Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey

Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul

Outty Ranking 59 5.0 · 7 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $180
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul worth booking?

Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul is a 5-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $180 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
5/5 (7)
Duration
5 hours
From
$180 per person

This has always been one of our favorite tours. We've always truly enjoyed watching the elegant architecture of Suleymaniye Mosque. It's a symbol of strength of an era. Reflecting the genius of architect Sinan, Suleymaniye Mosque goes beyond even the standards of modern time architecture. Grand Bazaar will shine your eyes. The bazaar is a world consisting of contemporary shops, Turkish culture and ateliers of dying arts including more than 4000 shops. Even though most of these are touristy places, some shops visited mostly by locals can still be seen. Together we will enjoy visiting such ateliers and shops. Whenever we visit the bazaar to taste the real food we do always prefer a restaurant where the shopkeepers usually eat. This is definitely what we are going to do.

What you get

    About this experience

    This has always been one of our favorite tours. We've always truly enjoyed watching the elegant architecture of Suleymaniye Mosque. It's a symbol of strength of an era. Reflecting the genius of architect Sinan, Suleymaniye Mosque goes beyond even the standards of modern time architecture. Grand Bazaar will shine your eyes. The bazaar is a world consisting of contemporary shops, Turkish culture and ateliers of dying arts including more than 4000 shops. Even though most of these are touristy places, some shops visited mostly by locals can still be seen. Together we will enjoy visiting such ateliers and shops. Whenever we visit the bazaar to taste the real food we do always prefer a restaurant where the shopkeepers usually eat. This is definitely what we are going to do.

    What's included

    Included

    • Local Taxes
    • Guiding Service

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Personal Expenses

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Istanbul

    We are meeting in front of the restaurant.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations.

    Ends at

    The tour ends at the location listed above

    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, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Istanbul Custom Tours

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul, photo 2Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul, photo 3Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul, photo 4Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul, photo 5Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    3 mentions

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

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    7 verified traveler reviews for Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    7
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    167wille · June 2026

    Great Tour and Brilliant price with expert guide

    Amazing day with Ozge - she was so friendly and lovely and took the time to understand what we wanted out of the day and tailored it to us perfectly. A great mix of culture, hidden gems and the main points was a great way to see and understand a bit about the city. Great value for money and she went above and beyond and even helped us with escorting us onto the ferry to Asia which was our next thing.

    via Tripadvisor

    diegorodrigod2025 · January 2025

    It is a must if you want to shop in Istambul

    Ozge was amazing, she was so professional and kind. She knows all the best places at the bazaar and is also great at teaching history. We enjoyed her company so much, and had the best day at Istambul. I can’t recommend her enough. This is a must if you plan to shop in Istambul.

    via Tripadvisor

    Deborah_W · May 2023

    BEST DAY

    I had the BEST day with Duygu wandering around the Grand Bazaar. She knows many of the vendors and helps with negotiations which can be unnerving to those of us that aren't familiar with that practice. She took me to a local restaurant where the food was fresh and very good. I learned about the culture and traditions. She is a lovely lady. Her English is excellent.

    via Viator

    daybee1 · February 2023

    INCREDIBLE

    Duygu was the absolute BEST!!! Her English is excellent and her knowledge of Istanbul was amazing. I learned so much about the culture and customs. She made my day absolutely perfect. She guided me through the very confusing Grand Bazaar and has knowledge of the best vendors and even helped negotiate prices for me. she took me to a lovely and yummy local restaurant for a break and a delicious lunch of local and fresh food. I would definitely book with her again and I highly recommend her if youo are looking for a perfect day.

    via Tripadvisor

    Idahofife · March 2022

    Amazing! Highly recommend 👍🏻

    Great experience! Duygu showed me places I never would have found on my own. She has relationships with vendors so you can really look at their products without getting hassled

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the great review! We`re so happy you loved your experience and can`t wait to have you back for your next service appointment. Until then, we`re here if you need anything.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 59

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)84
    Review evidence (18% weight)32
    Booking momentum (14% weight)20
    Value for money (12% weight)32
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)60
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul cost?

    +

    Prices start at $180 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 Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul take?

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    Plan for about 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 Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 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 Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul?

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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 Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul?

    +

    Around 2 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul 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?

    +

    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 Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul?

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    Included: Local Taxes; and Guiding Service. Not included: Lunch; and Personal Expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 1238 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul 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 Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul?

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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.

    What happens to Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul 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 Private Full-Day Strolling through the Old Markets of Istanbul?

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    Across 7 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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