Guided Private Sightseeing Tour of Istanbul
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 63 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Guided Private Sightseeing Tour of Istanbul worth booking?
Guided Private Sightseeing Tour of Istanbul is a 6-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €200 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 63 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (63)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- €200 per person
Istanbul Old City Tour Discover the timeless beauty of Istanbul with our Old City Tour, a journey through the heart of this historic city. Explore iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern, each offering a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich Byzantine and Ottoman history. Wander through the lively streets of the **Grand Bazaar, where centuries-old traditions come to life, and experience the city's unique blend of cultures. This guided tour offers insightful commentary, allowing you to understand the significance of each monument. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this tour captures the essence of Istanbul’s Old City, making it an unforgettable experience. Book your tour today and step back in time to explore the wonders of Istanbul!
What you get
About this experience
Istanbul Old City Tour Discover the timeless beauty of Istanbul with our Old City Tour, a journey through the heart of this historic city. Explore iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern, each offering a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich Byzantine and Ottoman history. Wander through the lively streets of the **Grand Bazaar, where centuries-old traditions come to life, and experience the city's unique blend of cultures. This guided tour offers insightful commentary, allowing you to understand the significance of each monument. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this tour captures the essence of Istanbul’s Old City, making it an unforgettable experience. Book your tour today and step back in time to explore the wonders of Istanbul!
What's included
Included
- Pick up and drop of the hotel (if the out of the walking distance)
- Private tour
- Professional guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Hagia Sophia Hagia Sophia, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is one of the world’s most significant architectural and historical landmarks. Originally constructed as a cathedral by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD, it served as the largest cathedral in the world for nearly 1,000 years. Following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, it was converted into a mosque and remained a mosque until 1935 when it was turned into a museum by the Turkish Republic. In 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque. The building is famous for its massive dome, which was an engineering marvel at the time, and its stunning mosaics, which depict Christian iconography and were uncovered after the building's conversion to a mosque. Hagia Sophia stands as a symbol of both Christian and Islamic heritage, attracting millions of visitors annually for its historical and architectural grandeur. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) The Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Built between 1609 and 1616, it was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I and remains an active place of worship today. Known for its stunning blue tiles that decorate the interior, the mosque features six minarets, a large central dome, and several smaller domes. The Blue Mosque is an excellent example of Ottoman architecture, showcasing intricate tilework, calligraphy, and decorative motifs. It can accommodate thousands of worshippers, offering both historical and spiritual significance. The mosque's serene and majestic atmosphere, along with its rich cultural heritage, make it a must-visit destination for tourists and religious visitors alike.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
TopkapI Palace
Topkapi Palace Topkapi Palace, located in Istanbul, Turkey, was the primary residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, from the 15th to the 19th century. It was commissioned by Sultan Mehmed II after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The palace is a sprawling complex of courtyards, gardens, and grand buildings, showcasing the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. Key features of the palace include the Harem , where the sultan’s family resided, and the Treasury, which houses priceless jewels and artifacts, including the famous Topkapi Dagger. The Imperial Kitchens and Sacred Relics Room , which contains relics of the Prophet Muhammad, are also notable. Today, Topkapi Palace is a museum, attracting millions of visitors with its rich history, exquisite architecture, and impressive collections. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle and power of the Ottoman sultans.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Hippodrome
Hippodrome of Constantinople The Hippodrome of Constantinople, located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, was an ancient chariot racing arena and one of the most important social and political centers of the Byzantine Empire. It was built by Emperor Septimius Severus in the 3rd century AD and expanded by Emperor Constantine the Great in the 4th century. The Hippodrome could hold up to 100,000 spectators and was used for various events, including chariot races, festivals, and public gatherings. Today, only a few remnants of the Hippodrome remain, such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the Walled Obelisk. These monuments, along with the layout of the Hippodrome, give visitors a sense of the grandeur of the venue. The Hippodrome also played a significant role in the political life of the empire, with factions supporting different chariot teams often influencing imperial politics. The Hippodrome's legacy continues to be felt in Istanbul...
20 minutes here
Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) The Basilica Cistern, or Yerebatan Sarnıcı, is an ancient underground water reservoir located in Istanbul, Turkey. Built during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, it was designed to supply water to the Great Palace of Constantinople. The cistern is known for its impressive size, covering an area of 9,800 square meters and supported by 336 marble columns, each 9 meters tall. The cistern's serene, dimly lit atmosphere, with water reflecting the columns and intricate carvings, creates a magical ambiance for visitors. One of the most famous features is the Medusa head columns, where two columns are supported by upside-down Medusa heads. Today, the Basilica Cistern is open to the public and serves as both a historical landmark and a popular tourist attraction. It highlights the engineering genius of the Byzantine Empire while offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı), Istanbul The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, located in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey. Established in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, it spans over 30,000 square meters and contains more than 4,000 shops. The bazaar is a maze of narrow streets and passageways, offering a vast array of goods, including jewelry, textiles, carpets, spices, ceramics, and antiques. With its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, the Grand Bazaar is not only a major shopping destination but also a cultural experience. Visitors can explore its intricate architecture, including domed ceilings, arched passageways, and beautiful courtyards. It's a bustling marketplace where locals and tourists alike haggle for unique items. The Grand Bazaar remains a symbol of Istanbul's rich commercial and cultural heritage, attracting millions of visitors each year.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Guided Private Sightseeing Tour of Istanbul
Pickup included
Spanish guide
Spanish guide Pickup included
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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Travel Store Turkey
Know before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 62 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
62 verified traveler reviews for Guided Private Sightseeing Tour of Istanbul. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Very good
Very good guide. Quite friendly and knowledgeable
via Tripadvisor
Experience Istanbul through its amazing food while seeing the sights and hearing about its incredible history
Dilek was an amazing guide through Istanbul. She led my family through the streets of old town and then across the Bosphorus to the Asia side. We had booked a food tour and she really went above and beyond! Everything we tried was excellent and she had such a way of explaining not just about the food but also the history and culture around us - my teens even enjoyed learning. She artfully weaved cultural stops along the way highlighting history! Dilek really made this amazing and vibrant city come even more alive through its excellent cuisine and engaging history. I highly recommend her and cannot wait to return!
via Tripadvisor
Highly Recommend this Tour Company. Professional, prompt, easy, customized to work with for our group of 20 people.
I had booked a 2 day custome tour for my group of 20 people. Travel Store Turkyie were very easy to work with and their pricing was very competitive. Out guide Dilke (Dil) was awesome and very knowledgeable. Travel Store was prompt, bus was always clean and they communicated efficiently. I would highly recommend them to anyone! I definitely would use them again!
via Tripadvisor
An amazing Istanbul trip
We are a family of 4 and took a private tour with Dilek Turka to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Dilek was so friendly and explained everything in a way we could understand. She made the history come alive and even shared fun facts we didn’t know. Hagia Sophia was beautiful inside and out. Dilek showed us the mosaics and told us stories about the building. Topkapi Palace was also amazing. We saw the sultans’ rooms, the harem, and the treasure room. The palace is huge, but Dilek made sure we didn’t miss anything important. We also skipped the long lines, which was a big plus. Dilek was patient and answered all our questions. She even helped us take some great photos. Overall, it was a fantastic experience. We learned a lot and had fun. Highly recommend this tour if you want to see the best of Istanbul with a great guide.
via Tripadvisor
Very good knowledgeable guide
Great tour and very knowledgeable guide Speak Good English She is passionate about history She provides access to the site and you bypass the line and this is time saving if you have limited time and do not want to wait.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- €200 to €300
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 22
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Travel Store Turkey, who run 5 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.3.
See everything Travel Store Turkey runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Guided Private Sightseeing Tour of Istanbul: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Guided Private Sightseeing Tour of Istanbul cost?
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Prices start at €200 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 Guided Private Sightseeing Tour of Istanbul take?
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Plan for about 6 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 Guided Private Sightseeing Tour of Istanbul worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 63 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 Guided Private Sightseeing Tour 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 Guided Private Sightseeing Tour of Istanbul suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Guided Private Sightseeing Tour of Istanbul?
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Around 22 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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Guided Private Sightseeing Tour 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 Guided Private Sightseeing Tour of Istanbul?
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Included: Pick up and drop of the hotel (if the out of the walking distance); Private tour; and Professional guide. Not included: Lunch; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Guided Private Sightseeing Tour of Istanbul include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 380 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Guided Private Sightseeing Tour 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 Guided Private Sightseeing Tour 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.
What happens to Guided Private Sightseeing Tour 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 Guided Private Sightseeing Tour of Istanbul?
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Across 63 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Guided Private Sightseeing Tour of Istanbul?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Guided Private Sightseeing Tour of Istanbul, Spanish guide. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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