Private Tour Guides In Istanbul

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

Couple on a tour of Istanbul with a private local tour guide

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 private guides and local insiders in Istanbul

Looking for the best private tour guides in Istanbul to show you around the city that straddles two continents? City Unscripted has got you covered with our network of passionate, knowledgeable local hosts leading a range of amazing private city tours in the heart of the Turkish capital. No matter what tour you choose, our Istanbul private guides will help you strike the balance between the city’s iconic attractions and lesser-known landmarks loved by locals but often overlooked by tourists. What are you waiting for? Book a 100% personalized tour with one of our private tour guides in Istanbul today and get ready to see the city through a local lens.

Meet some of our Istanbul private guides

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!

Tourists exploring the best of Istanbul on a tour of the city with a private guide

Local hosts handpicked for you

No two travelers are the same – and neither are our private tour guides in Istanbul! City Unscripted’s local hosts come from all ages, backgrounds, and perspectives, but they all share one thing in common: they’re passionate about Istanbul and can’t wait to share all its best-kept secrets with travelers like you. On our private tours, you’ll be able to experience Istanbul with someone who’s intimately familiar with every inch of it. Every one of our private tour guides in Istanbul is handpicked for their knowledge and passion, and we’ll pair you with the person who shares your interests.

A bustling scene at a popular tourist attraction on a private tour in Istanbul

Make your dream day a reality

Everyone’s dream day in the colorful Turkish capital looks a little different, and our Istanbul private guides will do everything it takes to make yours a reality. Our local hosts will get to know you, your personality and your interests to plan the perfect Istanbul experience 100% tailored to suit your travel style. Whether you want to sample Şiş Kebap at hole-in-the-wall eateries, move between fragrant markets and mosaic-adorned mosques, or simply relax at a traditional Turkish tavern, trust our private tour guides in Istanbul to plan an incredible day you’ll never forget.

A view of the nostalgic Istiklal Caddesi tram on the streets of Istanbul

A conscious way to see the city

Personalized tours with private tour guides in Istanbul help you build a deep cultural understanding of this vibrant that simply wouldn’t be possible if you were exploring alone. Our local hosts are eager to offer unique insights into their society, and you can count on them to point out the local vendors, chefs, and artisans that deserve every traveler’s support. Tours with Istanbul private guides let you travel as consciously and ethically as possible, connecting with the city on another level and soaking up the true spirit and soul of Istanbul in a way you never imagined.

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

Feruza was an excellent guide! I had a handful of very specific things I wanted to experience while in Istanbul. We covered everything on my list in perfect timing, with no sense of rushing or taking too long. She was warm and professional, and she could discuss any topic that came up. It is clear she loves this city, and I was so grateful to experience it with her! I have never hired a private guide before, but this was the best decision to see Istanbul from the eyes of a local.

September 2023

Brooke S
It is sometimes a good idea to get local guides to teach you how to get around. We traveled a lot over the years and only twice used guided services. It’s a judgement call. A female guide was blast for the wife - worth it.

September 2023

Charles F
We thoroughly enjoyed our evening tour of Istanbul with our tour guide, Feruza. This was a private tour that include just the three of us, Mr. and Mrs. TravelCat and Feruza. This was a create your own itinerary tour, so we were limited only by our time, imagination, and jet lag. We had originally planned a three-day stopover in Istanbul, but we were thwarted by the legendarily bad Turkish Airlines phone customer service. After 19 phone calls and hours on the phone, Mr. TC threw in the towel. BTW, everything else with Turkish Airlines was GREAT, the plane itself, food, lounge, and on plane service. Go figure. As a result, we had 6 hours to see Istanbul on the evening of our arrival before heading to Athens early the next morning. Hmmm, probably not going to get to see everything. We chose to see the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The rest would be just walking around the Sultanahmet area. After arriving at IST, we checked in to our airport hotel, the Airside Yotel (great for early morning flights – you’re already through security) and had dinner at the wonderful Turkish Airlines business lounge - the best airport lounge I’ve ever enjoyed! We then, contacted Feruza via WhatsApp. She had provided her contact info to us the week before – extremely helpful! After wandering the airport, we finally found our way downstairs and outside where we met Feruza. She greeted us like long lost friends! For the rest of our time together, we did indeed feel like we had a friend in Istanbul. We got in a nearby taxi and traveled to the Sultanahmet area. Feruza took care of the taxi fare both ways. There was no funny business by the driver demanding more money in either case. We enjoyed touring the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque with our new friend. We discussed the Turkish educational system, economy, and Islam, not in a dry didactic way, but with very personal insight from our guide. Feruza has a charming personality and a great sense of humor. We enjoyed our short time walking and talking with her. I do believe that she would have stayed out with us all night if we had asked, but Mrs. TC was worried that Feruza would be too tired for her regular job in the morning, so she made us all go home to our house/hotel so that we could get some sleep. A great experience!

August 2023

Mark R
We thoroughly enjoyed our evening tour of Istanbul with our tour guide, Feruza. This was a private tour that include just the three of us, Mr. and Mrs. TravelCat and Feruza. This was a create your own itinerary tour, so we were limited only by our time, imagination, and jet lag. We had originally planned a three-day stopover in Istanbul, but we were thwarted by the legendarily bad Turkish Airlines phone customer service. After 19 phone calls and hours on the phone, Mr. TC threw in the towel. BTW, everything else with Turkish Airlines was GREAT, the plane itself, food, lounge, and on plane service. Go figure. As a result, we had 6 hours to see Istanbul on the evening of our arrival before heading to Athens early the next morning. Hmmm, probably not going to get to see everything. We chose to see the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The rest would be just walking around the Sultanahmet area. After arriving at IST, we checked in to our airport hotel, the Airside Yotel (great for early morning flights – you’re already through security) and had dinner at the wonderful Turkish Airlines business lounge - the best airport lounge I’ve ever enjoyed! We then, contacted Feruza via WhatsApp. She had provided her contact info to us the week before – extremely helpful! After wandering the airport, we finally found our way downstairs and outside where we met Feruza. She greeted us like long lost friends! For the rest of our time together, we did indeed feel like we had a friend in Istanbul. We got in a nearby taxi and traveled to the Sultanahmet area. Feruza took care of the taxi fare both ways. There was no funny business by the driver demanding more money in either case. We enjoyed touring the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque with our new friend. We discussed the Turkish educational system, economy, and Islam, not in a dry didactic way, but with very personal insight from our guide. Feruza has a charming personality and a great sense of humor. We enjoyed our short time walking and talking with her. I do believe that she would have stayed out with us all night if we had asked, but Mrs. TC was worried that Feruza would be too tired for her regular job in the morning, so she made us all go home to our house/hotel so that we could get some sleep. A great experience!

August 2023

Mark R