Istanbul
Full day in Istanbul with a local
Flexible Full-Day Discovery • 8 hours
4.9
(28)
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
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?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
17,500+ 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.
What travelers think of this experience
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!
Show more
Stephanie
May 2025
Burak adjusted the itinerary for our group and considering the crowds of the day. He took us to less touristy areas and places we would not have known to go. He was a wonderful guide!
Show more
Martha
May 2025
Tugba was an excellent guide without being overbearing as some guides can be. She was very flexible.
Show more