
Istanbul Old City Private Walking Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Old City Private Walking Tour worth booking?
Istanbul Old City Private Walking Tour is a 3-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $228 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 52 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (5)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $228 per person
I spent quite a bit of time to learn about my country’s history, heritage and cultural richness and unique geography and I want to pass on my knowledge and passion to my guests, ensuring they have the opportunity to experience the best our country has to offer in safety and comfort; with friendly personal touches. We will visit the Old city part of Istanbul , Sultanahmet, Haghia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Egyptean Bazaar etc. We will enjoy a dinner and a coffee together. I will arrange the tour according to all guest’s needs and interests and use their time as efficient as possible. I will be giving talks about the culture, language and history of the Turkey I will be designing program itineraries according to highlights and not waiting the ques, skiping the lines. You will be learning all about local favourite places to have experiences for a turkish bath, fine dining, street foods, night life and best shopping options also.
What you get
About this experience
I spent quite a bit of time to learn about my country’s history, heritage and cultural richness and unique geography and I want to pass on my knowledge and passion to my guests, ensuring they have the opportunity to experience the best our country has to offer in safety and comfort; with friendly personal touches. We will visit the Old city part of Istanbul , Sultanahmet, Haghia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Egyptean Bazaar etc. We will enjoy a dinner and a coffee together. I will arrange the tour according to all guest’s needs and interests and use their time as efficient as possible. I will be giving talks about the culture, language and history of the Turkey I will be designing program itineraries according to highlights and not waiting the ques, skiping the lines. You will be learning all about local favourite places to have experiences for a turkish bath, fine dining, street foods, night life and best shopping options also.
What's included
Included
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Basilica Cistern
Explore the striking must see place Basilica Cistern during your visit to Istanbul. Journey beneath the earth's surface and admire the distinctive architecture while listening to your guide that will give you insights into the history of this place. The Entry ticket is 600 TL /per person( approx. 18.18 EUR, 20.00 USD) over 6 year old is charged.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Your guide will explain the mystery of the magnificent Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia is a great architectural beauty and an important monument both for the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires. Once a church, later a mosque, the Hagia Sophia has always been a precious building for the locals. Upper gallery is open as museum and fee is 25 EUR/per person
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Blue Mosque
Inside the Blue Mosque admire the architecture, the famous blue Iznik tiles, learn about the Ottoman heritage, the Islamic religion, and Istanbul's rich history from your official licensed guide, and get a sense of the culture from both past and present.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Go to across the exit of Basilica Cistern ,old wooden house, look for a guide with a HASAN ALICI named guiding batch.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Go to across the exit of Basilica Cistern ,old wooden house, look for a guide with a HASAN ALICI named guiding batch.
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
- Istanbul Old City tour
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Old City Private Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best Istanbul Tour Guide!
I first met Hasan six months ago outside Hagia Sophia, when he kindly gave us a short, spontaneous tour—and it was absolutely fantastic. This time, I came back to Istanbul with my family and didn’t hesitate to book a proper Old Town tour with Hasan again. We all loved it! Hasan is incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and full of fascinating insights you wouldn’t get on your own. He brings the history to life in such an enjoyable way. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Istanbul—we would happily tour with him again!
Response from the operator: Thanks Ploy , it was my pleasure to have met you and your family also, happy new year !
via Tripadvisor
An amazing Istanbul tour with our guide Hasan
We had a compact 3 hr tour in the old town district of Istanbul. Despite being originally from the city, I have never been to some of the amazing places we have seen. Hasan has made our day, not only telling us the most amazing history but also navigating us thought long waiting lines, that would have otherwise be difficult to handle in a hot and humid July day.
Response from the operator: It was my pleasure to get to know your lovely family and seeing you after such a long time, and cathing up with you , you made my day too , thanks for your lovely gift as a great memory of Lisbon , thanks a lot !
via Tripadvisor
Worthy but not perfect
Seeing both of the mosques and the palace of the Sultan was amazing. The trip to the grand Bazar is unfortunately nothing more than an attempt to get you to buy things from vendors. I would drop this aspect of The tour. our guide was wonderful and informative. I highly recommend him, but, as stated, would like to see the tour restructured.
Response from the operator: Thanks Christine for your kind review, I appreciate your comments and suggestions, " Nobody is perfect even me " , as you know it was Eid holiday and Grand bazaar was closed during your stay and I compensated that part with stores which had turkish handicraft and jewlerry and the people there gave information about their products and let you see their collections which worth seeing, buying or not buying was not their main issue as per their respect to me and your being my guest. and they kindly let me show you their cistern under their privately hold building as a bonus of the day about the hippodrome exhibition !
via Viator
Hasan, Master of The Old Town
Hasan has excellent knowledge of historical facts and a great personality to turn the visit into a fun experience. He provided advance guidance to avoid delays waiting in the line at the entrance of popular attractions. We enjoyed a fantastic lunch, at a discounted price, thanks to his personal relationships with the restaurant management. Easy going personality, excellent knowledge with fun facts kept the children alert throughout a long day. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Thanks for your kind review, it was my pleasure to have met you and your lovely family as well , cheers
via Tripadvisor
Week long walking tour. All the stops!
We booked Hasan for the whole week! After the first time we visited Istanbul we became friends with Hasan. He made our dreams come true by becoming our defacto wedding planner. He then played host to us and forty wedding guests in June. Day after day he corralled our group and shared his wealth of knowledge for the most beautiful city in the world.
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
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 52
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Old City Private Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Old City Private Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $228 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 Private Walking Tour 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 Old City Private Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 5 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 Private Walking Tour?
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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 Old City Private Walking Tour 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 Old City Private Walking Tour?
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Around 2 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 Old City Private Walking 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?
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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 Old City Private Walking Tour?
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Included: Tea and coffee. Not included: Entrance fees; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Istanbul Old City Private Walking Tour?
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Go to across the exit of Basilica Cistern ,old wooden house, look for a guide with a HASAN ALICI named guiding batch. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Istanbul Old City Private Walking Tour 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 Old City Private Walking Tour?
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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 Istanbul Old City Private Walking Tour 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 Istanbul Old City Private Walking Tour?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, good for families. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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