Tim

Hi, I’m Tim

Hi, I’m Tim! I love Istanbul for its unique blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman cultures, where mosques rise beside ancient churches and every street feels like a walk through history. I enjoy exploring the city’s flavors, from street simit to stuffed mussels and the best pistachio baklava with Turkish coffee. As a National Professional Tour Guide with 16 years of experience, I love discovering historical mosques, churches, synagogues, and museums, and sharing the stories behind them. I know Istanbul and Turkey well and can show you the best sights, hidden gems, and photo spots.

5 (1)

I’ve lived in Istanbul for 17 years

I speak English, Turkish, Indonesian

I am a Licenced Professional Tour Guide

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My Interests are:

Street food Local cuisine Desserts Food markets Fine dining Unique & unusual foods Art galleries & museums Parks Gardens Political history Economic history Social history Architectural history Religious history Cityscape photography Street photography Modern architecture Classical architecture Wine Third wave coffee Local beers Artisanal tea High-end fashion boutiques Street markets Handicrafts & souvenirs Traditional culture Popular culture Religious customs Lifestyle culture Rituals & ceremonial customs Gourmet food Vegetarian food Vegan food Local speciality drinks Traditional drinks Painting Sculpture Traditional art Indigenous art Art history Specialty shops Antique shops Landscape photography Food photography Fashion photography Commercial photography Post-modern architecture Baroque architecture Ottoman architecture Ethnic culture Classical music Rock music Traditional music Electronic music Raki

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

  • English
  • Turkish
  • Indonesian

My Favorite Experiences To Host

Pre-Trip Planning Session
Istanbul

Istanbul trip planning video call

5 (90)
30-90 minutes
From   $29.25 for 30 min   per person
See details

Video chat or email with a local to plan your perfect trip or get answers to all your questions

Half day in Istanbul with a local Flexible Half-Day Discovery
Istanbul

Half day in Istanbul with a local

5 (48)
4 hours
From   $121.1 per person   per person
See details

Vibrant culture, a very Grand Bazaar, and impossible to resist mezze.

Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover Layover Exploration
Istanbul

Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover

5 (34)
5 hours
From   $208.26 per person   per person
See details

The Grand Bazaar, meze platters, and some serious haggling.

Must see Istanbul with a local Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems
Istanbul

Must see Istanbul with a local

5 (64)
8 hours
From   $224.06 per person   per person
See details

A mosaic encrusted Byzantine basilica, continent hopping, and syrup-soaked baklava.

Eat like a local in Istanbul Local Food & Drink Tastings
Istanbul

Eat like a local in Istanbul

5 (71)
3 hours
From   $130.46 per person   per person
See details

Baklava dripping in honey, flaky pastries and the best kebab in the city.

Shopping Istanbul’s markets & bazaars Markets & Local Finds
Istanbul

Shopping Istanbul’s markets & bazaars

5 (32)
3 hours
From   $95.36 per person   per person
See details

Yeşilköy, Kapali Çarşi and perhaps a market whose name you can pronounce first time.

Full day in Istanbul with a local Flexible Full-Day Discovery
Istanbul

Full day in Istanbul with a local

4.9 (38)
8 hours
From   $224.06 per person   per person
See details

The Bosphorus Strait, a meyhane tavern, and some good old market haggling.

Kickstart your trip to Istanbul City Essentials: First Day
Istanbul

Kickstart your trip to Istanbul

5 (55)
3 hours
From   $95.36 per person   per person
See details

This is the one where your host spills all their local secrets, and you ask all your questions!

Istanbul’s history: where Europe meets Asia Traditions & Heritage
Istanbul

Istanbul’s history: where Europe meets Asia

5 (95)
4 hours
From   $121.1 per person   per person
See details

2500 years of history, Ottoman mosques, and a mosaic-encrusted Byzantine basilica.

A night in Istanbul with a local Night Experiences
Istanbul

A night in Istanbul with a local

5 (61)
4 hours
From   $133.38 per person   per person
See details

Jewel-hued lanterns, billowing shisha smoke, and Lion’s Milk.

What My Guests Think of Me

D
Deborah 12 February 2026

Had a wonderful time in the Grand Bazaar and surrounding area. We had coffee in the Grand Bazaar which was a great experience, and learned about traditional Turkish pottery which was very interesting.

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Deborah, 12 February 2026

Had a wonderful time in the Grand Bazaar and surrounding area. We had coffee in the Grand Bazaar which was a great experience, and learned about traditional Turkish pottery which was very interesting.

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