Best of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Best of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar worth booking?
Best of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar is a 4-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $183 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 52 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (7)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $183 per person
Attractions of Istanbul - 5 places, you must see The largest city in Europe, bustling Istanbul straddles the banks of the Bosphorus and has long been billed as the place where East meets West. Istanbul is a city that wears its cultures and history well, blending them into an exciting city that has much to offer travelers from around the world. Istanbul's top attractions are first and foremost stunning monuments like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque,Topkapı Palace, Hippodrome Square, Grand Bazaar,witnesses to Turkey's former power and turbulent history. It's also exotic atmosphere, kebaps, delights, spices, aromatic teas, seramics, carpets served literally everywhere! Isn't it true that Istanbul's myriad sights and attractions sound like the harbinger of a beautiful trip? We've rounded up a list of the most unmissable things to see and do in Istanbul, covering everything from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. If so, reserve what you must see 5 highligts of Istanbul by local guide!
What you get
About this experience
Attractions of Istanbul - 5 places, you must see The largest city in Europe, bustling Istanbul straddles the banks of the Bosphorus and has long been billed as the place where East meets West. Istanbul is a city that wears its cultures and history well, blending them into an exciting city that has much to offer travelers from around the world. Istanbul's top attractions are first and foremost stunning monuments like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque,Topkapı Palace, Hippodrome Square, Grand Bazaar,witnesses to Turkey's former power and turbulent history. It's also exotic atmosphere, kebaps, delights, spices, aromatic teas, seramics, carpets served literally everywhere! Isn't it true that Istanbul's myriad sights and attractions sound like the harbinger of a beautiful trip? We've rounded up a list of the most unmissable things to see and do in Istanbul, covering everything from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. If so, reserve what you must see 5 highligts of Istanbul by local guide!
What's included
Included
- English Speaking Tour Guide
Not included
- scarf and covering clothes
- Lunch
- topkapı palace ticket
- hagia sophia ticket
What you'll see and do
Blue Mosque
Istanbul’s spiritual side with this amazing structure. The Blue Mosque is easily the most recognizable landmark and a sight to behold to any visitor to Istanbul. With me, you gain access to a guided tour of the Blue Mosque. With capable and knowledgeable guides of Istanbul, this monumental structure is sure to be imprinted on your mind. *Discover the Blue Mosque with its 6 magnificent minarets and unique interior decoration! *Professional English-speaking tour guide!
30 minutes here
Ayasofya Camii
Highlights • Absorb the rich Byzantine and Islamic& Christian past of Hagia Sophia for an hour with an expert historian. • Skip the ticket lines and head straight to the fun. • Let your expert guide offer insights into different elements that make Hagia Sophia a historic marvel. • Click insta-worthy pics of panoramic views from the visitors' area, which serves as a vantage point for photo-ops. Inclusions • Entry ticket to the Hagia Sophia visitors area ( per person 25 euro) Need to Know • Appropriate and respectful clothing is mandatory while visiting the Hagia Sophia. • Women should not wear knee-length shorts, skirts, or clothing with exposed shoulders or chests. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf. Men should not wear knee-length shorts or clothing with exposed shoulders. • Clothes and scarves are available for purchase at the entrance of the attraction. • If your clothes are not suitable, you can buy them for cash next to the mosque.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
TopkapI Palace
Highlights • Enjoy the convenience of the skip-the-line entry (less queuing, more viewing!) • Your expert guide will narrate the fascinating history of the palace and all that you see around you. • Marvel at the weapons of the Ottoman Army, the beautiful fabrics, jewels, golden thrones, topkapı dagger, beautiful tiles and more arts • In the Palace kitchen, discover an astonishing collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain too. • The Holy Relics Chamber contains items associated with legendary historical figures such as Prophet Muhammad, Moses, and David. • Enjoy a visit to the Harem section provides a unique perspective into the lifestyle of sultans, concubines, their families as well as Ottoman customs and traditions. • Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Istanbul's Bosphorus ( between 2 continents) as you take in the panoramic view from the Topkapisarayi.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Hippodrome
What To See At The Hippodrome? The Hippodrome itself is a large green open-air park and there are 3 important monuments in its central area to see: 1. The Egyptian Obelisk – Built in the 16th century BC by the Pharaoh Tutmosis in Egypt. It was brought to Istanbul by boat in the 4th century AD. 2. The Serpentine’s Column – Originally erected in the Temple of Delphi in Greece, but taken to Istanbul. Until the 17th century there were three bronze snake heads projecting from the column, but they have since been lost. One can be seen in the archaeological museum. 3. The Column of Constantine – Although it is believed that this dates from the 10th century, evidence shows that it was built earlier than that. Until 1204, it was covered by bronze and silver. When the Crusaders came to the area, they pulled off the bronze and silver, melted them down and made coins out of them.
15 minutes here
Grand Bazaar
One of the most famous shopping attractions for many visitors to Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar or Grand Covered Market, a maze of 4000 thousands of unique and unusual shops run for centuries in the same location, whose ownership has often been passed down from family to family and who have survived numerous fires and earthquakes at its old city central location. It is a showplace of vivid colors and makes for an interesting stroll to take in the ambience alone. For shopping lovers it’s a real delight – full of many interesting objects and old decorated trinkets, fabrics, rugs, jewellery, leather, tiles, copper, antiques and various souvenirs.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Find an ELIF guide with a red stick wearing a headscarf under the big fountain at the Hagia Sophia ticket office
Meeting point
Istanbul
In front of the German Fountain in Hİppodrome Square
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Find an ELIF guide with a red stick wearing a headscarf under the big fountain at the Hagia Sophia ticket office
Ends at
In front of the German Fountain in Hİppodrome Square
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- theguideinistanbul
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Best of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Elif - great guide!
Great excursion around Istanbul!! The guide showed us the most picturesque places of the city. We saw breathtaking views of the city and had lunch with the most amazing view ever! The food was marvelous as well!! Highly recommend this guide for anyone visiting the city!
via Tripadvisor
A WONDERFUL TOUR TOUR
Thanks for the great tour! Beautiful guide, very interesting stories and beautiful locations! The tour guide-girl gave a very detailed and fascinating account! I'm really glad I got to see her on the field trip! Thank you very much! Thanks for the great tour! A wonderful guide, very interesting stories and beautiful locations! The girl guide told me everything in great detail and fascinatingly! I am very glad that I managed to get to her on the tour! Thank you very much!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Best Sultanahmet walking tour in Istanbul !
We joined Elif’s Istanbul tour during our trip to Turkey, and honestly it was one of the highlights of our visit. Elif is an incredibly knowledgeable and professional licensed tour guide with amazing storytelling skills. She doesn’t just explain history — she makes Istanbul come alive. We explored both famous landmarks and hidden corners of the city while learning fascinating stories about Ottoman history, local culture, daily life, and the unique spirit of Istanbul. One of the most incredible parts of the experience was seeing both Asia and Europe in just one day — something we We booked Elif’s Sultanahmet tour, and it completely exceeded our expectations. If you want to truly understand the history of Istanbul, this is the tour to take. Elif is a licensed professional guide and incredibly passionate about Istanbul’s rich history. She explained places like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, and the Old City in such an engaging and easy-to-understand way. Her storytelling made centuries of history feel alive. What made this experience special was her warm personality and local perspective. She answered every question with patience and shared so many details we would never have discovered on our own. This was not a typical tourist tour — it felt personal, educational, and unforgettable. We would 100% recommend Elif for anyone visiting Sultanahmet or Istanbul for the first time. One of the best walking tours we’ve ever taken!
via Tripadvisor
An amazing tour! Elif is the best!
This was an amazing tour. The beauty of the sites and of the city in general was breathtaking. I had wanted to visit Hagia Sophia since I was a teenager. It was a dream come true. Elif is the absolute best! She is very knowledgeable and friendly. She really made the tour seem like a group of friends instead of a bunch of strangers. Thanks Elif!
via Tripadvisor
Istanbul Disappointment
Operator/Tour Guide never showed up. We got a taxi to the German Fountain an hour and a half early (pictures to prove the time stamp) but he/she never showed. We called and emailed etc. Ended up taking a Hop On Hop Off bus to see the city. Never saw the Blue Mosque or Sophia Mosque. Very unhappy.
Response from the operator: Hello Karen, I am truly sorry for the disappointment you experienced. However, I would like to clarify that I never received any call, message, or email from you on the day of the tour. My phone number is clearly listed on Viator, and I always keep it available for my guests. If you had reached me, I would have done everything possible to resolve the situation on the spot. It is surprising to receive such a low rating when no actual communication took place and the tour itself did not happen. I always arrive early to meeting points, and clear communication is a priority in my work. To future travelers: please know that I am a licensed professional guide, committed to reliability and guest satisfaction. Direct communication with me before the tour ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience. Best regards, Licensed professional guide Elif.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 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
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 52
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Best of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Best of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar cost?
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Prices start at $183 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: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar take?
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Plan for about 4 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: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 7 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: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar?
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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: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Best of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar?
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Around 2 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Best of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar 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: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar?
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Included: English Speaking Tour Guide. Not included: scarf and covering clothes; Lunch; topkapı palace ticket; and hagia sophia ticket. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Best of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar?
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Find an ELIF guide with a red stick wearing a headscarf under the big fountain at the Hagia Sophia ticket office Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Best of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar 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: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar?
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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: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Best of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Best of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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