Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque
Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque

Outty Ranking 57 4.0 · 4 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom €60
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Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.0/5

Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque worth booking?

Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque is a 8-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €60 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
4/5 (4)
Duration
8 hours
From
€60 per person

See Istanbul Old City in one full day. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar, with their historical atmosphere, architectural beauties and important works, are some of the most important places to see in Istanbul. We pick you up from your hotel in the morning. A live guide speaks English. This tour has walking.Please wear comfortable shoes. Hagia Sophia ticket is extra (€25 per person). Topkapi Palace ticket is extra (€55 per person).

What you get

    About this experience

    See Istanbul Old City in one full day. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar, with their historical atmosphere, architectural beauties and important works, are some of the most important places to see in Istanbul. We pick you up from your hotel in the morning. A live guide speaks English. This tour has walking.Please wear comfortable shoes. Hagia Sophia ticket is extra (€25 per person). Topkapi Palace ticket is extra (€55 per person).

    What's included

    Included

    • Entry/Admission - Grand Bazaar
    • Entry/Admission - Blue Mosque
    • Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off
    • Entry/Admission - Hippodrome
    • Lunch
    • Professional Licensed Tour Guide

    Not included

    • Hagia Sophia Mosque Ticket
    • Topkapı Palace Ticket

    What you'll see and do

    1. Hippodrome

      It is the place where the sports activities of Constantinople, which is called Eastern Rome, are held. There are works such as the German Fountain, the Egyptian Obelisk, and the Serpentine Column.

      60 minutes here

    2. Blue Mosque

      Blue Mosque, as known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, this breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey. Also, it was built with unique 6 minarets.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

      Haghia Sophia was built as a church in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian then in 1453 renovated into a mosque by Ottoman Emperor Fatih Sultan Mehmet. It was converted into a museum in 1935 and It was converted in 2020 renovated into a mosque and welcoming both local and foreign visitors. It has great spiritual value.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    4. TopkapI Palace

      Topkapi Palace, which hosted the Ottoman dynasty for many years, was used as the education, administration and art center of the state. Your tour guide will give you detailed information about the imperial treasury, holy Islamic relics, palace kitchens, weapons. (closed on Tuesday)

      120 minutes here · Admission not included

    5. Hagia Irene Museum

      It is one of the oldest Byzantine churches in Istanbul, was the 2nd largest church of the Eastern Roman Empire after Hagia Sophia. (Closed on Tuesday)

      30 minutes here

    6. Grand Bazaar

      Grand Bazaar, is the biggest market and the most attractive shopping center of Istanbul which has lots of shopping oppurtunities with carpets, leather, jewellery, turkish delight, gold, antique tiles etc.. (Closed on Sunday and Official Holidays)

      150 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Istanbul

    Guests staying outside the areas we have determined must come to the meeting point. We contact the guest 1 day in advance and provide detailed information.

    Hotel pickup

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

    Ends at

    Guests staying outside the areas we have determined must come to the meeting point. We contact the guest 1 day in advance and provide detailed information.

    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, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Turkey Tourism Center

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, photo 2Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, photo 3Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, photo 4Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, photo 5Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, photo 6Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Good for families

    1 mention

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    4 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    3
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Sandra_D · August 2026

    Not the best!

    The pick up and drop off was confusing. That said, it was way too fast paced. I left the tour after late morning. The guide spoke so fast and read from his phone. The tour was out of sequence with very little opportunity to take breaks. Lastly, it was unclear who was responsible for obtaining tickets and only euros were accepted. My family members returned from the tour in n tears, they wouldn’t even bring her to the hotel drop off. All and all, I would have preferred to visit the sites on my own.

    via Viator

    sarahscott2 · June 2026

    An unforgettable day in the heart of historical Istanbul

    Exploring Istanbul's historical peninsula was a wonderful experience. We visited important places such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Our guide was very knowledgeable and gave detailed information about each place.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the 5-star review! It was an absolute pleasure hosting you.

    via Tripadvisor

    hollystrickland · July 2024

    Journey to the mysterious past of Istanbul

    A great way to discover Istanbul's rich history and culture. Our guide was very knowledgeable and explained all the historical sites with great passion. Especially the trip to Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace was very impressive.

    via Tripadvisor

    benildesiciliano · July 2024

    Great tour full of history and culture

    This tour offers a great opportunity to discover the historical and cultural riches of Istanbul. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We had great fun visiting Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
    Price range
    €60 to €80
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Turkey Tourism Center, who run 4 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.5.

    See everything Turkey Tourism Center runs

    Why this scores 57

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)70
    Review evidence (18% weight)25
    Booking momentum (14% weight)13
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)72
    Local standing (8% weight)36
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque cost?

    +

    Prices start at €60 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: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque take?

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    Plan for about 8 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: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 4 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: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque?

    +

    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: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque?

    +

    Around 1 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque 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?

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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?

    +

    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: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque?

    +

    Included: Entry/Admission - Grand Bazaar; Entry/Admission - Blue Mosque; Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off; Entry/Admission - Hippodrome; and Lunch. Not included: Hagia Sophia Mosque Ticket; and Topkapı Palace Ticket. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 1544 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque 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: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque?

    +

    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: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: 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 Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque 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: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque?

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    Across 4 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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