Istanbul

Full day in Istanbul with a local

Flexible Full-Day Discovery • 8 hours 4.9
(30)

Full day in Istanbul with a local

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

Bargaining is an integral part of the carpet-shopping experience in Turkey so don't be shy and just go with the flow!

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.

At a glance What’s included Things to know
Bargaining is an integral part of the carpet-shopping experience in Turkey so don't be shy and just go with the flow!
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 location

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What 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 most

What 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
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Per person incl.
taxes & fees $150.8 for
Adults (Aged 13+)
Children (Up to 12 years old)
$150.8
per person
including taxes & fees
Select a date and start time
Tailor your experience
Flexible start times
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

Tugba_Kurti_Istanbul_BR-1267458343

Tugba_Kurti_Istanbul_BR-1267458343

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

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recommended by 99% of travelers on google
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What travelers think of this experience

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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Giselle May 2025

Exploring Istanbul with my guide, Feruza was like spending the day with a friend, visiting various districts on both the Asian and European sides of the city. I told Feruza that I could see the well known Istanbul sights on my own and asked her to show me some of the local neighbourhoods. She shared many interesting stories about Istanbul’s history, social and cultural scene as well as handy tips on the public transport system, where to shop and eat, and suggestions for what to do for the rest of my stay. I did this tour on my first day in Istanbul and it was the perfect introduction to this remarkable city.

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Giselle May 2025

I felt like I was exploring Istanbul with a new found friend. Feruza was friendly, attentive and full of interesting facts and tips. It was the perfect introduction to the city which I can now go and explore further.

Show more
Martha May 2025

We had a great day in Istanbul with Tugba who crafted her suggestions based on how much we could take in. We really enjoyed chatting with her and hearing more about life experiences in Istanbul. It was as our first day in the city, and it was so nice to let someone else do the navigation. We really recommend a day with Tugba!

Show more
Leonardo May 2025

Mert was exceptionally responsive in reaching out to us ahead of the trip and planning the trip with our requests in mind. We highly recommend Mert, especially when it comes to seeing places that are off the usual tourist path (and worthwhile seeing in Istanbul).

Show more
Martha May 2025

We had such a great day with Tugba! She was informative without talking too much, and she was able to answer our questions informatively. We enjoyed talking about Türkiye, but also about her life experience. She was flexible when we wanted to change plans towards the end of the day, and she gave us information about a concert that we would not have known about. It was a perfect way to start our visit to Istanbul! Highly recommended!

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4.9
(30 reviews)
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.

Giselle, May 2025

Exploring Istanbul with my guide, Feruza was like spending the day with a friend, visiting various districts on both the Asian and European sides of the city. I told Feruza that I could see the well known Istanbul sights on my own and asked her to show me some of the local neighbourhoods. She shared many interesting stories about Istanbul’s history, social and cultural scene as well as handy tips on the public transport system, where to shop and eat, and suggestions for what to do for the rest of my stay. I did this tour on my first day in Istanbul and it was the perfect introduction to this remarkable city.

Giselle, May 2025

I felt like I was exploring Istanbul with a new found friend. Feruza was friendly, attentive and full of interesting facts and tips. It was the perfect introduction to the city which I can now go and explore further.

Martha, May 2025

We had a great day in Istanbul with Tugba who crafted her suggestions based on how much we could take in. We really enjoyed chatting with her and hearing more about life experiences in Istanbul. It was as our first day in the city, and it was so nice to let someone else do the navigation. We really recommend a day with Tugba!

Leonardo, May 2025

Mert was exceptionally responsive in reaching out to us ahead of the trip and planning the trip with our requests in mind. We highly recommend Mert, especially when it comes to seeing places that are off the usual tourist path (and worthwhile seeing in Istanbul).

Martha, May 2025

We had such a great day with Tugba! She was informative without talking too much, and she was able to answer our questions informatively. We enjoyed talking about Türkiye, but also about her life experience. She was flexible when we wanted to change plans towards the end of the day, and she gave us information about a concert that we would not have known about. It was a perfect way to start our visit to Istanbul! Highly recommended!