Istanbul
Must see Istanbul with a local
Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 8 hours
5.0
(7)
Must see Istanbul with a local
A mosaic encrusted Byzantine basilica, continent hopping, and syrup-soaked baklava.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Get to know the real Istanbul with a local, avoiding the tourist traps but seeing the highlights.
- Tick off your ‘must see’ famous sites in a day
- Eat Turkish delicacies at places that are loved by locals - pick up some street food on the run or give your feet a break and stop by at a Meyhane Tavern
- Pause to indulge in delicious sweet treats like Turkish Ice Cream or Baklava
- Soak up the history of the city by chatting to locals or engaging your host in conversation
- Get tips from your host (over a tea or beer, perhaps) for the rest of your stay in Istanbul
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
8 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
A private and personalized experience
8 hours with your host
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
What’s not included
Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)
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
How could anyone expect you to explore a city which straddles two continents in just one day? But, with one of our Istanbul hosts by your side, you can certainly make a go of it.
There’s a mosaic-encrusted Byzantine basilica waiting for you, the stunning Blue Mosque to marvel at, the lush gardens of Dolmabahçe Palace to stroll through and the Grand Bazaar to get lost in as you haggle for a Turkish tea set (you never know when you’ll need one).
Along the way, you’ll enjoy a feast of mezze on a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus Strait, duck into an obscure-looking tavern for some traditional dishes or spend the whole day munching on street eats.
This being said, we know that a city is more than a place, it’s a feeling. So what we’ll ensure you experience is the inimitable feeling of the city, experienced through the authentic lens of someone who knows and adores it.
Shoot for the moon, and if you fall you’ll land amongst the stars. Or maybe on one of the turrets of Topkapi Palace.
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
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recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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What travelers think of this experience
Michael
May 2024
Loved Istanbul and our personal tour guide Aylin! She was lovely young lady, helpful, accommodating. Her help navigating the city and bazaar was vital in finding my wife's 30th anniversary gift. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with her and Istanbul.
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Michael
May 2024
Loved Istanbul and our personal tour guide Aylin! She was lovely young lady, helpful, accommodating. Her help navigating the city and bazaar was vital in finding my wife's 30th anniversary gift. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with her and Istanbul.
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Shahirah
Jun 2022
Atilla was an amazing guide and I am so glad we got this tour. He gave us invaluable insight into the local culture, showed us beautiful mosques, helped us bargain for lamps and carpets, took us to great places for wine and kabobs, and was just an all around wonderful person to know in Istanbul. I really appreciated how he read the survey we filled out and personalized our visit accordingly. He took us over to the Asian side by ferry, and even though he lives there, he rode the ferry back with us at the end of the night and put us in a cab to make sure we got back to our hotel safely. It was above and beyond the call of duty. Teşekkürler, Atilla!
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Shahirah
Jun 2022
Wonderful Istanbul Tour with Atilla Atilla was an amazing guide and I am so glad we got the full-day tour. He gave us invaluable insight into the local culture, showed us beautiful mosques, helped us bargain for lamps and carpets, took us to great places for wine and kabobs, and was just an all around wonderful person to know in Istanbul. I really appreciated how he read the survey we filled out and personalized our visit accordingly. He took us over to the Asian side by ferry, and even though he lives there, he rode the ferry back with us at the end of the night and put us in a cab to make sure we got back to our hotel safely. It was above and beyond the call of duty. Teşekkürler, Atilla!
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Feruza
Oct 2020
We had a full day of fun walking around the city. It was a wonderful day. We enjoyed a lot just like two friends. Thanks to the cityunscripted :)
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Cerit
Sep 2020
Colin is a globetrotter, kind and cool guest,he would like to discover city and cultural background, he has great enthusiasm for history and city's social life.
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