I’ve lived in Istanbul for 14 years
I speak English, Turkish and some Spanish
I am a Tour Guide
Hi, I’m İpek, and I love sharing the magic of Istanbul! For me, this city is like stepping into a living museum, where history and modern life blend seamlessly. From Byzantine churches to Ottoman palaces, every corner of Istanbul tells a story. I love exploring new international restaurants and discovering hidden gems—whether it’s a cozy café or a quiet spot with an incredible view. I know the neighborhoods of Sultanahmet, Taksim, Üsküdar, Kadıköy, and Beşiktaş really well and can introduce you to their unique charm. I’m also great at finding hidden spots even most locals don’t know about, and I have a knack for finding places where you can shop without breaking the bank, from local markets to hidden gem stores. Let’s explore Istanbul together!
We chose this tour because we wanted to explore the bazaars at a relaxed pace, with the freedom to wander and follow whatever caught our interest—and it turned out to be exactly what we were looking for. İpek was a wonderful guide for this walking tour. She gave us the space to decide our own preferences while offering great suggestions whenever we needed guidance. She even helped us negotiate with local vendors using her “secret method,” which made the experience both fun and rewarding. Throughout the walk, she shared insightful historical and cultural information and patiently answered all our questions. We managed to explore the Grand Bazaar, the pedestrian market, and the Spice Bazaar, wrapping up the tour perfectly in time for lunch. All in all, it was a great day of shopping, browsing, and learning—highly recommended for those who prefer a more flexible and unhurried way to experience Istanbul’s bazaars.
25 December 2025
Ipek was absolutely terrific - she is a good storyteller and has deep knowledge of the history and sites to see. She was very flexible and clearly enjoys giving tours!
1 December 2025
I was on a solo layover and only had a few hours to see Istanbul. I had no idea what to expect and on the way from the airport I had an uncomfortable experience with a taxi cab driver who was not being honest. Not knowing the language, I didn’t know what to do so I called Ipek. She asked to be put on the phone with him and afterward he turned kind, and changed the fee, etc., I had not even met Ipek yet, and she helped me to feel supported and safe going above and beyond! On the tour she was lovely, knowledgeable. We made the most of our time in her magical city. I highly recommend her as a tour guide!
13 November 2025
Our guide Ipek was wonderful and we learned so much!
3 November 2025