Flexible Half-Day Discovery
5.0 (47)

Half day in Istanbul with a local

4 hours English
5.0 (47)
100% Personalized

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

Burak
Burak
Firat
Firat

Match with one of our local hosts

Be matched with a host based on your interests and preferences, to tailor your perfect day.

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100% Flexible: Adapt in real time

Your host will fine-tune the experience in real time to match your mood.

Experience Overview

Time:

4 hours

What to expect:

Fully tailored to your preferences

Language:

Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)

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.

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 Excluded:

Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

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

V
Veronica 2 November 2025

It was invaluable to have a guide. She was knowledgeable and very considerate of our needs. I would recommend Emi and tjis company again.

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D
Dell 2 November 2025

It could not have been better. 5 is not enough my guide was like exploring with a very knowledgeable friend. She was the best!

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R
Rasa 26 October 2025

An exchange tour with Ms. Ipek. She went far beyond our expectations, was ver attentive and extremely knowledgeable. We felt like having a new friend in Istanbul. We highly recommend this tour. Thank you, Ms. Ipek.

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W
Waynenetta 18 September 2025

I had a 13 hour layover in Istanbul and decided to tour the city. After sifting through many tour options, I decided on this one since you have the option to customize it and choose the sights you want to see, rather than wasting time looking at sights that may not interest you. After doing a ton of research, I had a list of sights and places I wanted to visit, sent it to the guide, and we were confirmed! My guide was Tugba who was an absolute gem. She reached out to me via WhatsApp shortly after booking. She provided recommendations and suggestions to compliment the sights I wanted to visit. She knows the city very well and has great knowledge of places to go and to avoid. I left the airport and met her in the city. Her guidance was much appreciated as she also intervened when local hustlers tried to approach. We were able to see some beautiful sights and places. One of our stops was the Grand Bazaar where she also assisted in negotiating great prices. I returned to the airport satisfied and tired with plenty of time to make my flight. If you are looking for a custom tour where you can explore Istanbul without taking up an entire day, this is the tour for you!

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G
Greg 12 October 2025

Feruza was knowledgeable friendly and patient

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P
Paul 24 September 2025

Outstanding all around.

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What 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!

Real Stories, Real Connections

Beautiful memory

Beautiful memory

Beautiful memory

Beautiful memory

Tugba_Kurti_Istanbul_BR-1267458343

Tugba_Kurti_Istanbul_BR-1267458343

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Echoes of History: A Memorable Encounter

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Capturing Smiles and Adventures

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Embracing Adventure in Istanbul's Heart

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