Istanbul private tours

Tailoring each experience to your wishes by locals who love their city

Top private tours in Istanbul

From exploring cool neighborhoods to eating with the locals to seeing iconic sites, these are some of our favorite experiences

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The best Istanbul private tours & experiences with locals

Turkey’s kaleidoscopic capital is a trove of treasures dating back to the days of the ancient Silk Road, with discoveries to be made around every corner. For a first-time visitor it can be overwhelming – but what if you had a like-minded local guide by your side every step of the way? If it’s the best private tours in Istanbul you’re seeking, you’ve come to the right place. At City Unscripted, we pair you with the perfect partner for Istanbul tours that suit your interests and satisfy your curiosity. Whether you have a full day, half a day, or just three hours, you can rest assured that our Istanbul private tours will show you a mix of must-see sights and secrets.

Meet some of our Istanbul local hosts

Feruza

Istanbul

An enthusiastic Istanbul local, unveils the city's historical wonders and culinary delights, guiding you through a captivating journey of culture and flavor.

Devanshu

Dublin

Feel the true spirit of Istanbul

On City Unscripted private tours of Istanbul, we make it our mission to give you authentic snapshots of local life, because we believe that’s what traveling is about. Between world-renowned attractions like centuries-old the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, our private Istanbul tours will also take you off the beaten track. Our hosts will show you some of the special places loved by locals – the hole-in-the-wall Turkish coffeehouses and neighborhood markets often overlooked by visitors. Discover a side to the city not even your guidebook knows exists on Istanbul private tours.

Shop like a local

In the crisscrossing lanes of Turkey's crowded capital, one thing is for sure: private Istanbul tours are a shopper’s paradise. From fine fabrics to incredible food, Istanbul’s colorful market scene offers a once-in-a-lifetime shopping experience that won’t soon be forgotten. Your bags will be significantly heavier on the flight home after exploring several of the city’s 200 traditional markets on your Istanbul private tours. The Grand Bazaar is just the tip of the iceberg, so put on your comfiest walking shoes, make sure you have some money on hand, and see how locals like to shop.

Private tours tailored to you

What do you love most about traveling? When we plan Istanbul private tours tailored to you, your answer is the thing that guides us. We know everyone is different, but whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a culinary connoisseur, or a history buff, we’ll craft an itinerary around your interests. No two private tours in Istanbul with City Unscripted are the same – our Istanbul private tours take your personality and passions into account. And, in a city as iconic as Istanbul, where the things to do appeal to people from all walks of life, anyone can find something to love.

Istanbul travel tips and inspiration from our Travel Magazine

Find essential city info, travel tips and the best things to do in Istanbul and around the world recommended by our local hosts

Latest reviews from our guests

I had a 13 hour layover in Istanbul and decided to tour the city. After sifting through many tour options, I decided on this one since you have the option to customize it and choose the sights you want to see, rather than wasting time looking at sights that may not interest you. After doing a ton of research, I had a list of sights and places I wanted to visit, sent it to the guide, and we were confirmed! My guide was Tugba who was an absolute gem. She reached out to me via WhatsApp shortly after booking. She provided recommendations and suggestions to compliment the sights I wanted to visit. She knows the city very well and has great knowledge of places to go and to avoid. I left the airport and met her in the city. Her guidance was much appreciated as she also intervened when local hustlers tried to approach. We were able to see some beautiful sights and places. One of our stops was the Grand Bazaar where she also assisted in negotiating great prices. I returned to the airport satisfied and tired with plenty of time to make my flight. If you are looking for a custom tour where you can explore Istanbul without taking up an entire day, this is the tour for you!

Sep 2025

Waynenetta J
We had a wonderful experience with our guide Tugba who crafted the tour around our interests so we could maximize our time. She was very knowledgeable about the history and culture of Istanbul and greater Türkiye. She patiently answered all of our questions and provided helpful travel tips. I highly recommend Tugba as a guide. The fee with City Unscripted was quite reasonable and doing a private tour with Tugba was definitely worth our time and money.

Oct 2025

Jennifer E
Feruza was knowledgeable friendly and patient

Oct 2025

Greg O
Outstanding all around.

Sep 2025

Paul D