The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten
Istanbul, Turkey

The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten

Outty Ranking 65 4.9 · 14 traveler reviews3.5 hoursFrom $74
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Outty Ranking

65/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten worth booking?

The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten is a 3.5-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $74 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 14 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
65 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (14)
Duration
3.5 hours
From
$74 per person

This tour is for those who wants to see the hidden faces of Istanbul. Residential neighborhoods, non touristy Şehazade Mosque, Zeyrek Mosque former Pantrokator church complex, walk by 6th century A.D. Valens aqueducts which were the city water suppliers, visit the neighborhood market where food comes from Eastern Turkey, enjoy a delicious lunch at a non touristy restaurant. Taste the buryan dish which is the whole lamb cook inside a well overnight. Taste the local drink call Boza which have been served in the same places for 150 years.

What you get

    About this experience

    This tour is for those who wants to see the hidden faces of Istanbul. Residential neighborhoods, non touristy Şehazade Mosque, Zeyrek Mosque former Pantrokator church complex, walk by 6th century A.D. Valens aqueducts which were the city water suppliers, visit the neighborhood market where food comes from Eastern Turkey, enjoy a delicious lunch at a non touristy restaurant. Taste the buryan dish which is the whole lamb cook inside a well overnight. Taste the local drink call Boza which have been served in the same places for 150 years.

    What's included

    Included

    • All Fees and Taxes
    • Boza.It is a popular drink for istanbullies which is fermented and made of corn yeast.
    • Bottled water
    • Tram tickets

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Tipping to the guide.

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Istanbul

    German fountain is a drinking fountain ( no water splashing ones ). It is a green domed located on the west part of the Blue mosque in the hippodrome square.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    German fountain is a drinking fountain ( no water splashing ones ). It is a green domed located on the west part of the Blue mosque in the hippodrome square.

    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 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    My Local Guide lstanbul

    Know before you go

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

    Photos

    16 C Şehzade mosque., The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten150 years old traditional drink Boza., The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the BeatenWoman's’ market in Fatih. Products comes from East and Southeast Turkey., The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the BeatenMonastery of Pantokrator ( 1118 A.D), The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the BeatenBuryan kebap. Baked lamb in a well serve with salad and yoghurt drink call ayran, The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the BeatenThe whole lamb cooked in the well., The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    6 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

    14 verified traveler reviews for The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    13
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    732ajar · October 2026

    Go off the beaten path! :)

    I highly recommend this your — it truly is off the beaten path. Salih was an excellent tour guide. He’s extremely knowledgeable about the history and cultural importance of the places we visited. And it was a genuine pleasure getting to learn more about current/daily life in Istanbul and Turkey. Definitely book this tour if you want an excellently curated, cultural, historical, and entertaining experience.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely review and recommendation! It was a pleasure showing you a different side of Istanbul and sharing both its history and everyday life. I’m so glad you enjoyed the places we explored and our conversations about life in Turkey. I hope to welcome you back for more discoveries! Warm regards, Salih

    via Tripadvisor

    Cruiser77549 · July 2026

    Learn from the best

    Under was an incredibly gracious and informative guide. We learned so much on this tour, can’t miss.

    via Tripadvisor

    Scott_C · May 2026

    A Great Walking Tour

    A lovely, leisurely walking tour through some of Instanbul’s less-visited sights. Salih was a wonderful guide and host, very enjoyable!

    via Viator

    Maria_C · February 2026

    Hidden Gems of Istanbul

    Salih was very knowledgeable and even though the weather was attrocious (it was snowing and raining he took us to the hidden gems of Istanbul and kept us engaged and warm. We really recomnend him!!!

    via Viator

    Yvette_C · December 2025

    Be surprised

    Firstly my guide Salih Batkin was really a great calm knowledgable friendly person Easy to talk to and answer questions We went to off the beaten track mosques neighbourhoods and past authentic butcher shops and restaurants Tasted 2 authentic brewed drinks you don’t see in the main area I think this is a really good tour to see Istanbul life in the suburb I throughly enjoyed it

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    3.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $74 to $90
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    5
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by My Local Guide lstanbul, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.0.

    See everything My Local Guide lstanbul runs

    Why this scores 65

    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)41
    Booking momentum (14% weight)33
    Value for money (12% weight)61
    Listing quality (10% weight)76
    Local standing (8% weight)61
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten cost?

    +

    Prices start at $74 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 The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten take?

    +

    Plan for about 3.5 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 The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 14 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 The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten?

    +

    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 The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten?

    +

    Around 5 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?

    +

    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 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten?

    +

    Included: All Fees and Taxes; Boza.It is a popular drink for istanbullies which is fermented and made of corn yeast; Bottled water; and Tram tickets. Not included: Lunch; and Tipping to the guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten?

    +

    German fountain is a drinking fountain ( no water splashing ones ). It is a green domed located on the west part of the Blue mosque in the hippodrome square. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten offered in?

    +

    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 The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten?

    +

    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 The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten?

    +

    Across 14 reviews averaging 4.9 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?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for The Other Face of Istanbul- Istanbul off the Beaten.

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