Layover Exploration

5.0 (34)

Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover

5 hours English

5.0 (34) 100% Personalized

The Grand Bazaar, meze platters, and some serious haggling.

Feruza

Tugba

Match with one of our local hosts

Be matched with a host based on your interests and preferences, to tailor your perfect day.

100% Flexible: Adapt in real time

Your host will fine-tune the experience in real time to match your mood.

Experience Overview

Time:

5 hours

What to expect:

Fully tailored to your preferences

Language:

Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)

Meeting point:

Your host will meet you at the airport.

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:

Private and personalized itinerary

5 hours with a host (includes travel time)

Round-trip airport transfers by public transport

Walking experience (other transport can be arranged at an additional cost)

What’s Excluded:

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)

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 travelers think of this experience

Kathryn 1 April 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!

Joniel 1 December 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.

Saija 1 November 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!

Elisabeth 1 July 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!!!

Elisabeth 1 June 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!

Donovan 1 June 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 :)