
Best of Istanbul
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 221 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Best of Istanbul worth booking?
Best of Istanbul is a 3-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $120 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 221 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (221)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $120 per person
Best of Istanbul covers major sights of Istanbul with interior visit to each place with one of the best tour guides.
What you get
About this experience
Best of Istanbul covers major sights of Istanbul with interior visit to each place with one of the best tour guides.
What's included
Included
- Official Guide
Not included
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Private guided tour of Hagia Sophia
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Blue Mosque
Guided visit to Blue Mosque
30 minutes here
Basilica Cistern
Guided visit to Basilica Cistern
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Meeting point is main entrance of Hagia Sophia, infront of the line.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meeting point is main entrance of Hagia Sophia, infront of the line.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tour Guide Metin Koca
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Proper clothes for mosque, no shorts or skirts above knees and ladies need head scarf.
- Clients should have earphones
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 221 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
221 verified traveler reviews for Best of Istanbul. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fantastic 6 hour walking tour
We did a 6 hour walking tour with Metin and it was amazing! He started with the skip the line Hagia Sofia tour. He was fantastic and we saw Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Cistern. He took us to a delicious local lunch stop too. I highly recommend Metin! He was very knowledgeable, personable and funny. It was the best way to see Istanbul in a day. Awesome tour and tour guide!
via Tripadvisor
Top way to see the Hagia Sofia
Top tour - I like history and knew a few things about Hagia Sofia -therefore i booked a dedicated tour for it - the tour was really great - good energy - lots of interesting information - knew all the small details and the explanations were spot on - really recommend it
via Viator
100% would recommend
Metin Koca is amazing and so worth the money. He tells the history in such an interesting way. I have ADHD and struggle with just listening or reading but I felt like I really understood the complex and vast history. Metin speaks great English and is a great teacher. He anticipates questions and is so knowledgeable about history and culture. Worth every penny. And the line does get long if you don't get there early so he waits in the line so you do not have to.
via Viator
Must Do!
Amazingly informative tour led by Metin! Learned so much about the building and its history. We could have listened to him for hours. A must-do tour.
via Viator
Great tour guide for Hagia Sophia!
This was a good tour. We were able to be the first in line and so had smaller crowds to deal with. We had trouble finding our way, and the guide called our cell and directed us straight to the group. Explanations were well thought out and free time to roam around was much appreciated. Couldn't have been better!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 77
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Best of Istanbul: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Best of Istanbul cost?
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Prices start at $120 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 take?
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Plan for about 3 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 worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 221 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Best of Istanbul?
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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 suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Best of Istanbul?
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Around 77 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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Best of Istanbul 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, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. 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?
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Included: Official Guide. Not included: Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Best of Istanbul?
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Meeting point is main entrance of Hagia Sophia, infront of the line. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Best of Istanbul offered in?
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It runs in English. 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?
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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 wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Best of Istanbul 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?
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Across 221 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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