Istanbul
Istanbul’s history: where Europe meets Asia
Traditions & Heritage • 4 hours
5
(88)
Istanbul’s history: where Europe meets Asia
2500 years of history, Ottoman mosques, and a mosaic-encrusted Byzantine basilica.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- You’ll spend 4 hours immersing yourself in the culture of Istanbul and soak up its history as you explore the streets with your host by your side
- Get what you want from your experience by discovering the truly unique culture of this city by strolling
- Visit one of the oldest markets in the world and haggle for some bargains
- See historic and beautiful mosques and churches, then discover more secret histories that aren’t in your guidebook
- Stop to try some delicious local food along the way
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)
Authentic local knowledge and insights
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
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
Did you ever think you could travel across two continents and 2500 years of history in just 4 hours? Nope, us neither, but that was before we went to Istanbul. As the capital of four empires: the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire, the Byzantine Empire (again), and the Ottoman Empire, there’s a lot to take in, but don’t let that overwhelm you.
You’ll flit between ornate mosques and mosaic encrusted basilicas, stroll through lush palace gardens and visit one of the oldest markets in the world. We won’t bore you with dates and facts, rather you’ll see the city’s history come to life as you explore with your local Istanbul host.
Stop to pick up street eats like flaky borek pastries or kebab - this is the country which introduced kebab to the world, and we think that counts as history too! Just let us know if you’d like to discover the impressive, world-famous minarets and domes which dot the city’s skyline or you’d like to lose yourself (figuratively, not literally) in the narrow, winding streets of a historic neighborhood - you’ll soon see why the city is so fittingly known as the Jewel in Bosphorus Strait’s Crown.
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
Tugba_Kurti_Istanbul_BR-1267458343
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What travelers think of our Istanbul experiences
Stacey
Jun 2025
Our guide, Ipek, was knowledgeable and flexible. She was open to giving us an off-the-beaten-path sort of tour. It was magical and she was amazing.
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Stacey
Jun 2025
My daughter is an archaeologist and I am an art historian. We told Ipek that we wanted a more historical and local tour and she did exactly what we needed. She was knowledgeable and was also ready to alter our tour if we wanted to see something unexpected. She was friendly, helpful, was willing to answer cultural and religious questions openly and kindly. I said that I wanted to possibly purchase a rug and she took me to a place that was knowledgeable and trustworthy. I cannot express how perfect our tour was. She is a gem!
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Sandra
Jun 2025
Emir manages to combine fun with educational experience. His love of people made us so comfortable while learning cuisine, history and culture.
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Paula
Apr 2025
A really interesting and varied tour. Saw and noticed things we would never have seen on our own or on a conventional tour. Burak was relaxed, honest, adaptable and so knowledgeable.
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Paula
Apr 2025
It felt like we were just popping into places with a friend. Lots of opportunities to find out more about Turkish culture and life.
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Launa
May 2023
Absolutely wonderful! Feruza went above and beyond the call of duty as our host! She met us at the airport, showed us the sites in Istanbul while providing detailed information and context, introduced us to some delicious foods, brought us back to our hotel and made sure we didn't overpay for our taxi ride back to the airport the next day. She is also one of the most pleasant, kind, and generous people I've ever met. This tour turned out to be indispensable to us because there is no way we would have been able to navigate our way through Istanbul on a 1-day layover by ourselves and see all that we got to see. Thank you, Feruza and City Unscripted!
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