Istanbul private tours

Tailoring each tour to your wishes by locals who love their city No cookie-
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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

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

See the city like
you would with a friend who lives there

See all

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

See the city like
you would with a friend who lives there

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

Like the people who travel with us, they have different backgrounds and interests – but they’re all so passionate about the place they call home, they choose to spend their free time sharing it with the like-minded travelers matched to them.

We’ve handpicked them and we’ll match you to your perfect one!

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 spent the whole day with Ilknur in Istanbul and she was the perfect guide you could ask for. She really knows how to personalize a tour according to your nature and needs. For anyone looking for a great tour of Istanbul, whether group or solo, I'll definitely recommend Ilknur a 100 percent.

December 2021

Moeed S
We had a full day of fun walking around the city. It was a wonderful day. We enjoyed a lot just like two friends. Thanks to the cityunscripted :)

October 2020

Feruza H
Colin is a globetrotter, kind and cool guest,he would like to discover city and cultural background, he has great enthusiasm for history and city's social life.

September 2020

Cerit C
My son-in-law and I just finished a wonderful night tour of Istanbul with Devanshu as our guide. It was obvious to see that Devanshu knows and loves his city, and even though we only had a few hours he was able to show us many of the sights. If we are in Istanbul again we will definitely book another tour. Thanks to Devanshu and Tours by Locals!

January 2020

Thomas L