Istanbul
Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover
Layover Exploration • 5 hours
5.0
(34)
Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover
The Grand Bazaar, meze platters, and some serious haggling.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- 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
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
5 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
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)
Meeting point
Your host will meet you at the airport.Cancellation
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
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.
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
Kathryn
Apr 2025
Ipek was extremely knowledgeable, personable, helpful, and accomplished. She created an itinerary based on my desires and time frame, and then accommodated when I realized I had asked for too much in the time I had. We laughed, drank coffee, i learned an amazing amount of history in just a few hours. I would definitely recommend City Unscripted!
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Joniel
Dec 2024
The guide was very pleasant on time and knowledgable with history he speaks fluent english and organize his tour in a smooth fashion way. He is honest and does nlt waste any time . Thank you.
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Saija
Nov 2024
Right from our first emails I knew we were in good hands. Tugba was so organised and accommodating! When our flight got moved to an earlier one, and even when that flight arrived earlier than planned, she was there to greet us right on time! We got through everything on our list of must-dos in Istanbul, got a good souvenir deal and when we ran out of energy, Tugba brought us back to the airport well on time, without us having to any thinking or walking. Perfect day!
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Elisabeth
Jul 2024
I was so lucky to get to spend my layover with Feruza! She showed such amazing knowledge and passion for the city that it was infectious! She met us at the airport, took us up to olde towne where we got to see the bazaar, the blue mosque, a subterranean museum, and got to enjoy the local cuisine. If you have the time get out and see the city with an amazing and passionate guide Feruza!!!
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Elisabeth
Jun 2024
Our guide Feruza was excellent! She picked us up straight from the airport! We got to see the Grand Bizarre, several historic sites, and sampled the local cuisine! She got us back to the airport in ample time to make our connection!
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Donovan
Jun 2024
Jamal is truly amazing, I had a layover at Istanbul and Jamal took me on this tour through both old and new town neighborhoods. He knows all the shortcuts, and even took me to a local restaurant to try desserts made with fig. If you are looking for an unconventional tour with a deeper connection to the locals, this is the way to go :)
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