Istanbul
Half day in Istanbul with a local
Flexible Half-Day Discovery • 4 hours
5.0
(24)
Half day in Istanbul with a local
Vibrant culture, a very Grand Bazaar, and impossible to resist mezze.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Get what you want out of Istanbul on a private and personalized experience
- Enjoy local music, vibrant restaurants, historic neighborhood strolls or simply go for a walk in the streets and take in the diverse ambiance
- Fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Istanbul, getting the best of what the city has to offer in a limited space of time
- Get a taste of what makes Istanbul one of the most popular tourist cities in the world, with a twist – your stories will be authentic and all your own!
- Get the scoop from your host on other areas to explore and exciting things to do whilst visiting Istanbul
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
4 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
A private and personalized experience
4 hours with your host
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)
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
Think of this personalized experience with one of our local Istanbul hosts like spending the day with a friend. You’ll explore markets and get seriously hooked on haggling, see the enchanting sights and domes Istanbul is so famed for, hop between continents (you know, as we all do with our friends), and stop for a coffee or maybe an ice-cold beer and some mezze.
You could navigate one of the oldest bazaars in the world or wander through the lively Kadıköy district, stroll through lush palace gardens, or do some serious sightseeing. Just tell us what you’re into and we’ll do our best to make it happen.
Our hosts can’t wait to share their home city with you, and although half a day isn’t possibly long enough to see all there is in this bustling urban antiquity, we know you’ll embrace it all!
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
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What travelers think of this experience
Kathleen
May 2025
Ipek was incredible! She put me at ease in this huge city immediately. Very knowledgeable. Relaxed fun tour, it felt like I was hanging out with a friend. Highly recommend booking her!
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Michael
May 2025
Kathleen
May 2025
Ipek was very friendly & knowledgeable, and her English was exceptional. She was easy to talk to & listen to, and I appreciated her insights. I enjoyed visiting the Asian side of Istanbul and seeing an authentic modern neighborhood.
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Lynn
May 2025
Feruza was a wonderful host. She infused the day with historical references, and made sure we hit some main spots, along with spots frequented by locals.
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Lynn
May 2025
Burak was fantastic!
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Jason
Apr 2025
Emir was great, showed us around old town and into the highlight places to see. It was our first day and he explained a lot of Turkey and the local history.
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