Find your perfect experience!

Quiz intro
Answer a few quick questions, and we'll match you with experiences tailored to your interests, travel style, and how you want to explore.
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QUESTION 1
What kind of experience makes a trip unforgettable for you?
QUESTION 2
Who are you traveling with?
QUESTION 3
What is the first thing that you look for when arriving in a new city?
QUESTION 4
How do you want to experience the city’s atmosphere?
QUESTION 5
What kind of local connection excites you most?
QUESTION 6
How much time do you have to explore?
Results
Istanbul experiences!
Based on your travel style, these are our top picks for you.
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Experience Istanbul
Beyond the Guidebooks

See the landmarks you’ve dreamed of, and the corners you didn’t know to look for — all in one personalized day.

Find your perfect experience
Bargaining is an integral part of the carpet-shopping experience in Turkey so don't be shy and just go with the flow!

Top Istanbul Experiences

Half day in Istanbul with a local

Half day in Istanbul with a local

$91.56 per person
4 hours

Half day in Istanbul with a local

$91.56 per person
4 hours
Vibrant culture, a very Grand Bazaar, and impossible to resist mezze.
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Kickstart your trip to Istanbul

Kickstart your trip to Istanbul

$72.25 per person
3 hours

Kickstart your trip to Istanbul

$72.25 per person
3 hours
This is the one where your host spills all their local secrets, and you ask all your questions!
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Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover

Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover

$172.29 per person
5 hours

Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover

$172.29 per person
5 hours
The Grand Bazaar, meze platters, and some serious haggling.
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Full day in Istanbul with a local

Full day in Istanbul with a local

$168.78 per person
8 hours

Full day in Istanbul with a local

$168.78 per person
8 hours
The Bosphorus Strait, a meyhane tavern, and some good old market haggling.
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Shopping Istanbul’s markets & bazaars

Shopping Istanbul’s markets & bazaars

$72.25 per person
3 hours

Shopping Istanbul’s markets & bazaars

$72.25 per person
3 hours
Yeşilköy, Kapali Çarşi and perhaps a market whose name you can pronounce first time.
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Find your perfect experience here.
No scripts. No crowds. Just an experience built around you.

More than 25,593 5-star reviews and counting

25,593 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

How Personalization Works

All experiences are tailored to you—choose what excites you most.

Pick Your Experience

Browse and choose an experience that excites you—whether it’s hidden gems, local food, or cultural insights.

Share Your Interests

After booking, answer a few quick questions about your travel style and preferences so we can match you with the perfect host.

Connect & Customize

Chat with your host, discuss your interests, and fine-tune the experience before your adventure begins.
Want a sneak peek? View a sample questionnaire
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Our Experiences

From hidden streets to well-known highlights—each one shaped by a local and tailored to you

Show prices based on:
Adults (Aged 13+)
Children (Up to 12 years old)
Pre-Trip Planning Session

Istanbul trip planning video call

See details

Video chat or email with a local to plan your perfect trip or get answers to all your questions

$29.25 per person
30-90 minutes
5 (90)
Half day in Istanbul with a local
Flexible Half-Day Discovery

Half day in Istanbul with a local

See details

Vibrant culture, a very Grand Bazaar, and impossible to resist mezze.

$91.56 per person
4 hours
5 (47)
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Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

Tugba_Kurti_Istanbul_BR-1267458343

Tugba_Kurti_Istanbul_BR-1267458343

Echoes of History: A Memorable Encounter

Echoes of History: A Memorable Encounter

What travelers think of our experiences in Europe

Sarah Nov 2025

I was on a solo layover and only had a few hours to see Istanbul. I had no idea what to expect and on the way from the airport I had an uncomfortable experience with a taxi cab driver who was not being honest. Not knowing the language, I didn’t know what to do so I called Ipek. She asked to be put on the phone with him and afterward he turned kind, and changed the fee, etc., I had not even met Ipek yet, and she helped me to feel supported and safe going above and beyond! On the tour she was lovely, knowledgeable. We made the most of our time in her magical city. I highly recommend her as a tour guide!

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Jennifer Oct 2025

Tugba was a very knowledgeable and engaging guide. Communication leading up to the tour was fantastic. We visited three locations, two for street food, the third for Baklava. More stops with smaller portions would have been preferred, but the overall experience was enjoyable.

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Brian Nov 2025

Burak was a great guide that took us to out of the way attractions that weren’t on the group tour. He took us to great eating places to test the local cuisine. We got to see the real Istanbul by walking local neighborhoods on both the European and Asian sides of the city. Better tour in one day than 2 days on the group tour. Highly recommend the private tour!

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Brian Nov 2025

Burak discussed what we wanted to see and listened. He took us to see some lesser known sites and through local areas. We learned about Istanbul both in history and what it is today. I would hire him again!

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Kate Nov 2025

Burak made contact a few days before the tour and the day before. He was very informative and engaging. We discussed the history of Istanbul, but also modern Istanbul and Turkish politics. I would definitely recommend a guide if it is your first visit to Istanbul.

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Chris Nov 2025

Our guide Ipek was wonderful and we learned so much!

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

Are experiences the same as tours?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

Will I be able to speak to my host beforehand?

Yes. After we match you with your host, we’ll introduce you so you can chat about the plan and make any tweaks before the day.

How do you match me with a host?

We ask a few questions. After you book, you’ll fill out a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll then match you with the best local host to design your experience.

Can I request specific places or types of stops?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Can I mix different themes in one experience?

Yes! You can blend food, culture, history, neighborhoods, or even a bit of nightlife if time allows. Just share your interests in the questionnaire, and your host will build the day around them.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before your experience date—no questions asked.