ISTANBUL
Worth your time in Istanbul.
The 15 self-guided 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.
Fast-track entry to Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern with all-day access and a multilingual audio guide for Byzantine details and Medusa photos.
Most Popular“Had so much fun and very convenient to skip the line! We’re only here for 2 days so it was a huge help”
Skip-the-line access to Topkapi Palace and the Harem Museum with a timed entry slot and an app audio guide in English.
“Very well organised Ozzy was a great guide and explained very well.”
A 2-hour Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul with phone audio in 11 languages, unlimited Turkish tea, and Europe-Asia views for about $8.
“Could do with louder audio on the boat since the wind makes it nearly impossible to hear the guided tour. Toilets could be a bit cleaner and food prices on the boat could be a bit lower which may encourage people to spend. Otherwise departure and arrival was on time and staff very helpful.”
Skip the ticket counter at Hagia Sophia and use an English audio guide for the upper galleries, on your own schedule.
“Improved the wait time significantly but cutting out the wait to buy a ticket. Walked in almost instantly”
Skip-the-line Hagia Sophia ticket with an English audio guide and optional guided tour. QR entry, eSIM internet, and flexible timing.
“the guide was very friendly and he knew what the history was”
A budget-friendly Bosphorus and Golden Horn cruise with an offline smartphone audio guide, passing Istanbul’s top sights and bridges.
“Second time going on this boat trip and it was very nice. Good explaination in different languages and nice Guide. Worth a trip.”
Skip the ticket line for Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern and enjoy a digital audio guide among Medusa heads and 336 columns.
“Ot is a short tour 10 min.. Very nice to see but proce 30e to high”
Skip Hagia Sophia ticket lines with an English digital audio guide. See mosaics, Medusa heads, and submerged columns in Istanbul.
“The meeting point was obvious and any questions we had were answered promptly. You can turn up to any of the advertised start times and you are taken into the palace grounds and into the Harem with no fuss. Audio guide was good but the app was a little glitchy. Definitely recommend this particular tour.”
Skip the line to Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern with a guided story, optional audio guide, and an eSIM hookup, plus time to wander.
“Amazing experience..definitely must in Istanbul ..whoawwww”
Skip-the-line Dolmabahce Palace ticket with a free multilingual audio guide and Harem access, valid all day during opening hours.
“Great! Was 5 min in security queue and strolled straight in. Get there early before 10.30 to beat security queue as when I came out queue for security was 1 hr plus another hr for tickets so priority ticket is def worth it. The palace is stunning inside so so beautiful. Lots of places to…”
Skip Hagia Sophia lines with an audio guide, then add the Blue Mosque next door with free entry and an audio tour.
“I didn't understand that the first floor was only for prayers, not visitors. My question is, how do they know who is going to pray and who is a tourist? I'm asking because from 2nd floor I saw people on the first floor taking pictures, so obviously they weren't there to pray. Thank you!”
Skip the ticket line to Topkapi Palace and Harem with an English host and multi-language audio guide. Timed entry for 1 day.
“One of the best place I have ever visited. I had a short explanation from the guide which is enough for me I liked.”
A 2-hour Bosphorus cruise linking Europe and Asia, with free Turkish tea, Wi-Fi, and an 11-language smartphone audio guide.
“It is a relaxed trip with some information about the sight seeing. It worths while seeing Istanbul from the sea!”
Short Bosphorus cruise from Eminönü with hotel pickup, unlimited Turkish tea and coffee, and English audio. Views of Maiden’s Tower and more.
“The experience was nice and affordable. I went with my mother and grandmother, we saw amazing sites and we got our photos taken by a photographer. We will remember this trip forever!”
1.5-hour Bosphorus cruise from Kabataş or Üsküdar with English commentary and multi-language audio guide, passing Dolmabahçe and Maiden’s Tower.
“Excellent value for money. Boat was clean, comfortable and shaded.”
From the domes of the old city to the Bosphorus, the bazaars and the table, every way to spend a day across two continents.
