City Essentials: First Day
5.0 (52)

Kickstart your trip to Istanbul

3 hours English
5.0 (52)
100% Personalized

This is the one where your host spills all their local secrets, and you ask all your questions!

Emi̇r
Emi̇r
Ahmet
Ahmet

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:

3 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
3 hours with a Host
Start when you like (but an early start means you beat the mad crowds)
Meet-up at your accommodation (as long as it is in reasonable distance. Hooray!)

What’s Excluded:

Food and drinks
Transport costs
Gratuities

Key Highlights:

  • Find your feet in Istanbul with one of our who will show you how to navigate through the city - from the metro to buses and trams, it all starts with figuring out your transport (including on foot, if that’s your style!)
  • Take in some highlights on your experience, like the glittering mosaics at the Hagia Sophia Museum and be awe-inspired by its iconic dome
  • Step back in time (not literally, unless you have a time machine?) to the 1600s, during the rule of Ahmed, with a trip to the historic Blue Mosque
  • Wander through the bustling alleys of the Grand Bazaar as you get orientated in the city and learn about local life, and how to haggle for a bargain!
  • Ask your host any questions you have about exploring Istanbul, what to visit and what to eat - they can’t wait to share their local tips with you

T
Tim 31 December 2025

Itep was a great guide, helping us see as much as possible during our short stopover in Istanbul. She got us into the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and cistern very quickly and walked us through the Grand Bazaar as well.

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Philip 17 January 2026

Emir was very pleasant and knowledgeable about the history of Turkey and Istanbul. He was helpful to us as we were trying to plan activities for later that evening.

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Tim 31 December 2025

Itep was the ideal guide. She used our limited time in the best way possible, and we were able to see the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia from the inside. She also took us to the cistern, which I would not have found on my own. She answered all my questions regarding Turkish culture and made me feel like a welcome guest.

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Rakhma 25 December 2025

We chose this tour because we wanted to explore the bazaars at a relaxed pace, with the freedom to wander and follow whatever caught our interest—and it turned out to be exactly what we were looking for. İpek was a wonderful guide for this walking tour. She gave us the space to decide our own preferences while offering great suggestions whenever we needed guidance. She even helped us negotiate with local vendors using her “secret method,” which made the experience both fun and rewarding. Throughout the walk, she shared insightful historical and cultural information and patiently answered all our questions. We managed to explore the Grand Bazaar, the pedestrian market, and the Spice Bazaar, wrapping up the tour perfectly in time for lunch. All in all, it was a great day of shopping, browsing, and learning—highly recommended for those who prefer a more flexible and unhurried way to experience Istanbul’s bazaars.

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Nicole 1 December 2025

Ipek was absolutely terrific - she is a good storyteller and has deep knowledge of the history and sites to see. She was very flexible and clearly enjoys giving tours!

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Jeff 22 November 2025

Great!!

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What you’ll do

Istanbul is a magical city alive with beauty, culture, and history. This is where empires once ruled! But if it’s been a while since you were in town or this is your first visit, joining one of our local Istanbul hosts to help you find your feet is the perfect way to get your trip off to a good start. Get oriented in the city streets and find your feet as you learn how to get around the city (there are tons of transport options available - from the metro to trams, taxis, and buses).

Spot some landmarks along the way, like the Blue Mosque, and soak up Istanbul’s beauty and history. From the bustling alleys of the Grand Bazaar to the vibrant Taksim district, there’s not a second to waste! And luckily, with a host to show you the ropes, not a second will be. You will be feeling right at home once they’ve shared their tips for where to eat, how to get around, and spilled a local secret or two. 

Real Stories, Real Connections

Beautiful memory

Beautiful memory

Beautiful memory

Beautiful memory

Tugba_Kurti_Istanbul_BR-1267458343

Tugba_Kurti_Istanbul_BR-1267458343

Echoes of History: A Memorable Encounter

Echoes of History: A Memorable Encounter

Capturing Smiles and Adventures

Capturing Smiles and Adventures

Embracing Adventure in Istanbul's Heart

Embracing Adventure in Istanbul's Heart

Evening Stroll by the Riverside

Evening Stroll by the Riverside

Vibrant Vortex by the Sea

Vibrant Vortex by the Sea

Interior view of the Yeni Mosque in Istanbul, showcasing intricate ceiling designs.

Interior view of the Yeni Mosque in Istanbul, showcasing intricate ceiling designs.

Fountain and tulips in Gülhane Park, Istanbul, with historical building in the background.

Fountain and tulips in Gülhane Park, Istanbul, with historical building in the background.