
Istanbul old City Tour - Full Day
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 75 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul old City Tour - Full Day worth booking?
Istanbul old City Tour - Full Day is a 7-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $215 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 75 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (75)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $215 per person
This tour is a must in Istanbul. You will begin the day with the Roman Hippodrome, where the chariot races were organized by the Romans and Byzantines. Blue Mosque the only mosque with six minarets and its surrounding will our next place to visit. next, you will see the Germain Fountain a gift of Kaiser Wilhem 2. and listen to the stories of his liaison with the orient. Hagia Sophia museum tickets not included it's optional to visit tickets cost 25 Euros per person. Following the visits your guide will take you to the Grand Bazaar for demonstration of Turkish Handicrafts. Topkapi Museum is the big one.. the most important museum of Turkey and the Balkan Peninsula. It is an incomparably rich treasure-chest, brimming with things of historical importance. First, second, third and fourth courtyards, the Audience Hall, Divan -the high court-, Historical Kitchens, Royal Stables, the Treasury, Gardens, Kiosks...
What you get
About this experience
This tour is a must in Istanbul. You will begin the day with the Roman Hippodrome, where the chariot races were organized by the Romans and Byzantines. Blue Mosque the only mosque with six minarets and its surrounding will our next place to visit. next, you will see the Germain Fountain a gift of Kaiser Wilhem 2. and listen to the stories of his liaison with the orient. Hagia Sophia museum tickets not included it's optional to visit tickets cost 25 Euros per person. Following the visits your guide will take you to the Grand Bazaar for demonstration of Turkish Handicrafts. Topkapi Museum is the big one.. the most important museum of Turkey and the Balkan Peninsula. It is an incomparably rich treasure-chest, brimming with things of historical importance. First, second, third and fourth courtyards, the Audience Hall, Divan -the high court-, Historical Kitchens, Royal Stables, the Treasury, Gardens, Kiosks...
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tour Guide
- All Fees and Taxes Except Hagia Sophia museum
Not included
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Hippodrome
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today it is a square named Sultanahmet Meydanı in the Turkish city of Istanbul, with a few fragments of the original structure surviving.
30 minutes here
Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. A popular tourist site, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque continues to function as a mosque today. The Blue Mosque, as it is popularly known, was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I.
30 minutes here
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Hagia Sophia is the former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral, later an Ottoman imperial mosque and now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Built in AD 537 at the beginning of the Middle Ages, it was famous in particular for its massive dome.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
German Fountain
The German Fountain is a gazebo styled fountain in the northern end of old hippodrome, Istanbul, Turkey and across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I. It was constructed to commemorate the second anniversary of German Emperor Wilhelm II's visit to Istanbul in 1898.
30 minutes here
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops on a total area of 30,700 m², attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.
45 minutes here
TopkapI Palace
The Topkapı Palace, or the Seraglio, is a large museum in Istanbul, Turkey. In the 15th century, it served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. Construction began in 1459, ordered by Mehmed the Conqueror, six years after the conquest of Constantinople.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Hagia Irene Museum
Hagia Irene or Hagia Eirene, sometimes known also as Saint Irene, is a Greek Eastern Orthodox church located in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace in Istanbul. It is one of the few churches in Istanbul that has not been converted into a mosque. The Hagia Irene today operates as a museum and concert hall.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Caferaga Medresesi
The Caferağa Medresseh is a former medrese, located in Istanbul, Turkey, next to the Hagia Sophia. It was built in 1559 by Mimar Sinan on the orders of Cafer Ağa, during the reign of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent.
30 minutes here
Sogukcesme Sokak
Soğukçeşme Sokağı is a small street with historic houses in the Sultanahmet neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey, sandwiched in-between the Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace. The car-free zone street is named after the fountain situated at its end towards Gülhane Park.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
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
- Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Turkey Tours Planners
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
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 75 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
75 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul old City Tour - Full Day. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful Day in Istanbul
I really enjoyed this tour. It was my first time seeing Istanbul’s Old City, and being able to visit places like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace was something I’ll remember for a long time. I loved the history, the beautiful architecture, and simply walking around and taking everything in. The tour was comfortable and well organized, and it made our day in Istanbul very special.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for booking with us and happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us, wish to meet you again with us .
via Tripadvisor
Great Istanbul Guided Tour with Lunch
Really enjoyed this Old City tour. The guide was friendly and explained the history in a simple and interesting way. Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque were amazing to see in person. Lunch was delicious and the Grand Bazaar was a fun ending to the day. Totally worth it
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for booking with us and happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us, wish to meet you again with us .
via Tripadvisor
History and Culture and Shopping in One Day
This tour had everything I wanted history, architecture, local food, and shopping. The guide was excellent and made every stop interesting. Topkapi Palace was stunning, especially the views and treasures inside. Walking through the Hippodrome was fascinating, and the Grand Bazaar was a colorful and exciting experience. Lunch was a nice break in the middle of the day.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for booking with us and happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us, wish to meet you again with us .
via Tripadvisor
Best Introduction to Istanbul
If it’s your first time in Istanbul, this tour is perfect. We visited all the must-see attractions in one day without feeling rushed. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia were unforgettable, and hearing the stories behind each place made the visit even better. Lunch was tasty and served in a nice local restaurant. Our guide was very kind.thank you
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for booking with us and happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us, wish to meet you again with us .
via Tripadvisor
A Perfect Day Discovering Istanbul’s Heritage
The tour was very well organized and covered the most important historical places in Istanbul,The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia were both stunning, and Topkapi Palace gave us a deep look into Ottoman history. Our guide was friendly, patient, and shared many interesting stories that made the visit even more enjoyable. The Grand Bazaar was lively and full of local charm.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for booking with us and happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us, wish to meet you again with us .
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 26
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Turkey Tours Planners, who run 7 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.5.
See everything Turkey Tours Planners runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul old City Tour - Full Day: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul old City Tour - Full Day cost?
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Prices start at $215 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 Tour - Full Day take?
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Plan for about 7 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 Tour - Full Day worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 75 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 Tour - Full Day?
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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 Tour - Full Day suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Istanbul old City Tour - Full Day?
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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?
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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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Istanbul old City Tour - Full Day 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 Tour - Full Day?
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Included: Lunch; In-vehicle air conditioning; Tour Guide; and All Fees and Taxes Except Hagia Sophia museum. Not included: Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Istanbul old City Tour - Full Day include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 992 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Istanbul old City Tour - Full Day 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 Tour - Full Day?
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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 old City Tour - Full Day wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Istanbul old City Tour - Full Day 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 old City Tour - Full Day?
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Across 75 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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