Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour
Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour

Outty Ranking 75 5.0 · 74 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom €240
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Outty Ranking

75/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 74 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour worth booking?

Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour is a 6-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €240 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 74 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 (74)
Duration
6 hours
From
€240 per person

You will spend a day with a professional licensed tour guide exploring the beautiful city of Istanbul. You will learn about the history of Istanbul, visit Byzantine and Ottoman monuments from both historical and art historical perspectives. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to taste local food and drinks recommended by a local professional. With the guide's privilege, you will be able to skip some queues. You will also have chance to have detailed information about other importart atractions and recomendations (such as, food restaurants, hamams, shopping, other important touristic routes, etc.) from local guide who is also a world traveller who had travelled 34 countries and many cities all around the world. This multicultural knowledge will be your advantage of planning rest your holiday and you will find many answer for your questions about Istanbul City and Turkey. Upon your request if all members agree we can customize your route which will be tailor-made for your group.

What you get

    About this experience

    You will spend a day with a professional licensed tour guide exploring the beautiful city of Istanbul. You will learn about the history of Istanbul, visit Byzantine and Ottoman monuments from both historical and art historical perspectives. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to taste local food and drinks recommended by a local professional. With the guide's privilege, you will be able to skip some queues. You will also have chance to have detailed information about other importart atractions and recomendations (such as, food restaurants, hamams, shopping, other important touristic routes, etc.) from local guide who is also a world traveller who had travelled 34 countries and many cities all around the world. This multicultural knowledge will be your advantage of planning rest your holiday and you will find many answer for your questions about Istanbul City and Turkey. Upon your request if all members agree we can customize your route which will be tailor-made for your group.

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional Licensed Tour Guide (English Speaking)
    • Culturel Heritage Professional Guide
    • Archeology Professional Guide

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Tea and coffee
    • Museum Entrance Fees > Topkapı Palace: 2750TL /per person (approx. $61)
    • Museum Entrance Fees > Basilica Cistern: 2250TL /per person (approx. $49)
    • Museum Entrance Fees > Hagia Sophia: 25€/per person

    What you'll see and do

    1. TopkapI Palace

      Topkapı Palace / Short Route (Topkapı Palace is closed for Tuesdays if your tour is in Tuesday it will be w/out Topkapı Palace no worries we will still enjoy our day with many others :)

      150 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Hippodrome

      Ancient Roman Hippodrome - open air museum and monuments

      30 minutes here

    3. Blue Mosque

      Historical Ottoman Mosque

      30 minutes here

    4. Basilica Cistern

      Underground Cistern from 6th century Byzantine Era. a Unique experience spot

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    5. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

      The monumental building which is both a museum and a mosque today; had been first built as the biggest operational cathedral in Constantinopolis (today İstanbul) throughout the Byzantine era. As well as today it is for us, it has been very important for both Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, where you can see the layering of architecture and history of art for centuries.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    6. Arasta Bazaar

      Historical Ottoman Bazaar were we will find many traditional stores and products of Turkiye. If requested we will alsı have some time for mini workshops and tastings.

      60 minutes here

    7. Sultanahmet Square

      We will have 30minutes coffee/tea break. It will be personal expense.

      30 minutes here · Admission not included

    8. Sultanahmet Square

      We will have 60minutes lunch break. It will be personal expense.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Istanbul

    I will be meeting you in front of Puding Shop / Lale Restaurant , I will be holding a card on which "Eylem Yalcinkaya" "Professional Tour Guide" and "Viator Booked Walking Tours" written. It is only 2minutes walking distance from Sultanahmet Tram Station.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    I will be meeting you in front of Puding Shop / Lale Restaurant , I will be holding a card on which "Eylem Yalcinkaya" "Professional Tour Guide" and "Viator Booked Walking Tours" written. It is only 2minutes walking distance from Sultanahmet Tram Station.

    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
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 7 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Eylem Yalcinkaya (Istanbul Guide)

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • This is a walking tour. After I meet you at the meeting point, in our route, we won't be using any transportation. All the attraction points stated in the route are in historical center and close to each other. Our walking time in between the points, and waiting for the ticket queues etc. are all inclueded in the durations. So depending on the day and group it will be a minimum 6 hours maximum 8 hours route.

    Photos

    Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour, photo 2Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour, photo 3Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour, photo 4Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour, photo 5Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour, photo 6Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 74 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    4 mentions

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

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

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

    Traveler reviews

    74 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    74
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    926melaniee · September 2026

    Best local tour guide!

    Eylem was fantastic and you will not be disappointed! She was so knowledgeable and shared her love of her country with us! You will not be disappointed! Don't wait and book her for your tour! She truly is amazing and made our trip to Istanbul unforgettable.

    via Tripadvisor

    920yannisv · September 2026

    A tour to remember close to your heart

    Eleym is one of the hidden gems of this beautiful city. Her tour is always around what you need. She is so respectful of her clients to their needs and their cultures. She knows every corner of the city and it's history and she will always try to not only tell you things but also learn from you and get better. If you are ever considering to visit Istanbul do not miss the chance to experience it through the lens of Eleym!

    via Tripadvisor

    sinacajochen · September 2026

    If I’m in Istanbul, I know Who I’m calling 😎🇹🇷

    This was the second time I’ve been out and about in Istanbul with Eylem 🤣 And I’d do it again. Because Eylem is an open, fun person—you can ask her anything and she always has an answer. She knows a lot—not only about sights, also when it comes to food. She’s now my go-to person for Istanbul and Turkey whenever I come back—and I definitely will ♥️.

    via Tripadvisor

    W940NXadrianl · September 2026

    Best guide ever

    Very good knowledge of the guide

    via Tripadvisor

    Voyage45837447668 · July 2026

    Three Days of Pure Magic in Istanbul with Eylem!

    My three-day private tour of Istanbul with Eylem was pure perfection. I had the holiday of a lifetime thanks to her. Everything was thoughtfully curated and executed to perfection. Eylem knows every corner of Istanbul and carefully tailored the itinerary to suit my activity level and personal interests, particularly ancient civilisations, the Ottoman Empire and traditional hammam culture. The entire experience was completely stress-free because every detail, from A to Z, was handled with exceptional care. At the main tourist attractions, there were no queues, as tickets had been arranged in advance, allowing us to make the most of every site. Alongside the iconic highlights, including Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern, Eylem introduced me to Istanbul’s true hidden gems and showed me how to experience the city like a local. Some of my favourite moments were taking the ferry across the Bosphorus at sunset, enjoying a freshly baked Turkish simit, and simply soaking up the atmosphere. Seeing Istanbul through the eyes of a local made the experience even more special. The number of places we visited over the three days was remarkable, yet the pace never felt rushed or overwhelming because Eylem had planned the itinerary, transport and rest breaks so thoughtfully. Three days was the perfect amount of time to experience the incredible diversity of the city. Among the many places we visited were the Süleymaniye Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, Eminönü, Kadıköy, Ortaköy, Üsküdar, Eyüp, Fener, Balat and Karaköy, as well as memorable ferry crossings between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. The tour also included plenty of opportunities to enjoy Turkish coffee, tea, delicious street food and local delicacies. It happened to be my birthday during the trip, and Eylem surprised me with a thoughtful birthday treat. I was genuinely touched by her kindness. As a solo female traveller, I felt completely safe, comfortable and well looked after throughout the tour. Eylem made sure I was collected from and returned safely to my hotel each day, advised me which areas to avoid when exploring alone, and was always happy to answer my questions and provide excellent recommendations for shopping, restaurants and hammams. Her attention to detail was second to none. By the end of the three days, I felt as though I had known Eylem for years. She is an exceptional guide whose warmth, professionalism and passion for Istanbul made this one of the best travel experiences I have ever had. I cannot recommend Eylem highly enough and will most definitely book another tour with her when I return to Istanbul, which I hope will be very soon. Istanbul was truly a magical experience thanks to Eylem. Teşekkürler!

    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
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    26
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 75

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)95
    Review evidence (18% weight)66
    Booking momentum (14% weight)60
    Value for money (12% weight)24
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)80
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at €240 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 Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour take?

    +

    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 Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 74 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 Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems 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 Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    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 Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour?

    +

    Around 26 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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour 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 Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour?

    +

    Included: Professional Licensed Tour Guide (English Speaking); Culturel Heritage Professional Guide; and Archeology Professional Guide. Not included: Lunch; Tea and coffee; Museum Entrance Fees > Topkapı Palace: 2750TL /per person (approx. $61); and Museum Entrance Fees > Basilica Cistern: 2250TL /per person (approx. $49). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 1852 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour offered in?

    +

    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 Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems 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 Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and 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 Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems 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 Istanbul Old City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour?

    +

    Across 74 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. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

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