Experience Istanbul
Beyond the Guidebooks

See the landmarks you’ve dreamed of, and the corners you didn’t know to look for — all in one personalized day.

Find your perfect experience

Top Istanbul Experiences

Kickstart your trip to Istanbul

Kickstart your trip to Istanbul

$99.43 per person
3 hours

Kickstart your trip to Istanbul

$99.43 per person
3 hours
This is the one where your host spills all their local secrets, and you ask all your questions!
See experience
Half day in Istanbul with a local

Half day in Istanbul with a local

$126.27 per person
4 hours

Half day in Istanbul with a local

$126.27 per person
4 hours
Vibrant culture, a very Grand Bazaar, and impossible to resist mezze.
See experience
Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover

Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover

$217.16 per person
5 hours

Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover

$217.16 per person
5 hours
The Grand Bazaar, meze platters, and some serious haggling.
See experience
Full day in Istanbul with a local

Full day in Istanbul with a local

$233.63 per person
8 hours

Full day in Istanbul with a local

$233.63 per person
8 hours
The Bosphorus Strait, a meyhane tavern, and some good old market haggling.
See experience
Shopping Istanbul’s markets & bazaars

Shopping Istanbul’s markets & bazaars

$99.43 per person
3 hours

Shopping Istanbul’s markets & bazaars

$99.43 per person
3 hours
Yeşilköy, Kapali Çarşi and perhaps a market whose name you can pronounce first time.
See experience

Take the quiz

Find your perfect experience here.
No scripts. No crowds. Just an experience built around you.

More than 26,623 5-star reviews and counting

26,623 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor

How Personalization Works

All experiences are tailored to you—choose what excites you most.

Pick Your Experience

Browse and choose an experience that excites you—whether it’s hidden gems, local food, or cultural insights.

Share Your Interests

After booking, answer a few quick questions about your travel style and preferences so we can match you with the perfect host.

Connect & Customize

Chat with your host, discuss your interests, and fine-tune the experience before your adventure begins.
Want a sneak peek? View a sample questionnaire
Click here
View the steps

Our Experiences

From hidden streets to well-known highlights—each one shaped by a local and tailored to you

Show prices based on:
Adults (Aged 13+)
Children (Up to 12 years old)
Pre-Trip Planning Session
Istanbul

Istanbul trip planning video call

5 (90)
30-90 minutes
From   $30.5   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   $126.27   per person
See details

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

View more

Real Stories, Real Connections

Beautiful memory

Beautiful memory

Beautiful memory

Beautiful memory

Tugba_Kurti_Istanbul_BR-1267458343

Tugba_Kurti_Istanbul_BR-1267458343

Echoes of History: A Memorable Encounter

Echoes of History: A Memorable Encounter

Capturing Smiles and Adventures

Capturing Smiles and Adventures

Embracing Adventure in Istanbul's Heart

Embracing Adventure in Istanbul's Heart

Evening Stroll by the Riverside

Evening Stroll by the Riverside

Vibrant Vortex by the Sea

Vibrant Vortex by the Sea

Interior view of the Yeni Mosque in Istanbul, showcasing intricate ceiling designs.

Interior view of the Yeni Mosque in Istanbul, showcasing intricate ceiling designs.

Fountain and tulips in Gülhane Park, Istanbul, with historical building in the background.

Fountain and tulips in Gülhane Park, Istanbul, with historical building in the background.

What travelers think of our experiences in Europe

J
Jill 25 January 2026

Great!!

Show more
V
Vivian 12 December 2025

I had a wonderful custom day tour in Istanbul with my guide. Ipek was incredibly knowledgeable, and you could genuinely feel her passion for what she does. Beyond her expertise, she was also very kind and attentive. What I appreciated most was the pacing — the day never felt rushed or crammed with too many activities. She thoughtfully designed the itinerary so we could truly soak in the city, be present, and enjoy each place at a meaningful pace. It made the experience feel personal rather than transactional. Highly recommended if you want a deeper, more intentional way to experience Istanbul.

Show more
T
Tim 31 December 2025

Itep was a great guide, helping us see as much as possible during our short stopover in Istanbul. She got us into the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and cistern very quickly and walked us through the Grand Bazaar as well.

Show more
P
Philip 17 January 2026

Emir was very pleasant and knowledgeable about the history of Turkey and Istanbul. He was helpful to us as we were trying to plan activities for later that evening.

Show more
V
Vivian 12 January 2026

We had a wonderful custom day tour in Istanbul with our guide. Ipek was incredibly knowledgeable, and you could genuinely feel her passion for what she does. Beyond her expertise, she was also very kind and attentive. What I appreciated most was the pacing — the day never felt rushed or crammed with too many activities. She thoughtfully designed the itinerary so we could truly soak in the city, be present, and enjoy each place at a meaningful pace. It made the experience feel personal rather than transactional. Highly recommended if you want a deeper, more intentional way to experience Istanbul.

Show more
T
Tim 31 December 2025

Itep was the ideal guide. She used our limited time in the best way possible, and we were able to see the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia from the inside. She also took us to the cistern, which I would not have found on my own. She answered all my questions regarding Turkish culture and made me feel like a welcome guest.

Show more
R
Rakhma 25 December 2025

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.

Show more
N
Nicole 1 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!

Show more

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Are experiences the same as tours?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

Will I be able to speak to my host beforehand?

Yes. After we match you with your host, we’ll introduce you so you can chat about the plan and make any tweaks before the day.

How do you match me with a host?

We ask a few questions. After you book, you’ll fill out a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll then match you with the best local host to design your experience.

Can I request specific places or types of stops?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Can I mix different themes in one experience?

Yes! You can blend food, culture, history, neighborhoods, or even a bit of nightlife if time allows. Just share your interests in the questionnaire, and your host will build the day around them.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before your experience date—no questions asked.