Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover
Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover
Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover
Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover
Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover
Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover
Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover
Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover
Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover

What you'll do

Why would you waste your layover in the airport when there are mosaic-encrusted Byzantian basilicas to discover, midye dolma (mussels stuffed with fragrant rice) to feast on, and the labyrinthine lanes of the Grand Bazaar to explore? With a local insider to help you make the most of whatever time you have in Istanbul, explore a pocket of the city and immerse yourself in its charms - even if it’s just for a moment!

Whether you’d like to drift away on a cloud of spices and jewel-colored fruits at the Eminönü Egyptian Spice Bazaar, soak away your jet-lag in an authentic hamam or feast on a Turkish mezze platter fit for a sultan on the glittering banks of the Bosphorus Strait, your host will make sure not a second of your layover goes to waste. 

Where you’ll go

You could explore Sultanahmet, the historic quarter of the city which was the heart of countless empires, and home to its most iconic landmarks from the Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace to the Grand Bazaar.

Just across the waters of the Golden Horn is the vibrant Galata district with its 14th-century Galata Tower, revealing all-embracing views of the Bosphorus from the balcony. Beneath, pinched streets are home to chic bars, family-run restaurants, and small shops.

Or perhaps you’d like to explore a lesser-visited neighborhood on Istanbul’s Asian shores like Kadıkoy, a bohemian district known for its quirky cafes where aromatic Turkish coffee wafts into the laid-back streets that are lined with independent shops and galleries.  

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 5 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking tour (may use public transport)

  • Hosted in English (On request: French, German, Italian, Korean, Spanish)

  • Meet at your accommodation or a central location

Experience outline

  • Make the most of your layover in Istanbul with a local host to guide you through the city
  • However long you’re touching down for, your host will create an itinerary which is customized to your time and interests
  • You could see the city’s highlights, like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque and shop for spices in the Grand Bazaar
  • Explore famous central districts or get off the beaten path and discover an artistic local neighborhood like Kadikoy
  • Visit a local eatery or stop by street food stalls to try authentic Turkish dishes like stuffed mussels
  • Your host will meet you at the airport, and make sure you’re back there in time for your connecting flights

Things to know

What’s included

  • Private and personalized itinerary
  • 5 hours with a host (includes travel time)
  • Your host will meet you at the airport
  • Transfers to and from the airport via taxi
  • Walking experience (other transport can be arranged at an additional cost)

What’s not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs other than airport transfers
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Drop off back at the airport (your host will leave you in a taxi a the end of the experience)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 14 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

City Unscripted guests photos

Reviews

    I am very pleased with the way she executed our tour. We was able to experience everything on my wishlist for Istanbul. My daughter and I learned a great deal of history today. This is by far one of my favorite tours this far.

    March 2023

    Nathalie V

    Cherad was an amazing guide, his knowledge of Istanbul was amazing, I feel I got a taste of Istanbul that you don’t normally get, I visited some amazing places and had the best time, I will now be coming back to Istanbul because of him.

    September 2022

    Samantha M

    Atilla was great. Handled our needs and shaped the day to met our wishes. He listened and adjusted plans per our wishes.

    July 2022

    Sam S

    If you can get Atilla as your tour guide, you will be nothing short of blessed. The time spent with him flew by. It was as if we were life long friends and he was just showing me around his city. He took me to some well known places, but my favourite parts were the ones that were unknown gems. He was very knowledgeable, bright, caring and had a heart of gold. He knew all the right places to go and made me wish that I had longer than a 14 hour layover in Istanbul. WHEN I go back again, I will be sure to book with him again. He was just that good. You won’t regret it.

    May 2022

    Rose P

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Istanbul. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

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