
Istanbul: Old Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 78 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul: Old Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia worth booking?
Istanbul: Old Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia is a 2-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €15 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 78 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (78)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- €15 per person
Enjoy an Istanbul Half-day sightseeing tour and explore some of the traditional sites, historic monuments and more. This tour helps you save some money and see just the attractions you are most interested in. This tour allows you a more open schedule to plan the rest of your day in Istanbul.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy an Istanbul Half-day sightseeing tour and explore some of the traditional sites, historic monuments and more. This tour helps you save some money and see just the attractions you are most interested in. This tour allows you a more open schedule to plan the rest of your day in Istanbul.
What's included
Included
- Professional licensed tour guide
Not included
- Meal, beverage
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Entrance Fees
What you'll see and do
German Fountain
German Fountain
20 minutes here · Admission included
Hippodrome
Hippodrome
20 minutes here · Admission included
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque
30 minutes here · Admission included
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Hagia Sophia, officially the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, is a mosque and a major cultural and historical site in Istanbul, Turkey. It was formerly a church (360–1453) and a museum (1935–2020). The last of three church buildings to be successively erected on the site by the Eastern Roman Empire, it was completed in AD 537, becoming the world's largest interior space and among the first to employ a fully pendentive dome. It is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture and is said to have "changed the history of architecture". From its dedication in 360 until 1453 Hagia Sophia served as the cathedral of Constantinople in the Byzantine liturgical tradition, except for the period 1204–1261 when the Latin Crusaders installed their own hierarchy. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, it served as a mosque, having its minarets added soon after. The site became a museum in 1935, and was redesignated as a mosque in 2020.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Look for your guide holding tourmania flag
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Look for your guide holding tourmania flag
Options you can book
Private Tour
Group Tour -Only English
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, ru, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tourmania
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






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 78 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
78 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul: Old Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A great tour of old town Istanbul
A very interesting tour which covers all the important parts of the old town of Istanbul. Can our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and great fun. He was happy to answer any questions and made sure everyone in the group was involved. The tour was very interactive and overall a great day!
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, thank you for this fantastic review! 😊 Can's ability to keep everyone engaged and make the tour so interactive is something we're really proud of. Istanbul's old town has so many stories to tell and we're glad he brought them all to life. We'll pass on your kind words to him. Hope to see you back soon! Kind regards 🧿 Tourmania Team
via Tripadvisor
Would do again.
Good tour, explanation of the history, friendly guide.
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you for the kind words! History, friendliness and a good tour all in one, glad we delivered! We hope to see you again soon! 😊 Kind regards 🧿Tourmania Team
via Tripadvisor
Thorough tour, with plenty of time for photos as well
Our guide Aca gave us detailed information of the different churches we visited, was thoughtful about bathroom visits and was very friendly with great English
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you for this lovely and detailed review! It is great to hear that Aca made the visit so smooth and informative. The little things like being thoughtful about bathroom breaks really do make a difference on a long tour! We will pass your kind words on to him. Hope to see you again soon! 😊 Kind regards 🧿Tourmania Team
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic guided tour of Istanbul tourist sites
The tour was great. Thank you. Defne our guide is very friendly and so knowledgeable! We really enjoyed her guided tour and all facts and stories made it very interesting for us. We learned so much about AyaSofia and the Sultanahmet & Basilica cistern . The tour was well organised and enjoyable. No queuing for tickets. Fast track. Recommend Tourmania. Booked through Viator
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for this wonderful review! We are thrilled that Defne made the tour so engaging and that the stories and facts brought Aya Sofia, Sultanahmet and the Basilica Cistern to life for you. We will make sure to pass your kind words on to her! We hope to see you again soon! 😊 Kind regards 🧿Tourmania Team
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
The tour was amazing. The guide spoke English very well and was very kind.
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, What a lovely thing to hear! It means a lot to know that our guide's kindness and communication made such a difference to your experience. We hope to see you again on your next adventure! 😊 Kind regards 🧿Tourmania Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- €15 to €350
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 27
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Tourmania, who run 203 experiences we rank across 13 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.5 and 3 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Tourmania runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul: Old Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul: Old Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia cost?
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Prices start at €15 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 Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 78 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 Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia?
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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 Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Istanbul: Old Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia?
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Around 27 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 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Istanbul: Old Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia 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 Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia?
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Included: Professional licensed tour guide. Not included: Meal, beverage; Hotel pick-up and drop-off; and Entrance Fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Istanbul: Old Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia?
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Look for your guide holding tourmania flag Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Istanbul: Old Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia offered in?
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It is offered in German, Russian, English, Italian, French and Spanish. 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 Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia?
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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 Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia 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 Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia 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 Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia?
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Across 78 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Istanbul: Old Town, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Hagia Sophia?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Private Tour, Group Tour -Only English. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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