Tour of Major Sights of Istanbul (entrance fee not included)
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
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
4.9/5
Based on 67 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tour of Major Sights of Istanbul (entrance fee not included) worth booking?
Tour of Major Sights of Istanbul (entrance fee not included) is a 5-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $199 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 67 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (67)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $199 per person
Tour of Major Sights of Istanbul. Hagia Sophia, Basilica cistern and Topkapi Palace. Also Blue Mosque will be visioned during the tour from outside. Fast track tour of the Major Sights of Istanbul.
What you get
About this experience
Tour of Major Sights of Istanbul. Hagia Sophia, Basilica cistern and Topkapi Palace. Also Blue Mosque will be visioned during the tour from outside. Fast track tour of the Major Sights of Istanbul.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
Not included
- Bottled water
What you'll see and do
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Meet infront of Hagia Sophia, 1500 years old once church, mosque, museum and mpsque again.
45 minutes here
Basilica Cistern
Water reservoir from 6th Century for Hagia Sophia and Great Palace of the Romans in Constantinople.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
TopkapI Palace
House of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years from 16th Century.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Blue Mosque
Interior visit
30 minutes here
Grand Bazaar
Short visit where tour concludes
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tour Guide Metin Koca
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
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A maximum of 10 people per booking
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 67 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
67 verified traveler reviews for Tour of Major Sights of Istanbul (entrance fee not included). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Istanbul is lucky to have Metin
We spent two and a half weeks moving through Rome, Corfu, and Istanbul this summer, and our day with Metin was the highlight of the entire trip. He met us early at Hagia Sophia, before the crowds and before the heat of an August day settled in, and it was clear early on this was going to be personal, not scripted. He knows this city and its history the way you only can after a lifetime in it, and he shares it with real passion. He wove in stories from his own life in Istanbul alongside the history, which gave the day a thread most guides never bother with. From Hagia Sophia we went on to Topkapi Palace and the Harem, then down into the Basilica Cistern. That kind of pacing doesn't happen by accident. It comes from someone who's done this enough times to know exactly how a day should breathe. What stood out most was how generous he was, with his time, his attention, and his patience. He answered every question our kids threw at him and adjusted the day on the spot to what actually interested our family, rather than sticking to a fixed script. There are tour guides who check off boxes, and then there are those who curate an experience and leave you with a feeling that lasts. That was Metin.
via Tripadvisor
This is an unsolicited 5 star review
Where shall I begin? This review is unsolicited. He didn’t sit me down with a QR code or text me or call me or have his friends ask me for a review. I had to hunt down this link to drop this review as I sip on a double Bloody Mary from the balcony of my cruise ship as we disembark. Cuz seriously, when I come back, I want him to remember that my family and I passed “vibe check”, cuz I want more tours from him and Ezgi, cuz he is the coolest mf in a Mississippi State hat (*wink*) I’ve ever met in my entire life. And Ezgi, so knowledgeable and the definition of grace and charm, both of whom are clearly well liked and respected by everyone at the major attractions. Not only did Metin introduce us to Ezgi because he was already booked, he met up with us mid-tour, so we ended up with 2 guides for the afternoon. He was also so thoughtful, and cared for my elderly parents and made sure they were comfortable and watered while my husband and I listened to Ezgi tell stories. Even my teenage daughter paid attention, although she pretended not to (lol), as Ezgi’s melodic voice brought history to life. If you’re interested in an easy going, relaxed but sophisticated day of hanging out in Istanbul, book this tour. No wonder Metin is listed in the Rick Steve’s guide.
via Tripadvisor
Great experience!
We had two days to see as much of Istanbul that we could. In two days Metin showed more than we thought was possible. His knowledge of history was a bonus. It was an exceptional two days. I highly recommend him and would use him again.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Tour
We did a full day tour with Metin which ended up being about 6.5 hours because we started early before heat and crowds, which suited us. We never waited in line and Metin guided us efficiently through all attractions. Would recommend buying one of the combined passes before the tour to save money tho. Metin obviously has a passion for his city, its culture and history. He took a lot of time to go over all the important timelines and events that formed Istanbul and its important monuments, and Religious influence. If you want only quick highlights and surface level info, take a cheaper tour. But I’d highly recommend Metin for a meaningful and insightful experience.
via Tripadvisor
Metin is an outstanding tour guide!
Metin was very responsive and an excellent communicator during the tour booking and planning process. He has a profound knowledge about Istanbul and its history and culture and his passion is infectious. We found him to be authentic, funny and engaging. We cannot more highly recommend him.
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, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 23
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tour of Major Sights of Istanbul (entrance fee not included): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Tour of Major Sights of Istanbul (entrance fee not included) cost?
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Prices start at $199 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 Tour of Major Sights of Istanbul (entrance fee not included) 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 Tour of Major Sights of Istanbul (entrance fee not included) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 67 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 Tour of Major Sights of Istanbul (entrance fee not included)?
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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 Tour of Major Sights of Istanbul (entrance fee not included) 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 Tour of Major Sights of Istanbul (entrance fee not included)?
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Around 23 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 Tour of Major Sights of Istanbul (entrance fee not included) 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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