Istanbul
A night in Istanbul with a local
Night Experiences • 4 hours
5.0
(6)
A night in Istanbul with a local
Jewel-hued lanterns, billowing shisha smoke, and Lion’s Milk.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Join your host as you spend 4 hours immersed in Istanbul nightlife and the famous streets and markets.
- Get what you want from your experience, browse and sample from the incredible food scene
- Enjoy a few drinks and mezze in a bar that suits your vibe
- Get the scoop on tips and tricks for the best markets to grab a bargain and find the best places for souvenirs to take home with you at local prices
- Speak to your host about what other exciting nightlife offerings Istanbul has in store
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
4 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
A private and personalized experience
4 hours with your host
2 drinks recommended for you by your host
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)
What’s not included
Food and drinks additional to the ones included in the experience
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
Picture glowing coals under sizzling kebabs and shisha smoke billowing into the black sky. Imagine the vibe as there’s a shift in the air as the sun goes down. The sound of ice clinking in glasses at bars overlooking the Bosphorus Strait.
You could dive into bazaars and find colorful walkways crammed with clothes, leather handbags, silk scarves, and jewelry - with their jewel-colored lanterns, the city’s markets are even more exciting by night. Or maybe you’d like to explore a neighborhood known for its arts and live music scene.
Feel like watching the sunset behind the city’s domes and sip orange juice and vodka or a cocktail as you watch lights twinkling over the Bosphorus? Or what about ducking into a mayhene tavern to feast on mezze and sip Lion’s Milk, the local liqueur, before things are kicked up a notch and you find yourself amongst traditional dancing (it happens to the best of us)?
Just let us know your pace and your style, and your host will lead you to the spots which they’re sure you’ll love.
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
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.
What travelers think of this experience
Swati
Feb 2025
My tour guide was Ipek! She was amazing! She was very responsive to texts and answered all my questions with good advice. She was always on time. It was raining heavily during the 1.5 days I was in Istanbul and even though I was prepared for this, she also brought an umbrella for extra protection. I had booked a tour to see the whirling dervishes and she took me there and waited for me until I was done. I am vegetarian and she made sure to pick appropriate places to eat. I highly recommend booking with Ipek
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Swati
Jan 2025
We had an amazing tour of Istanbul today with our guide, Ipek. She was incredibly knowledgeable and made the city’s rich history and culture come alive with her storytelling. We visited iconic spots like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and even enjoyed breathtaking views from the Bosphorus. Ipek’s passion for Istanbul is contagious, and she tailored the experience perfectly to our interests. Her warm and professional approach made the day so special, and she gave us great local tips for the rest of our trip. If you want to truly experience Istanbul, Ipek is the guide you need!
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Luis Fernando
Apr 2024
Best tour ever. Ferruza made us love Istanbul and Turkey. Even though it was only one day, the tour was incredible. Thank you
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DJOURDEM
Jan 2024
All Istanbul
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Gail
Jul 2022
Attila took the time to ask questions to understand fully what would be ideal for me to see. The actual tour was very personalised, and I felt so comfortable with him. Taking me to Kadiköy was the best place to go for the experience of local life that I was looking for. A very good tour guide, I would highly recommend.
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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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