Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour
Istanbul, Turkey

Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour

Outty Ranking 69 5.0 · 15 traveler reviews7.3 hoursFrom $120
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Outty Ranking

69/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour worth booking?

Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour is a 7.3-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $120 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 15 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
69 / 100
Rating
5/5 (15)
Duration
7.3 hours
From
$120 per person

Experience Istanbul’s essential Old City highlights on a private full-day walking tour designed especially for first-time visitors. Explore Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar with a licensed private guide who brings the city’s Byzantine, Ottoman and modern layers together through engaging stories and historical insight. Walk through a cityscape shaped by imperial mosques, palace courtyards, ancient monuments, covered market streets and living traditions that continue in the heart of the historic peninsula. With a private and flexible route, you can experience Istanbul’s rich atmosphere at your own pace, guided clearly throughout the day and away from the rush of crowded group tours.

What you get

    About this experience

    Experience Istanbul’s essential Old City highlights on a private full-day walking tour designed especially for first-time visitors. Explore Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar with a licensed private guide who brings the city’s Byzantine, Ottoman and modern layers together through engaging stories and historical insight. Walk through a cityscape shaped by imperial mosques, palace courtyards, ancient monuments, covered market streets and living traditions that continue in the heart of the historic peninsula. With a private and flexible route, you can experience Istanbul’s rich atmosphere at your own pace, guided clearly throughout the day and away from the rush of crowded group tours.

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional Licensed Guide
    • Private Tour

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off + Private transportation.
    • Museum fees (Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace)
    • Gratuity (suggested)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

      Step inside Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most extraordinary landmarks, where Byzantine imperial grandeur blends with the spiritual atmosphere of Ottoman mosque tradition in the heart of the Old City.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Blue Mosque

      Blue Mosque is one of the most beautiful works of the Ottoman era in terms of aesthetic beauty and architecture. Here you will discover famous blue tiles and learn about İslam and Islamic art and listen to the most interesting stories about Blue Mosque from your guide.

      60 minutes here

    3. TopkapI Palace

      Topkapi Palace, which became an inspiration for lots of artists and became subject to operas, is a wonderful example from the Ottoman era. It was the main seat of Ottoman sultans and also the main center of "Game of Thrones", brutal rivalries, and intrigues. Discover the former residence of Ottoman sultans, with imperial courtyards, treasury collections and sweeping views over the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    4. Hippodrome

      Walk through the ancient ceremonial center of Constantinople and see monuments that connect Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history. As a historical site, Hippodrome is an important place where you can see The Obelisk from Egypt, Serpent Column, German Fountain, and walled column.

      60 minutes here

    5. Grand Bazaar

      End the day in the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and most atmospheric covered markets. Step into a centuries-old world of vaulted passages, historic shops and living merchant traditions, where generations of craftsmen and traders have shaped Istanbul’s commercial culture. Famous not only for its authenticity and vibrant atmosphere but also for appearing in internationally known films, the bazaar offers a memorable final stop with time to explore carpets, jewelry, leather goods, ceramics, spices, souvenirs and traditional Turkish crafts.

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Istanbul

    If you'd like to use public transportation, Sultanahmet tram stop is the closest station - just 1-minute walking distance away.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    If you'd like to use public transportation, Sultanahmet tram stop is the closest station - just 1-minute walking distance away.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Apopedia Travel

    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 travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Please note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. If you book the tour for a Tuesday, your guide will adjust the route and replace Topkapi Palace with another major Old City site, such as the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, or the Basilica Cistern, depending on opening hours and availability.
    • Please note that Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are usually open to visitors on Fridays after the Friday prayer, generally after 2:00 PM. Your guide will adjust the itinerary order accordingly to make the best use of the day.
    • Please note that the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. If you book the tour for a Sunday, your guide will adjust the route and replace the Grand Bazaar with the Spice Bazaar, where you can experience another historic market atmosphere with spices, sweets, teas, souvenirs and traditional local products.
    • This is a walking tour, you will not need a vehicle during the tour.

    Photos

    Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour, photo 2Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour, photo 3Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour, photo 4Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour, photo 5Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour, photo 6Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    5 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    15 verified traveler reviews for Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    15
    4 star
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    3 star
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    2 star
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    1 star
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    Sort
    engelange · November 2024

    2 days in Istanbul with the best guides

    We had a wonderful 2 day tour with Apo and Ipek. They were very professional, guiding us in the city, explaining the history with passion and bringing us to good restaurants! They both adapted the tour to our requests and made sure to feed us with all relevant information. I can definitely recommend them!

    via Tripadvisor

    309sercang · August 2024

    A remarkable tour with Abdullah

    Abdullah is the guide who explained all the hidden gems with full of secrets of the beautiful city Istanbul. We were a group comes from Vienna, Austria to see the historical and modern landmarks of Istanbul. Abdullah is an excellent guide he showed us everything, a perfect experience!

    via Tripadvisor

    Simon W · July 2024

    Apo is a legend - best tour guide experience of my life

    I had SUCH a great time with Apo! He was great fun, tailored the tour to my preferences, and had a wicked sense of humour. We actually became good friends and he even invited me out for a dinner with his friends to a local restaurant with live music, this was the highlight of my trip. Thanks for everything Apo!

    via Tripadvisor

    484reginaj · July 2024

    Turkey: An Incredible Experience!

    This was my first time in Turkey and it will certainly not be the last. Every delightful corner of Istanbul was stunning. But I have to say its beauty became even more solidified when I met Apo our tour guide. He is incredibly knowledgeable with more than ten years in the industry. I was in awe of the historical narrative he would tell. He made learning fun, easy and exciting which is rare. I enjoyed Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Bosphorus cruise, walking aimlessly through the streets, the cable car and so much more! I encourage you to choose Apo as your tour guide for your Istanbul exploration. He works so well with others, charismatic and has amazing taste in food selections! Every place he picked out was a culinary sensation. I cannot wait to go back and experience Turkey more and I hope you do too! 10 stars for Apo!

    via Tripadvisor

    Maps826860 · July 2024

    Amazing Tour

    A group of us toured with Apo when we arrived in Istanbul. I didn’t know what to expect as we had never done a city tour on holidays before. Apo customized our tour to meet our needs and also helped arrange a hammam for us and a visit to a carpet atelier. He has a way of instantly connecting with you and it’s apparent as you walk around the city that most people he encounters feel the same connection. Istanbul was a more magical place with Apo. Definitely recommend!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    7.3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $120 to $125
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    5
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 69

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)87
    Review evidence (18% weight)42
    Booking momentum (14% weight)33
    Value for money (12% weight)76
    Listing quality (10% weight)82
    Local standing (8% weight)66
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.

    How much does Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour cost?

    +

    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 Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 7.3 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 Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 15 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 Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour?

    +

    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 Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour?

    +

    Around 5 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?

    +

    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 7.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour?

    +

    Included: Professional Licensed Guide; and Private Tour. Not included: Lunch; Hotel pickup and drop-off + Private transportation; Museum fees (Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace); and Gratuity (suggested). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour?

    +

    If you'd like to use public transportation, Sultanahmet tram stop is the closest station - just 1-minute walking distance away. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English 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 Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour?

    +

    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 Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour 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 Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Full-Day Best of Istanbul Private Old City Tour?

    +

    Across 15 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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