
Istanbul Asian Side Highlights
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 28 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Asian Side Highlights worth booking?
Istanbul Asian Side Highlights is a 3-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $40 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 28 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (28)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $40 per person
Go beyond the tourist trail and discover the side of Istanbul that most travelers never see. Explore historic mosques, vibrant local bazaars, Bosphorus waterfront views, the iconic Maiden’s Tower, and the colorful streets of Kuzguncuk with a local guide. Start with a beautiful ferry ride while you see the views of both continents. Unlike traditional city tours focused on major attractions, this experience offers an authentic look at daily life on Istanbul’s Asian side. You’ll walk through local neighborhoods, hear fascinating stories, and uncover hidden cultural gems while experiencing the city like a local.
What you get
About this experience
Go beyond the tourist trail and discover the side of Istanbul that most travelers never see. Explore historic mosques, vibrant local bazaars, Bosphorus waterfront views, the iconic Maiden’s Tower, and the colorful streets of Kuzguncuk with a local guide. Start with a beautiful ferry ride while you see the views of both continents. Unlike traditional city tours focused on major attractions, this experience offers an authentic look at daily life on Istanbul’s Asian side. You’ll walk through local neighborhoods, hear fascinating stories, and uncover hidden cultural gems while experiencing the city like a local.
What's included
Included
- Bus Ride (5 mins)
- Local Guide (English-Speaking, Hospitality Expert)
Not included
- Food & Personal Expenses
What you'll see and do
Uskudar
Meet your local guide near the Ferry Terminal and take a beautiful ferry ride to the asian side of Istanbul
30 minutes here
Uskudar Harem Sahil Yolu
Enjoy stunning views of Europe and Asia while walking along the Bosphorus waterfront. Stop at one of the best viewpoints of the iconic Maiden’s Tower and learn about Istanbul’s unique geography and history.
15 minutes here
Uskudar
Walk through lively local streets and traditional bazaars where residents shop daily and experience authentic Istanbul away from the tourist crowds.
60 minutes here
Mihrimah Sultan Camii
Visit beautiful local mosques and discover their history, architecture, and importance in everyday life on Istanbul’s Asian side.
15 minutes here
Kuzguncuk Sahili
Discover one of Istanbul’s most charming neighborhoods. Wander through colorful streets, historic wooden houses, local cafés, art spaces, and hidden corners that many travelers never find.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Meet at Istanbul Kitapçısı (a bookstore near the Eminönü waterfront) and take a ferry to the Asian side with your guide.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends at Kuzguncuk , a beautiful waterfront location in the heart of Kuzguncuk. From here, guests can easily continue exploring the neighborhood or take public transportation back to other parts of Istanbul.
Options you can book
Istanbul Asian Side Group Tour
Join a Small Group Tour
Private Guided Tour
Enjoy a private guided tour
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
- Travel Guides
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 27 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
27 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Asian Side Highlights. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Good Tour
It was just a short ferry ride from the Europe side to Asian side. We were really lucky to have a beautiful sunny afternoon. Lots of interesting sites to see.
via Viator
Turkish Asia Tour
Ali took us to his home town so he had some insider info for us. He was funny, engaging and well informed. We loved it!!
via Tripadvisor
Friendly, lovely experience
Zübeyir was a fantastic guide! Very knowledgeable and friendly. I’m so glad I booked this tour, because it shows a whole other side of Istanbul away from the crowds and tourist sites that is charming and full of culture. Not your typical tour because it felt like a nice conversation between friends while walking through beautiful neighborhoods and seeing interesting structures. I highly recommend it!
via Tripadvisor
Nice tour
A very nice relaxed tour Got a good overview of the Asian side of Istanbul. Kaan our tour guide was very sweet and took very good care of us. He even explained all the foods and helped us order at an authentic restaurant after the tour was over. He also helped me ferry back over to the European side. I enjoyed this tour!!
via Viator
Good guide but mediocre itinerary.
The Guide Ali was good and knowledgeable . but the logistics and the itinerary left much to be desired. It was a large group and we waited for 30 min at the ferry terminal before leaving while the pick up was already 15 min before the tour. So with the ferry duration and wait basically the tour length was only 2 hours if at all while it’s advertised as 3 hours. The first stop was a coffee experience which was way too long. The rest of the tour seemed rushed. There wasn’t much to truly experience in these two towns in the hour or so we got. Mostly saw a bunch of buildings from outside. Also transportation on return and within the town is on your own expense. I feel more thought needs to go into planning and showcasing the area culture
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $40 to $60
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 10
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Travel Guides, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.1.
See everything Travel Guides runsWhy this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Asian Side Highlights: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Asian Side Highlights cost?
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Prices start at $40 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 Istanbul Asian Side Highlights take?
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Plan for about 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 Istanbul Asian Side Highlights worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 28 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 Istanbul Asian Side Highlights?
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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 Istanbul Asian Side Highlights suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Istanbul Asian Side Highlights?
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Around 10 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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Istanbul Asian Side Highlights 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 Istanbul Asian Side Highlights?
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Included: Bus Ride (5 mins); and Local Guide (English-Speaking, Hospitality Expert). Not included: Food & Personal Expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Istanbul Asian Side Highlights?
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Meet at Istanbul Kitapçısı (a bookstore near the Eminönü waterfront) and take a ferry to the Asian side with your guide. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Istanbul Asian Side Highlights 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 Istanbul Asian Side Highlights?
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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 Istanbul Asian Side Highlights wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Istanbul Asian Side Highlights 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 Istanbul Asian Side Highlights?
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Across 28 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
What booking options are available for Istanbul Asian Side Highlights?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Istanbul Asian Side Group Tour, Private Guided Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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