Istanbul
Kickstart your trip to Istanbul
City Essentials: First Day • 3 hours
5.0
(20)
Kickstart your trip to Istanbul
This is the one where your host spills all their local secrets, and you ask all your questions!
What makes this experience special
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
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
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 not included
Food and drinks
Transport costs
Gratuities
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
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.
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
Roni
Apr 2025
Excellent tour! Lots of information. Our guide İpek was so knowledgeable and fun! She treated us like family and knew all the best ways to get around old town.
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Roni
Apr 2025
Ipek was our guide and she was Fantastic! She made us feel very welcome to Istanbul. By the time our tour was complete we felt like we had made a good friend. Her knowledge was astounding. I am so glad we took the time to do the tour. We look forward to coming back!
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Kelly
Feb 2025
I had an amazing private tour in Istanbul with Feruza, and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and engaging guide! She studied English in Boston, which made communication good, and her insights into the city's rich history and culture were good. Feruza planned an efficient itinerary, ensuring we saw the highlights while also allowing time to explore hidden gems. She shared fascinating historical details, answered questions, and kept the tour fun and engaging. Her enthusiasm and deep knowledge of Istanbul truly enhanced the experience. If you're visiting Istanbul and want a guide who is professional, personable, and well-informed, Feruza is a great choice! I would absolutely book another tour with her.
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Kamil
Jan 2025
Tugba is incredibly passionate about her city and this comes across in her tours. You are guaranteed a customised and informative walk with many tales and anecdotes that allow you to see Istanbul for a perspective not offered by mainstream tours.
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Apoorva
Jan 2025
Emir -- our walking guide was fantastic. he started the tour at the heart of the historic Istanbul and charted a customised plan to suit our preferences mixing history and cullinary culture of Istanbul.. We went to Blue Mosque and Emir ezplained the historic, architectural, and political/social aspects of the monument and the religion so well.. he knows the city inside out and took us to taste some of the most authentic kunefe and chai through small lanes of historic part of Istanbul .. Emir was great to chat with, and absolutely went out oglf the way to plan our days in Istanbul (even if it was clearly not his task) Recommend highly
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Meredith
Jan 2025
Emir gave us such a great tour, highly recommend! It was fun, informative, and off the beaten path as requested.
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