ISTANBUL
Worth your time in Istanbul.
The 15 historical tours travellers book most in Istanbul, from the headline sights to the quieter finds. What each one costs, how long it runs, and whether it earns a slot on a short trip.
Step into Gedikpasa, Istanbul’s historic hammam. You’ll get the full scrub-and-foam ritual, with privacy options and tea afterward.
Most Popular“Great experience. Highly recommend. Lovely professional staff. Amazing place. Feel very relaxed now.”
Experience Acemoglu Hammam in Istanbul with clay mask, foam, and scrub. Choose public, semi-private, or private, plus optional 30-min massage.
“It was a lovely experience and we truly enjoyed it. Our natır was exceptional — very kind, generous, and gentle. She was also extremely friendly and made us feel comfortable from the beginning, which made our experience truly special and memorable. Thank you very much!”
Step into a 1475 hammam near the Grand Bazaar for steam, scrub, foam massage, optional private Halvet privacy, and included refreshments.
“Pleasantly surprised with the free added service and gift. The therapist was very good. Got a private room as well.”
Full-day Istanbul highlights tour with hotel pickup, small group Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi and Grand Bazaar, plus lunch.
“A thoroughly enjoyable and informative day with Fatma. Visited everywhere as described and had a lovely lunch overlooking the rooftops of Istanbul. Istanbul is a vibrant, busy and wonderful city with so much to see and do and should not be missed if you are on a cruise like we were. Be aware that this…”
A long, guided Istanbul day that strings together the Old City highlights, lunch with sea views, and a Bosphorus luxury sunset cruise.
“The guide was exceptional and very informative. There was 11 of us on the tour and he kept all of us engaged. The tour operator needs to remember to have the headsets available at the beginning of the tour. Otherwise, would highly recommend.”
Small-group Istanbul heritage day with hotel pickup, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, bazaar time, and Turkish lunch included.
“Interesting and insightful. However your experience is very much dependent on the guide. The day is busy and traffic can be challenging. Our guide was rushed and uninterested. He only provided the bare bones information and wasn't really into it. We saw other guides that were more informative”
Small-group Old City tour in Istanbul with Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, Nuruosmaniye Mosque, and Spice Market Turkish Delight.
“The Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul is an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of historical and cultural fusion. We had so much fun and a good time”
Private guided Istanbul highlights in Sultanahmet and beyond, with early-line strategy, hotel pickup, and Bottled water included.
“I was travelling with my assistance dog. Understandably Turkish culture made a couple of speed bumps in our day out however Yalcin went to all kinds of levels to make it an incredible experience and had a very flexible plan. I wouldn’t have been able to see half the things we did without him. Such…”
A small-group Beyoğlu food tour linking the Golden Horn to Taksim, with tastings, sweets, coffee, and great local stories.
“Our guide Erol was knowdgeable and fun. He explained so much about the food we were sampling, and its history. No question went unaswered. I would recommend the tour, and particularly Erol as a guide.”
Private Istanbul full-day tour with a licensed English guide covering Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Cistern, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar.
“I'd like to start by saying that if you want to visit Istanbul, you absolutely must join this tour! We comfortably saw all the places we needed to see in about 6 hours without waiting in line. If you don't want to wait in line, you're in the right place. Our guide, Fuat Peker, was…”
Ottoman hamam in Old Istanbul: clay mask, kese scrub, foam ritual, tea, towels, and private/semi-private options with optional massage.
“Disappointed that the staff were not Turkish. The scrub was very gentle, the bubble very nice, but both me and my sister were on a high marble table, and had difficulty turning over when needed, very slippy. Overall very nice.”
Small-group Old City walk from Hagia Sophia to Topkapi and Basilica Cistern. Leather workshop stop, English guide. From $43.54.
“Ahsen was my guide and was lovely. I'm so glad I chose this tour. I learned so much more about the Mosques, history, culture, palace and the Sultans. A rich learning for me and well worth it.”
Private, guided Old City Istanbul route with fast-track options, hotel pickup, and the best mix of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Cistern, Bazaar.
“Omar was fantastic! He knows so much about the city, the culture and history. He provided great information about the sites and was so nice to us the whole time. We visited the Blue Mosque, the cistern, the hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar. We also walked into the entrance to the Palace but didn't do…”
A 4.5-hour Istanbul food-history walk with a small English guide, Spice Market breakfasts, pide, döner, bazaar kebabs, and baklava.
“The tour operator did not apply, did not respond to our texts and did not answer calls. Viator could not contact them and only emailed me. Poor by both Viator and operator”
Private 7-hour Istanbul cultural tour with certified guide Murat Bozbulut. See Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Blue Mosque, Bazaar, Cistern.
“Murat gave us a fantastic tour of Istanbul. He has a vast wealth of knowledge regarding the history and culture of Istanbul and Turkey. He is very professional and accommodating to whatever you want to do or see. I would highly recommend him for your tour of Istanbul!”
From the domes of the old city to the Bosphorus, the bazaars and the table, every way to spend a day across two continents.
