
Best of Istanbul in 1 Day
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 71 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Best of Istanbul in 1 Day worth booking?
Best of Istanbul in 1 Day is a 7-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $49 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 71 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (71)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $49 per person
This Special Full-Day tour takes you to the main tourist attractions that are a must for any visitor to Istanbul, especially for the first timers. This includes the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, The Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar.
What you get
About this experience
This Special Full-Day tour takes you to the main tourist attractions that are a must for any visitor to Istanbul, especially for the first timers. This includes the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, The Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar.
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Professional Licenced Tour Guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
- Drop off to Hotels (Tour ends in Grand Bazaar)
What you'll see and do
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
The magnificent Byzantine Church of all times; one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Blue Mosque
One of the biggest mosques of Istanbul from 17th century architecture is one of the principal adornments on the skyline of Istanbul. Also famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarest.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Hippodrome
The former center of sprotive and political activities of Constantinople. You will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi and fountain of Willhelm II.
30 minutes here
TopkapI Palace
The former imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled. Today a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain and the very famous treasury of the Royal Family. ** closed on Tuesdays and replaces with Basilica Cistern.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Grand Bazaar
In addition to its historical importance, it's a bazaar that will tempt even the nonshoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Infront of the German Fountain
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Infront of the German Fountain
Options you can book
Small Group with Pick-up
Pickup included
Small Group at Meeting Point
Private Tour
Private Tour : You can request English, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Russian Speaking Tour Guide. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- City of Sultans
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Entrance fees to Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia is excluded
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 71 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
71 verified traveler reviews for Best of Istanbul in 1 Day. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Perfect introductory day in Istanbul!
Kemal provided an excellent mix of deep history, current cultural experience and humor! He calibrated the schedule of events over the course of the day to my daughter’s and my interests and energy levels. He provided a deep well of knowledge about the city including additional neighborhoods and sites we could visit on our own so that we could focus our day together on those places where we could best leverage his knowldege. We not only had a highly enlightening day together, we left with a roadmap of our next days of exploring the city. We highly recommend him to others!!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for choosing our services. We are very happy to hear that you had great time with our tour guide Mr. Kemal :) We all hope to see you again in Turkey with a longer trip..
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Small-Group Tour with Outstanding Communication
This was an excellent tour from start to finish. The communication before the tour was outstanding. The evening before, we received a WhatsApp message with all of the meeting details, including a short video showing exactly how to walk through the cruise terminal to the meeting point. On the morning of the tour, our guide, Dolu, introduced himself through WhatsApp and sent a friendly reminder to wear comfortable shoes and bring a scarf, which was much appreciated. Our group consisted of only four people, making the experience feel much more personal than a large bus tour. Dolu was knowledgeable, engaging, and had a wonderful sense of humor that kept the day enjoyable. He shared fascinating historical information throughout the tour while encouraging conversation and questions. Although no audio equipment was used, it wasn't necessary with such a small group, and we were able to hear him well throughout the day. The tour does involve a significant amount of walking, as described in the listing, so comfortable shoes are definitely recommended. Lunch was included and was both authentic and delicious. It was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy local cuisine as part of the experience. The tour concluded at the Grand Bazaar, where Dolu took us to a shop he personally recommended. We appreciated being introduced to a local favorite and enjoyed sampling a variety of nuts and teas. My only suggestion for future visitors is to take your time before making any purchases and confirm prices beforehand. Like many busy markets around the world, the sales approach can be enthusiastic, so it's helpful to know exactly what you're buying before committing. One small suggestion for the tour itself would be to build in a scheduled restroom break about midway through the day. While I felt comfortable enough that I could have asked, I think proactively including a brief stop would make the experience even better, especially considering the amount of walking involved. Before our cruise, we had some hesitation about visiting Istanbul. After spending the day with Dolu, those concerns quickly disappeared. We felt comfortable and safe throughout the tour, and having a knowledgeable local guide allowed us to simply enjoy the incredible history, architecture, and culture of the city. Overall, this was a fantastic tour that combined excellent organization, a knowledgeable guide, delicious food, and a truly enjoyable small-group experience. We would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Istanbul.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for choosing our services. We are very happy to hear that you had great time with our tour guide Mr. Dolunay :) We all hope to see you again in Turkey with a longer trip..
via Tripadvisor
What a wonderful experience!
It was a first time in istanbul. Our guide Kemal Aslan was awesome! He is so knowledge of history and culture. He has a good sense of humor as well. I had such a great time with new friends. Highly recommend!!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for choosing our services. We are very happy to hear that you had great time with our tour guide Mr. Kemal :)
via Viator
Female Aslan is the BEST.
We had an amazing day with Kemal Aslan. He took us to all of the places on the list while making a few extra stops that we requested. He shared the history while throwing in humor to keep things from getting overwhelming. We HIGHLY recommend him for anyone looking for a guide who knows the subject but who is flexible enough to keep the tourist happy and engaged.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for choosing our services, and we are all very happy to hear that you had great time with the guide Kemal :) We all hope to see you again in Turkey..
via Tripadvisor
Full day in Istanbul
Great experience with excellent history
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for choosing our services. We all hope to see you in Turkey with a longer trip..
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
- $49 to $299
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 25
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by City of Sultans, who run 20 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.0.
See everything City of Sultans runsWhy this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Best of Istanbul in 1 Day: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Best of Istanbul in 1 Day cost?
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Prices start at $49 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 in 1 Day 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 in 1 Day worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 71 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 in 1 Day?
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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 in 1 Day 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 in 1 Day?
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Around 25 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 in 1 Day 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 in 1 Day?
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Included: In-vehicle air conditioning; and Professional Licenced Tour Guide. Not included: Lunch; Entrance fees; Entrance fees; and Drop off to Hotels (Tour ends in Grand Bazaar). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Best of Istanbul in 1 Day include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 16 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 45 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Best of Istanbul in 1 Day offered in?
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It is offered in Japanese and 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 in 1 Day?
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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 in 1 Day wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Best of Istanbul in 1 Day 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 in 1 Day?
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Across 71 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Best of Istanbul in 1 Day?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Small Group with Pick-up, Small Group at Meeting Point, Private Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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