore, tour guides don't have skip-the-line priority there. You may need to wait in the security line, in order to avoid queues we suggest departing at 8:30am or 9:00am.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is an atmospheric underground reservoir from Byzantine Constantinople, famous for its forest of marble columns, dim lighting, and haunting reflections in shallow water. Don’t miss the two mysterious Medusa-head column bases, which add a touch of ancient myth to one of Istanbul’s most memorable historic sights.
45 minutes here · Admission not included
TopkapI Palace
Topkapi Palace Museum / Topkapı Sarayı More than just an Imperial Residence of Ottoman Sultans, it was the seat of the Supreme Executive and Judiciary Council for almost 400 years long. Topkapi Palace is a great monument of Oriental architecture which resembles the power of the Ottoman Empire.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar / Kapalı Çarşı One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 4,000 shops with colorful products of ceramic, leather, rugs, carpets, handicrafts, clothes, silver, and gold.
60 minutes here
Bosphorus Strait
Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry or Private Cruise ( if option is chosen) Take the public ferry for Bosphorus Cruise to see both Istanbul’s European and Asian sides, Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, the Rumeli Fortress, old Ottoman villas, Bosphorus bridges, mosques. Your best Istanbul tour memories will definitely include the Bosphorus.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace / Dolmabahçe Sarayı Elegance and beauty with the most luxury decoration, chandeliers, rugs, crystals, ceramic fireplaces. Beautiful palace, right on the Bosphorus with gorgeous furnishings, paintings, porcelains made in particular to Dolmabahce.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Taksim Square
Taksim Square / Taksim Meydanı A great place defining modern Turkey which witnessed important historical moments. Close to Istiklal Street (Istiklal Caddesi) and Galata Tower along with embassies of European countries in Taxim. Cicek Passage has very good food joints, cafes, shops, bars, night clubs around Taksim.
60 minutes here
Istiklal Caddesi
Istiklal Street is the modern and colorful face of Turkey with churches, modern art galeries, embassies, pubs, cafes and shops selling different kind of products.
45 minutes here
Galata Tower
We will see the tower FROM OUTSIDE, due to the regulations unfortunately tour guides don't have skip the line priority here so it takes long time to wait queue. Your tour guide will make you explanation about tower.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Misir Carsisi
Spice Market / Mısır Çarşısı Egyptian Bazaar is a colorful indoor bazaar and has lots of shops offering a variety of spices, purses, flavored teas, Turkish delight, nuts, as well as ceramics, and small souvenirs. Spice Bazaar is located in Eminonu Square which is the connection point of Bosphorus and Golden Horn.
45 minutes here
Cicek Pasaji
Cicek Passage / Flower Passage Originally named as Cite de Pera, a combined structure of traditional and modern construction methods and architectural style by Ottoman Empire is reflected and today we see the small shops and cafes here.
10 minutes here
Suleymaniye Mosque
Suleymaniye Mosque / Süleymaniye Camii is the largest mosque in Istanbul and is as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside. In the garden behind the mosque, the Suleymaniye terrace offers lovely views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus.
60 minutes here
Balat
Fener-Balat Neighborhood backstreet walk Continue exploring Istanbul’s rich religious history with a stop at the Church of St. George. Since the 1600s, the church has been the location of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and is recognized as the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Religion. Balat District; lines of drying laundry stretch across steep, winding streets. Century-old Ottoman houses lean against each other in a combination of reds, blues, and greens. And art galleries and design shops dot the area along the water.
120 minutes here
Fener Rum Patrikhanesi
Orthodox Patriarch
45 minutes here
Historic Areas of Istanbul
Historic Areas of Istanbul
10 minutes here
Pierre Loti
Pierre Loti Hill and Cable Car are some of the most popular sights to visit since it offers great views for visitors. Take the cable car to reach the top and enjoy the beautiful scenery while sipping your Turkish coffee or tea.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Chora Museum
Formerly Church of St. Saviour in Chora is renowned worldwide for its well-preserved mosaics and frescoes. It presents important and beautiful examples of East Roman painting in its last period. The idea of depth in mosaics and the moving style in figures are of outstanding artistic significance in the Middle Ages, foretelling the Renaissance period.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Halic
Golden Horn region which is one of the oldest settlements of the city of Constantinople.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Bulgarian Orthodox Church
St. Stephen Church; Located on the shore of the Golden Horn, the church is also known as the Iron Church due to the fact that it’s made entirely of prefabricated cast iron in 19th century.
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Your guide will contact you in advance to ensure a smooth start, and on the day of the tour will be waiting just outside the cruise terminal, directly in front of the main EXIT GATE, holding a name board with your name for easy recognition.
Meeting point
Istanbul
Your guide will get in touch with you in advance to introduce themselves and ensure a smooth and easy meeting on the day of the tour.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Your guide will contact you in advance to ensure a smooth start, and on the day of the tour will be waiting just outside the cruise terminal, directly in front of the main EXIT GATE, holding a name board with your name for easy recognition.
Ends at
Your guide will get in touch with you in advance to introduce themselves and ensure a smooth and easy meeting on the day of the tour.
Options you can book
3 Days Private Guide-Van Tour
A private van will be assigned throughout the tour. Mercedes Vito/Sprinter Pickup included
1-Day Private Guided Tour
Duration: 7 hours: Hagia Sophia, Highlights of Topkapi Palace Museum, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar. Walking Tour In Old Town: The suggested itinerary does not require transportation. Hotel/port information needed: Guide will meet you at Galataport, your hotel or Airbnb if they are centrally located. (No transportation included.) Pickup included
2 Days Private Guide-Van Tour
A private van will be assigned throughout the tour. Mercedes Vito/Sprinter Pickup included
2-Day Private Guided Tour
Duration: 7 hours: 2 Day Tour(7 hours each day) Hotel/port information needed: Guide will meet you at Galataport, your hotel or Airbnb if they are centrally located. (No transportation included.) Pickup included
3-Day Private Guided Tour
Duration: 7 hours: 3 Day Tour (7 hours each day) Hotel/Port information needed: The guide will meet you at Galataport, your hotel or Airbnb if they are centrally located. (No transportation included.) Pickup included
1-Day Private Guide & Van Tour
Due to Old Town closures, the van will be used for pick-up and drop-off, and can be used further if the itinerary is changed. Duration: 7 hours: Van will be assigned for 7 hours and the tour is customizable. Mercedes Vito/Sprinter Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Guided Istanbul Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The suggested first-day tour is designed as a walking tour, with transportation needed only between the hotel and the Old Town if the hotel is outside old town.
- The suggested second-day tour can be easily managed by public transportation
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays can be replaced with alternatives such as Turkish And Islamic Arts Museum or Archaeological Museum or Basilica Cistern.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and replaced with Spice Market.
- Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. Due to museum regulations, live guide service is not available at Dolmabahce Palace.
- For the tours that start later than 11 am, kindly note that you may have to skip one/a couple of sites as the sites are closed by 7 pm. Your guide will adjust the program according to your priorities.
- On Fridays, Blue Mosque will be visited in the afternoon.
- Grand Bazaar and Spice Market is closed during Eid. (Tue, Mar 9, 2027 – Thu, Mar 11, 2027)
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10,387 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
10,387 verified traveler reviews for Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Tolga-an excellent guide!!
Tolga was excellent as our guide. He was very knowledgeable and shared so many new things with us about Istanbul. His pace was perfect, and he allowed us time to take in all of the culture and sites on our tour. We would highly recommend Tolga as a tour guide!
via Tripadvisor
Highly Recommend!
We had the pleasure of having Canberk as our guide for two days, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience! He was incredibly kind, friendly, and knowledgeable. He shared so much interesting information about Istanbul and Turkey, while making everything easy to understand and enjoyable. Canberk was also great with communication and was always helpful, attentive, and accommodating throughout our tour. He made us feel comfortable, took the time to answer all of our questions, and truly went above and beyond to make our experience special. We highly recommend Canberk to anyone visiting Istanbul! He is an excellent guide and made our two days even more memorable. Thank you, Canberk, for such a wonderful experience!
via Tripadvisor
A Fantastic Tour of Istanbul
Eda was an excellent guide! She knows Istanbul’s history very well, and she was friendly, respectful, helpful, and punctual. Thank you, Eda, for making our experience so enjoyable and memorable. Highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
In depth tour of major sights in Sultanahmet
Gizem was an excellent guide and knowledgeable. This was not my first visit to Istanbul and she capably adjusted her narrative accordingly. She was really patient with our shopping stops and was open about sharing ordinary life in Istanbul.
via Tripadvisor
Best of Istanbul
Our tour guide was amazing! Tugha had excellent English and listened to everything we wanted to see and had great suggestions for additional places. She was also very knowledgeable and gave us lots of historical information that we would have never learned.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $90 to $1,200
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 3,667
- Verdict
- Peak Performance
Who runs this experience
Operated by Guided Istanbul Tours, who run 16 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.3 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Guided Istanbul Tours runsWhy this scores 96
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour cost?
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Prices start at $90 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.
Is Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 96 out of 100, which we label "Peak Performance". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 10,478 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour?
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Around 3,667 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
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On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Istanbul Luxury Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Asian Side Stop. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour?
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Included: Professional Licensed Guide; Private tour; and Guide meets you at central hotels. Not included: Transportation (from/back to hotel, between sites unless van is booked); Museum/Ferry/Cable Car Tickets; Lunch; and Gratuity (suggested). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 3231 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour?
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Across 10,478 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour?
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There are 6 options to choose from, including 3 Days Private Guide-Van Tour, 1-Day Private Guided Tour, 2 Days Private Guide-Van Tour, 2-Day Private Guided Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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