Flexible Full-Day Discovery • 8 hours
4.9
(35)
Full day in Istanbul with a local
The Bosphorus Strait, a meyhane tavern, and some good old market haggling.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Spend the day with a host who will create an experience that's fully customized to your interests and what you'd most like to see
- See Istanbul’s iconic attractions as well as some secret Istanbul spots
- Get a unique local perspective as you explore the city - avoiding tourist traps is key
- Discover the highlights of the area or neighborhood that you explore
- Eat and drink like a local, picking up street food from a food stand or popping into a meyhane tavern
- Chat to your host, getting tips and advice on exciting things to do and places to see during the rest of your trip
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
8 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
A private and personalized experience
8 hours with your host
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
What’s not included
Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)
Meeting point
Your hotel/apartment or any other central locationCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
- Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.
How your day could unfold
A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you mostWhat you’ll do
Oh, the places you’ll go on your day in Istanbul! Most experiences don’t offer you the opportunity to hop between continents, but then it’s not every day you’re in Istanbul. You’ll join one of our local Istanbul hosts who can’t wait to share with you their favorite places to hang out, where to get your hands on the best food and show you what makes their city so unique.
You’ll weave your way through a neighborhood or two (we recommend checking out one on either side of the Bosphorus Strait), showing you a glimpse into life in Istanbul, which is lived out in the streets.
From dazzling waterfront spots to artistic neighborhoods on the Middle-Eastern side, you’ll discover some secret spots as well as landmarks like the Blue Mosque or Grand Bazaar.
Whether you see yourself lounging on a terrace of a meyhane tavern and feasting on mezze, then haggling your way through markets or you’re in for something faster-paced, you’ll feel like you’re spending the day with a friend.
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
Capturing Smiles and Adventures
Beautiful memory
Tugba_Kurti_Istanbul_BR-1267458343
Beautiful memory
Echoes of History: A Memorable Encounter
25,803+ 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
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.
Brian
Nov 2025
Burak was a great guide that took us to out of the way attractions that weren’t on the group tour. He took us to great eating places to test the local cuisine. We got to see the real Istanbul by walking local neighborhoods on both the European and Asian sides of the city. Better tour in one day than 2 days on the group tour. Highly recommend the private tour!
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Brian
Nov 2025
Burak discussed what we wanted to see and listened. He took us to see some lesser known sites and through local areas. We learned about Istanbul both in history and what it is today. I would hire him again!
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Laurie
Sep 2025
Burak was a fabulous guide who shared the history with through storytelling which made the experience so much more rich. He was flexible and was very attentive. I would highly recommend him.
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Lindsey
Jul 2025
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!
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Barbara
Jun 2025
We arrived in Istanbul two days early for a group tour of Turkey so I scheduled a private walking tour with Tolga to see if he could show us something other than the typical list of sites that were on our group's itinerary. I felt certain that there were neighborhoods that he could show us which we wouldn't otherwise see and Tolga did not disappoint. Along the way, he filled us in on history, culture, religion, and current events. He took us to an historic place for baklava and a cute spot for a quick lunch. We rode the tram, the bus and two ferries, and walked 8 miles! After seven hours, we finally called it quits, but he would have continued longer if we had wanted. We definitely got our money's worth and counted that day as one of the best of our entire three weeks in Turkey.
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Barbara
Jun 2025
We arrived in Istanbul two days early for a group tour of Turkey so I scheduled a private walking tour with Tolga to see if he could show us something other than the typical list of sites that were on our group's itinerary. I felt certain that there were neighborhoods that he could show us which we wouldn't, culture, religion, and current events. He took us to an historic place for baklava and a cute spot for a quick lunch. We rode the tram, the bus and two ferries, and walked 8 miles! After seven hours, we finally called it quits, but he would have continued longer if we had wanted. We definitely got our money's worth and counted that day as one of the best of our entire three weeks in Turkey.
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