Highlights of Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey

Highlights of Istanbul

Outty Ranking 65 4.9 · 34 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $200
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Outty Ranking

65/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 34 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Highlights of Istanbul worth booking?

Highlights of Istanbul is a 5-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $200 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 34 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
65 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (34)
Duration
5 hours
From
$200 per person

Experience the beauty of Istanbul’s Old City with a fully-guided small group walking tour. On this 5 -hour tour, spend the day wandering through the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Grand Bazaar. Hotel transfer in a climate-controlled coach is available and lunch is included.

What you get

    About this experience

    Experience the beauty of Istanbul’s Old City with a fully-guided small group walking tour. On this 5 -hour tour, spend the day wandering through the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Grand Bazaar. Hotel transfer in a climate-controlled coach is available and lunch is included.

    What's included

    Included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Local guide
    • Lunch
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Drinks
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • Entrance Tickets To The Museums
    • Pick up / drop of outside of our free service area, like the 2 istanbul int.airports

    What you'll see and do

    1. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

      A truly awe inspiring, 1,400 years old Byzantine cathedral which houses mosaics, relics and iron work. Hagia Sophia was, for nearly a thousand years, the largest enclosed space in the world, and is still seen as one of the world's most important architectural monuments. It is one of Turkey's most popular attractions, drawn by the sheer spectacle of its size, architecture, mosaics and art. It was built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD.

      45 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Blue Mosque

      Built during the reign of Sultan Ahmet I during 1609-1616. It is the only mosque in Turkey with six minarets. Due to its magnificent hand-dyed blue, green and white Iznik tiles it has been named the "Blue Mosque" by Europeans. The central dome is 43 m in height and is 33.4 m in diameter; it also boasts 260 windows.

      30 minutes here

    3. Hippodrome

      Hippodrom square is the backdrop of chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life. Of the ornaments which once decorated it, only three remain: The Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. The Obelisk is in the Egyptian style and was erected in 1547 BC and stood 60m tall. The German Fountain is also within the hippodrome area, constructed in Germany to mark German Emperor Wilhelm II's second visit to Istanbul; it was imported and officially opened on January 1 1901. The fountain's three domes are decorated with gold mosaics.

      35 minutes here

    4. Basilica Cistern

      The Basilica Cistern, or Cisterna Basilica Turkish: Yerebatan Sarnıcı or Yerebatan Saray, is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul, Turkey. The cistern, located 150 metres (490 ft) southwest of the Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu, was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.Today it is kept with little water, for public access inside the museum.

      35 minutes here · Admission not included

    5. Grand Bazaar

      One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 58 covered streets and over 1,200 shops. Opened in 1461, it is well known for its jewelry, pottery, spice, and carpet shops. Many of the stalls in the bazaar are grouped by the type of goods, with special areas for leather coats, gold jewelry and the like. The bazaar contains two bedestens (domed masonry structures built for storage and safe keeping), the first of which was constructed between 1455 and 1461 by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.The grand bazaar consists of 12 major buildings and has 22 doors.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 50 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

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

    Know before you go

    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
    • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
    • To visit mosques a scarf is requested for ladys

    Photos

    Blue Mosque, Highlights of IstanbulMosaics at Hagia Sophia, Highlights of IstanbulHagia Sophia, Highlights of IstanbulBlue Mosque, Highlights of IstanbulGalata Tower, Highlights of IstanbulHighlights of Istanbul, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 34 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

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

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

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    34 verified traveler reviews for Highlights of Istanbul. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    33
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Lenore_E · September 2025

    I highly recommend this tour.

    Emre was a wonderful tour guide. He was able to give the long and complex history of this country in a way that made it very understandable. He speaks in perfect English and was very patient with our mobility challenges.

    Response from the operator: Thanks to your very kind review. Hope to see you again in istanbul with our istanbul tour services.

    via Viator

    Detlef H · June 2025

    A great experience for a first time visitor seeing the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Top Kapi with the history and art work ve

    A well conducted tour through the old city of Istanbul with an experienced tour guide fluent in English showing the small group all highlights of this wonderful city.

    Response from the operator: Thank you very much to your revıew about our istanbul tour services.

    via Tripadvisor

    Imran M · March 2025

    Highly recommended for a great experience at Turkey

    This was a fantastic experience. Emre - our tour expert- showed us everything about this beautiful city and country. Emre took us ok the Bosphorus tour, the streets of Istanbul, the food, the Mosques and Monuments, as well as a guided shopping experience. Highly recommend and will come back to Emre if we make another Turkey trip.

    Response from the operator: Dear Guests, Thanks a Lot to your very detailled and kind review. Hope To see you again in Turkey / istanbul emre

    via Tripadvisor

    Trip61145545728 · March 2025

    Well planned tour by Emre with alot of information and patience to my questions 😊

    The trip was very well planned and timed. The tour guide Emre knew English very well. He was very clear and gave ALOT of eye opening information.He also helped me with finding a pretty hotel with a view after my office trip stay was over. - MOST IMPORTANTLY- He had a medical emergency last night but still came on time for the tour and was very patient with my questions . He also clicked a lot of pics for me. By far this is my best tour guide experience. BIG THANK YOU EMRE! 😊

    Response from the operator: Dear Friend, Thanks To Your Very Detailled and Kind Review. emre

    via Tripadvisor

    Kieran_S · July 2024

    A must in Istanbul and great company and tour guide

    This is a must for any visitor to Istanbul - Erme the tour guide was absolutely amazing (if I could give higher than 5 stars I would) - this was a perfect tour, well timed, Emre was professional, knowledgeable and personable that made the whole experience perfect. Picked up from Hotel, professionally done, experienced the best and most friend Turkish people ever - everyone was so friendly and it made this a cultural experience and not just a history lesson. Had great food at lunchtime. The Blue Mosque and Hagia.Sophia were amazing, my favorite was the Basicila Cisterns (especially if you are a Dan Brown fan or history nerd) - Grand bazaar was an experience that you have to do in Istanbul. Massively recommend this trip and if you are lucky enough to get Emre then you blessed!!!! Brilliant company and brilliant tour guide,

    Response from the operator: Thanks to your very kind review. Emre

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    12
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by istanbul sightseeing tours, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.1.

    See everything istanbul sightseeing tours runs

    Why this scores 65

    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)54
    Booking momentum (14% weight)47
    Value for money (12% weight)24
    Listing quality (10% weight)64
    Local standing (8% weight)66
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Highlights of Istanbul: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Highlights of Istanbul cost?

    +

    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 Highlights of Istanbul take?

    +

    Plan for about 5 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 Highlights of Istanbul worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 34 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 Highlights of Istanbul?

    +

    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 Highlights of Istanbul suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Highlights of Istanbul?

    +

    Around 12 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Highlights of Istanbul start and how do I get there?

    +

    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 Highlights of Istanbul?

    +

    Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Local guide; Lunch; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Drinks; All Fees and Taxes; Entrance Tickets To The Museums; and Pick up / drop of outside of our free service area, like the 2 istanbul int.airports. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Highlights of Istanbul include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 115 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 50 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Highlights of Istanbul offered in?

    +

    It is offered in German, English, Italian, French 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 Highlights of Istanbul?

    +

    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 Highlights of Istanbul wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; Wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Highlights of Istanbul if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Highlights of Istanbul?

    +

    Across 34 reviews averaging 4.9 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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