Top Sites of Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey

Top Sites of Istanbul

Outty Ranking 54 5.0 · 2 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $160
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

54/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Top Sites of Istanbul worth booking?

Top Sites of Istanbul is a 5-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $160 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
54 / 100
Rating
5/5 (2)
Duration
5 hours
From
$160 per person

Istanbul has such a diverse and rich history. It has been the capital of three great empires; the Roman, Byzantine (Eastern Roman) and the Ottoman. Although it is not the official capital anymore, it is still the cultural capital of the country. There is so much to see or to do in this city. Visitors would normally need more than one day to explore Istanbul. However, for those visitors who are coming to Istanbul for the first time and have rather limited time, we would recommend this tour for the first day of sightseeing in Istanbul. The program will include visits to mosques, a cistern, a palace, a hippodrome, a bazaar and a panoramic terrace.

What you get

    About this experience

    Istanbul has such a diverse and rich history. It has been the capital of three great empires; the Roman, Byzantine (Eastern Roman) and the Ottoman. Although it is not the official capital anymore, it is still the cultural capital of the country. There is so much to see or to do in this city. Visitors would normally need more than one day to explore Istanbul. However, for those visitors who are coming to Istanbul for the first time and have rather limited time, we would recommend this tour for the first day of sightseeing in Istanbul. The program will include visits to mosques, a cistern, a palace, a hippodrome, a bazaar and a panoramic terrace.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private Tour Guides

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Gratuities
    • Entrance tickets for Topkapı Palace and Basilica Cistern 590 liras for per person90

    What you'll see and do

    1. Hippodrome

      The word hippodrome comes from the Greek hippos (horse) and dromos (way). The Hippodrome of Constantinople was also home to gladiatorial games, official ceremonies, celebrations, protests, torture to the convicts and so on. Hippodrome functioned all in Roman (203-330 CE), Byzantine (330-1453 CE), and Ottoman (1453-1922) periods

      45 minutes here

    2. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

      a true wonder of the Byzantine world. Completed under Emperor Justinian in AD 537, this massive building (known best for its resplendent dome) was a Christian church for nearly 1,000 years, until Mehmet the Conqueror claimed it for Islam. Kemal Atatürk, the revolutionary leader and founder of the Republic, proclaimed it as a museum in 1934—but it has reverted back to a working mosque in 2020.

      75 minutes here

    3. TopkapI Palace

      The complex of grand pavilions and courtyards was built by Mehmet II in the middle of the 15th century (just after his conquest of Constantinople) and served as the residence of Ottoman sultans—along with their wives and concubines—for the next 400 years. Today, it is one of the world's richest museums, and during our visit, we’ll behold a staggering collection of arms, porcelain, and priceless treasures that include the jewel-studded dagger made famous by the Hollywood heist film.

      120 minutes here · Admission not included

    4. Basilica Cistern

      It was built during the reign of Emperor Constantine in the 4th Century but greatly enlarged by Justinian in 537 AD, and used as water storage for the Great Palace during Byzantine times

      30 minutes here · Admission not included

    5. Grand Bazaar

      Home to more than 4,000 shops today, this remarkable complex dates back more than 550 years.

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    New Istanbul Tours

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Top Sites of Istanbul, photo 2Top Sites of Istanbul, photo 3Top Sites of Istanbul, photo 4Top Sites of Istanbul, photo 5Top Sites of Istanbul, photo 6

    Traveler reviews

    2 verified traveler reviews for Top Sites of Istanbul. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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    BlueTrain · July 2025

    A wonderful first (but not last) time in Istanbul

    We had a short lay over in Istanbul and being our first visit there, we wanted to discover the most iconic places. Oguz, whom a friend of mine had connected me with ahead of time, was a wonderful guide and managed to get everyone engaged and excited including our 2 teenagers. His way of telling the long and incredible history of Hagia Sophia was super instructive and fun. He also made us discover a true local place for lunch where we had one of the best kebab ever. When we finished the tour, he recommenced the best place to buy Turkish delights (Hazer Baba) in the Spice market. If you have never been to Istanbul, I can not recommend enough that you do. It is truly unique in term of history, culture and food and everyone was super friendly and welcoming. And when you go, make sure to book a tour with Oguz to really understand the richness and complexity of a city that has been at the center of civilizations for 1000s of years! Oguz: a big thank you from the 4 of us!

    via Tripadvisor

    AlastairS558 · October 2023

    Osman Günay - the best guide in town

    Osman gave us an insightful tour of Hagia Sophia and then the following day at the Archaeological Museum. We skipped the lines and then enjoyed an hour of interest and insights. The best thing about Osman is that he delivers the right amount of information before moving onto another highlight. If you want to hear more, he will gladly provide. Osman does not give you an endless list of facts and dates. Instead, Osman opens your eyes to what is in front of you and what is hidden. And he does this in an entertaining and engaing way. Well worth the reasonable cost.

    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, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 54

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)80
    Review evidence (18% weight)17
    Booking momentum (14% weight)13
    Value for money (12% weight)37
    Listing quality (10% weight)84
    Local standing (8% weight)53
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Top Sites of Istanbul: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Top Sites of Istanbul cost?

    +

    Prices start at $160 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 Top Sites of Istanbul take?

    +

    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 Top Sites of Istanbul worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 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 Top Sites of Istanbul?

    +

    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 Top Sites of Istanbul suitable for kids and families?

    +

    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 Top Sites of Istanbul?

    +

    Around 1 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Top Sites 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?

    +

    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 Top Sites of Istanbul?

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    Included: Private Tour Guides. Not included: Lunch; Gratuities; and Entrance tickets for Topkapı Palace and Basilica Cistern 590 liras for per person90. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Top Sites of Istanbul include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 337 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul.

    What languages is Top Sites of Istanbul offered in?

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    It is offered in English 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 Top Sites of Istanbul?

    +

    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 Top Sites of Istanbul wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Top Sites of Istanbul 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.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Top Sites of Istanbul.

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