Private Tour Guides In Istanbul

Tailoring each experience 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

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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

Devanshu

Dublin

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

Fantastic Family Day in Istanbul with Ipek We were so lucky to have Ipek as our guide in Istanbul! As a family of three with a 10-year-old, we wanted something engaging beyond the typical sights we’d already seen. Ipek crafted the perfect day—exploring the Asian side via tram and ferry, wandering through Kadıköy and Moda, and making it fun for our son with a street cat-spotting challenge and feeding simit to seagulls. She introduced us to a great local lunch spot with new dishes to try, and we wrapped up at Miniatürk, an open-air miniature park that was surprisingly fun for all of us. Ipek was warm, thoughtful, and made the day truly memorable. We left inspired to return and explore more of Turkey!

Jul 2025

Olivia C
Burak, the guide for our walking tour around Istanbul, took us around the highlights in the Old City. Burak is an excellent guide, tremendously knowledgeable about the city and the sights within. He has a nice way of explaining them, and the pace is comfortable, but he makes sure you get to see what you want. I highly recommend him.

Jul 2025

Michael M
Burak was amazing! He listened to our requests and took us to many non touristy places just like we asked. His knowledge was incredible and I would highly recommend him as a guide!

Jul 2025

Lindsey K
We had an amazing time exploring Istanbul with Öztürk. Right from the start, he was warm, friendly, and clearly passionate about his city. He began the tour by showing us a brief history of Türkiye on his iPad, which helped us understand what we’d be seeing throughout the day. He didn’t just guide us—he truly took care of us. Whether it was helping us plan the day’s route or negotiating great prices at the Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, or even Hafiz Mustafa, Öztürk was on top of it. He seemed to know everyone! We started calling him “the mayor of Istanbul” because of how connected and respected he was. The highlight for me was our time at Topkapı Palace. The way he explained the palace’s history, especially the Islamic and Ottoman parts, made it feel like he had lived there himself. He brought the stories to life in a way that was both educational and enjoyable. If you want a guide who is knowledgeable, kind, and makes you feel like you’re exploring the city with a friend, I would 100% recommend Öztürk. This tour was a highlight of our trip.

Jul 2025

Mohammed Y