Istanbul Small-Group City and Secret Streets Tour with Guide
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
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Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 208 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Small-Group City and Secret Streets Tour with Guide worth booking?
Istanbul Small-Group City and Secret Streets Tour with Guide is a 3-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $17 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 208 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (208)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $17 per person
The former capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul is a vibrant city filled with magnificent architecture and a rich history as the bridge between east and west. Perfect for first-time visitors, this in-depth guided walk
What you get
About this experience
The former capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul is a vibrant city filled with magnificent architecture and a rich history as the bridge between east and west. Perfect for first-time visitors, this in-depth guided walking tour covers the main attractions while also venturing to hard-to-find secret spots. Leave the navigation to your guide, who also provides illuminating commentary. After meeting your guide at Sultanahmet Square, head off on a scenic stroll through one of the world’s most spectacular cities. Your guide will tell stories from the heyday of Byzantine and Ottoman rule as you wander the picturesque streets. This tour aims to give you an overview of the city, its historic attractions, museums, local arts and traditions etc.
What's included
Included
- English Speaking Professional Guide
- Small-group or private tour (depending on option chosen)
Not included
- Gratuities (Recommended)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
Basilica Cistern
This spacious Roman built cistern shows off impressive Roman engineering was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. The largest surviving Byzantine cistern in İstanbul has been backdrop for many movies over time. Its cavernous depths make a great retreat on hot summer days.
10 minutes here
Sogukcesme Sokak
This is a small street with beautiful historic houses which are leaning against the wall of Topkapi Palace.
10 minutes here
Caferaga Medresesi
The Caferağa Medresseh is a former medrese and now recognised as an important centre of Turkish classical arts where traditional Turkish handicrafts such as calligraphy, ceramics, jewelry and so forth are taught, made and sold.
10 minutes here
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Began its life as a church in 532 AD, converted into a mosque after the Turkish conquest of Constantinople in 1453 and now a museum since 1935. By general consensus, it is the most important Byzantine structure and one of the world’s great monuments built under the direction of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Istanbul and famous for its lofty interior, stunning surviving mosaics and the massive dome...
10 minutes here
TopkapI Palace
Imperial residence of Ottoman sultans is the subject of more colorful stories than most of the world's museums put together. Libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines and scheming eunuchs lived and worked here between the 15th and 19th centuries when it was the court of the Ottoman empire. About 24 sultans ruled from the Topkapı Palace for nearly four centuries during the Ottoman Empire's 600-year reign
10 minutes here
Sultanahmet District
"Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled
10 minutes here
Walled Obelisk
The Walled Obelisk or Masonry Obelisk (Turkish: Örme Dikilitaş) is a Roman monument in the form of an obelisk. It is situated at the southern end of the ancient chariot-racing track of Constantinople's central barrier, beside the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column.
10 minutes here
German Fountain
Constructed as a present from German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1898, it represents one of the most beautiful monuments in Istanbul.
10 minutes here
Hippodrome
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus that was the sporting and social center of Constantinople. Today it is a square with a few fragments of the original structure surviving. Monuments decorating the Hippodrome include the 3500-year-old Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column...
10 minutes here
Blue Mosque
Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque by many tourists because of its bluish interior decoration( blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design), is the most important mosque of Istanbul standing next to the Byzantine Hippodrome in the old city center..
10 minutes here
Serpent Column
Also known as the Serpentine Column, Plataean Tripod or Delphi Tripod, is an ancient bronze column at the Hippodrome of Constantinople (known as Atmeydanı "Horse Square" in the Ottoman period). It is part of an ancient Greek sacrificial tripod, originally in Delphi and relocated to Constantinople by Constantine the Great in 324.
10 minutes here
Sultanahmet Square
This beautiful square and a great place to make a stop, relax and take photos of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
10 minutes here
Tahtakale District
"Shop till you drop" in Tahtakale, a sub-district of Istanbul's Eminönü, where you can find anything and everything you are looking for, all for resonable prices.
10 minutes here
Misir Carsisi
No visit to Istanbul is complete without stopping by the atmospheric Spice Bazaar with roots dating back to 1660, this is one Istanbul's most famous bazaars. Vividly coloured spices are displayed alongside jewel-like lokum (Turkish delight) at this Ottoman-era marketplace, providing eye candy for the thousands of tourists and locals who make their way here every day. Stalls also sell caviar, dried herbs, honey, nuts and dried fruits.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
In front (outside) of FOODIE-IST CAFE AND BRASSERIE. It is approximately 2 minutes walking distance from (T1) Sultanahmet tram stop. Your guide will wear a tour guide badge and will be easy to spot.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our tour concludes after visiting Spice Market in Eminönü and leaving you free to continue your Istanbul sightseeing
Options you can book
Shared Tour Option
Small Group: Small group tour with Max 8 people. ☆ Choose from 09:00 or 13:30 start times. ☆ Tour is in English.
Private Guided Tour
Private Tour Option: A private guide just for your group. ☆ Book up to 15 people for the same price. ☆ Choose from 08:00, 09:00, 11:00 or 13:30
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
- Tematique Tours
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
- There is a moderate amount of walking involved
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 208 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
208 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Small-Group City and Secret Streets Tour with Guide. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Comprehensive and enjoyable tour of the main sites in Istanbul
Our guide was Errol and he was super friendly, open and very well informed As it says in the description you visit all the key sites, understand what they are and why they are there and then if you want to go back and enjoy in more detail you can. The tours also included a meander through a couple of markets and plenary of time for general chat about the city, customs and food with lots of tips. It’s about 3.5 hours so you might want to stop for a coffee half way. It’s a great intro to the city and Errol was an excellent host.
via Viator
Small Group, Big Satisfaction
This was a small-group tour and it happened to just be 2 people on this walking tour and we have been to Istanbul 10 years ago. We got more specific and we appreciated how Tolga tailored it to our curiosities.
via Viator
It was fine if you're staying a while.
It was all walking and that wasnt expected. I wouldnt do it again. Our guide was nice and knowledgeable but too quiet so hard to hear and understand.
via Viator
City tour review
The entire place felt serene, as if time slowed down just for me. It’s the kind of spot where you can wander for hours and still feel like you’ve discovered something new. The experience was even more great with the help of my tour guide named, Tolga.
Response from the operator: What a beautiful review! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful and personal experience. We are thrilled to hear that the serene atmosphere of the location resonated with you so deeply, and that you felt like you could get lost in its history. We're especially proud to hear that Tolga enhanced your experience. We believe our guides are key to making a tour unforgettable, and we will be sure to pass on your kind words to him. Your feedback truly captures the magic we hope to share with all our guests.
via Tripadvisor
Must do
Zeynep (aka Dimple) was amazing!! Super friendly, personable and very knowledgeable. Wonderful perspective of the city and the rich history.. Would highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that your experience with Zeynep (also known as Dimple) was so amazing. It’s great to know that you found her to be super friendly, personable, and knowledgeable. We believe our guides are key to sharing the rich history and unique perspective of Istanbul, and it sounds like she did a fantastic job. Your high recommendation means a lot to us, and we'll be sure to pass on your kind words to her.
via Viator
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
- Price range
- $17 to $250
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 73
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Small-Group City and Secret Streets Tour with Guide: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Small-Group City and Secret Streets Tour with Guide cost?
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Prices start at $17 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 Small-Group City and Secret Streets Tour with Guide 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 Small-Group City and Secret Streets Tour with Guide worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 208 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 Small-Group City and Secret Streets Tour with Guide?
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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 Small-Group City and Secret Streets Tour with Guide 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 Small-Group City and Secret Streets Tour with Guide?
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Around 73 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 Small-Group City and Secret Streets Tour with Guide 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 Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour, Istanbul Luxury Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Asian Side Stop, ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City 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.
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