
Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch
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Quick answer
Is Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch worth booking?
Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch is a 7.5-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $50 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 7.5 hours
- From
- $50 per person
- Visit the best attractions Istanbul has to offer in this full-day walking tour - Take in the beauty of the opulent Topkapi Palace See the historic Obelisk of Theodosius at the Hippodrome - Explore the vast network of ancient Roman reservoirs at the Basilica Cistern - Marvel at the impressive structures of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque - Enjoy the intimacy of a private/small group tour
What you get
About this experience
- Visit the best attractions Istanbul has to offer in this full-day walking tour - Take in the beauty of the opulent Topkapi Palace See the historic Obelisk of Theodosius at the Hippodrome - Explore the vast network of ancient Roman reservoirs at the Basilica Cistern - Marvel at the impressive structures of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque - Enjoy the intimacy of a private/small group tour
What's included
Included
- Drinking water
- English-speaking tour guide
- Traditional Turkish Lunch (if option is selected)
Not included
- Hotel Pick up / Drop off
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
- Personal expenses
What you'll see and do
Obelisk of Theodosius
Want to visit the most famous landmarks in Turkey? We’ve got you covered! On this full-day trip, you’ll explore the best historical sites in Istanbul with the help and knowledge of your friendly Trip Guru! Our first stop is the Hippodrome and the Obelisk of Theodosius. Marvel at the 15th-century structure and soak in the history before heading to our next stop, Hagia Sophia.
60 minutes here
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
This great architectural masterpiece boasts a long and storied history, serving as a church, mosque, and now museum.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Blue Mosque
Up next, we’ll head to the Blue Mosque, where we can admire the intricate details of the mosque's blue tiles and elegant domes while learning about its rich history and significance to the Muslim faith. Don’t let the long entrance lines sway you—both of these spots are a must-visit!
60 minutes here
Basilica Cistern
We’ll stop for lunch (if included option is selected) at a local eatery before making our way to the Basilica Cistern. We’ll explore the vast network of ancient Roman reservoirs and marvel at the cistern’s stunning architecture, with its towering columns and intricate carvings.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
TopkapI Palace
The last site for the day is the Topkapi Palace. This opulent structure once served as the administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today, its beauty is still a sight to behold, with many flocking to the palace to take photos.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Look for a guide wearing a TripGuru shirt or holding a TripGuru sign. If you are not staying within the free pick-up zones, you may select our meeting point option.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Private Tour - Spanish Guide
Small Group Entrance Spanish
Join In Entrance Spanish Guide: With Entrance fees included and Spanish Tour Guide
Small Group Entrance Italian
Italian Join In with Entrance: Hagia Sophia entrance included
Private Tour - Italian Guide
Private Entrance Italian
Private with Entrance Italian: Choose this option for a private tour with a Italian speaking tour guide. Entrance fee to Hagia Sophia is included.
Private Entrance Portuguese
Private w/ Entrance Portuguese: Choose this option for a private tour with a Portuguese speaking tour guide. Entrance fee to Hagia Sophia is included.
Small Group Spanish Guide
Small Group Spanish Guide: Pick this Group tour option with a Spanish-speaking tour guide. Entrance fee to Hagia Sophia and lunch not included.
Small Group Italian
Join in with Italian Guide: Entrance fees not included
Private Entrance Spanish
Private with Entrance Spanish: Choose this option for a private tour with a Spanish speaking tour guide. Entrance fee to Hagia Sophia is included.
Private Entrance French
Private with Entrance French: Choose this option for a private tour with a French speaking tour guide. Entrance fee to Hagia Sophia is included.
Private Tour
Private Tour
Private Entrance English
Private with Entrance English: Choose this option for a private tour with a English speaking tour guide. Entrance fee to Hagia Sophia is included.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, pt, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- TripGuru
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- It is strongly recommended to purchase Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets (25 EUR) in advance. The activity provider will assist with this process by sending you a purchase link via email if you don't select the inclusive option. Customers without skip-the-line tickets may face a queue of 1-2 hours at the site.
- Museum cards are not accepted for Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern.
- The upper gallery is accessible by stairs, it's not recommended for tourists with mobility issues.
- Knees and shoulders must be covered. Headscarf is mandatory for women and can be purchased at the entrance.
- Expect long entrance lines at some of the more popular attractions (e.g. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque).
Photos






Good to know
- Duration
- 7.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $50 to $500
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by TripGuru, who run 65 experiences we rank across 13 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.4.
See everything TripGuru runsWhy this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $50 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 Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch take?
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Plan for about 7.5 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 Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 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 Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch?
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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 Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch?
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Around 0 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 7.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch 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 Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch?
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Included: Drinking water; English-speaking tour guide; and Traditional Turkish Lunch (if option is selected). Not included: Hotel Pick up / Drop off; Entrance fees; Entrance fees; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch?
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Look for a guide wearing a TripGuru shirt or holding a TripGuru sign. If you are not staying within the free pick-up zones, you may select our meeting point option. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch offered in?
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It is offered in German, Portuguese, 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 Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch?
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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 Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and The upper gallery is accessible by stairs, it's not recommended for tourists with mobility. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch 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 booking options are available for Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch?
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There are 12 options to choose from, including Private Tour - Spanish Guide, Small Group Entrance Spanish, Small Group Entrance Italian, Private Tour - Italian Guide. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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