Walking Tours in Istanbul

Explore the Beyoglu area of Istanbul on a culinary walking tour that provides a look at the city through its food and cultural attractions. Starting from Taksim Square, walk toward the Golden Horn, passing through Gezi Park and stopping at local venues to sample culinary delights.

Step into the world of Ottoman sultans, Byzantine emperors and spice merchants on a full-day, small-group Istanbul tour with a sightseeing cruise of the Bosphorus Strait. Trace an all-star route through the Old City, from Hagia Sophia to the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome Square. Pause for a traditional Turkish lunch at a neighborhood restaurant, then immerse yourself in the exotic scents of the Spice Bazaar. Leave the city walls behind for a boat trip along the Bosphorus, and take in views of Istanbul's palaces, villas and fortifications from the water.

Behold the magnificent Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque on this 3.5-hour small-group guided walking tour of Istanbul's best monuments. You will delve into the complex culture of Istanbul as you discover its famous monuments intertwined history. Not only will you see the beauty of Hagia Sophia Museum and Blue Mosque, but explore the Hippodrome of Constantinople and the German Fountain. People are limited to 15 on this tour, so you can receive more personalized attention from your guide.

Go underground and discover what's underfoot on this walking tour. Learn about the history of Istanbul across empires from your guide. Vist the ruins of the Byzantine Great Palace, located below a cafe. Pause at Panagia Hodegetria Church and Sacred Water, hidden below a carpet shop. Descend into Istanbul's cisterns and stop at the Greek Orthodox Church of Myrelaion. Enjoy a break for afternoon tea.

Discover some of Istanbul's top attractions on a full-day walking tour in the old city of Sultahnahmet. Visit the opulent Topkapi Palace - one of the main palaces for the Ottoman sultans, then take in the magnificent Hagia Sophia, where Byzantine and Ottoman rulers worshipped. Continue to another gem, the Blue Mosque, then walk around the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar, learning about the history of each site from your informative guide. Your small-group tour includes lunch and is limited to eight people for a more personalized experience.

Sample some of Istanbul's favorite foods on a relaxed 4-hour evening walking tour. Meet an expert local guide and visit four much-loved food stops as you stroll through historical Sultanahmet  to Taksim Square across the Golden Horn. Absorb the evening bustle and sights of Sultanahmet; enjoy sunset views of the city from the Galata Bridge; and try staples such as fried mussels and 'baklava,' the seductively sweet honey-soaked filo parcels that are a Turkish favorite, along the way. Numbers are limited to 14, ensuring personalized attention from a guide.

Get lost in the magic and intoxication of some of the most famous sites in Turkey during this full-day small-group walking tour from Istanbul. Your professional local guide will meet you at port and usher you to Topkapi Palace, the center of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years. You'll have a chance to see the palace's collection of weaponry, armor, porcelain and jewelry during the tour. Next it's on to the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world and one of the most famous destinations in all of Turkey. Shop for just about everything from rugs to leather in the bazaar's more than 60 streets. Your guide will return you to port at the end of the day.

Explore the highlights of Sultanahmet during a 3.5-hour walking tour with a knowledgeable guide. Learn about the history of Byzantine and Ottoman Empires as you visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hagia Sophia and breathtaking Blue Mosque. Then stroll through the Hippodrome to see the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column and more. You'll also learn more about Turkish culture at the Caferaga Medresesi, a cultural center that is a hub for Turkish arts and music. Hear informative commentary from your guide throughout this tour in the old city of Istanbul.

Discover Istanbul on a full-day tour that travels on foot and public transit to historic landmarks and local cultural hubs. Start by touring the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar, then take a break for Turkish coffee, pastry and hookah (tobacco pipe). Visit the book and paper market Sahaflar Çarşā±sā±, which started in the Byzantine era, then tour Istanbul University. Continue to Suleymaniye Mosque, the Spice Bazaar and the Church of St George before winding through the districts of Fener and Balat - the old Greek and Jewish neighborhoods.

Discover Sultanahmet, the Old City of Istanbul, on a private full-day walking tour with an informative local guide. Visit Istanbul's many architectural treasures including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Stroll around the Hippodrome, explore the Grand Bazaar and go underground to check out the Basilica Cistern, an atmospheric gem. You'll gain insight into the history and importance of these sites, which date back to the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, on a private tour that includes lunch, entrance fees, and pickup and drop-off at select hotels.

Head back in time and discover the old world of the Sultanahmet area during this full-day small-group guided walking tour in Istanbul. This tour explores the amazing UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hagia Sophia Museum and the Blue Mosque which exemplify why Istanbul is the city where east meets west. Enjoy a walk through the famous Topkapi Palace where Sultan's roamed and harems flourished. Plus, spend time observing the Hagia Irene's Byzantine architecture and stroll through the Grand Bazaar to witness handicrafts created by local artists.

Witness the best of beautiful south Cappadocia on this scenic full-day trip from the central Cappadocia region. With an informative guide, explore the subterranean network of Kaymakli Underground City, admire the multicolored Red Valley, and marvel at the deserted rock-cut village of old Çavuşin. Gaze over the cliff-carved birdhouses of Pigeon Valley, and watch and try your hand at pottery-making at a traditional workshop in the town of Avanos. Savor lunch at a local restaurant, and as you explore, learn all about the remarkable geology and history of the region.

Stroll the atmospheric neighborhoods and historic streets of old Istanbul on a full-day, private walking tour with an experienced guide. Enjoy the flexibility to customize the day to your interests, with plenty of time to visit the sites that interest you most. Trace a path through centuries of Turkish history as you explore the hippodrome, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Take in the soaring dome and minarets of Hagia Sophia, then get an insider's guide to the Grand Bazaar's vibrant displays of handicrafts, souvenirs and carpets.

Sample your way through Istanbul on this small-group food and culture tour. Stroll the city's historic streets with an expert guide, dipping into local markets and cafes along the way. Taste foods from typical streets vendors and patisseries (own expense), and peruse some local shops as well. This tour offers a great overview of Istanbul's lively food scene. Group size is limited to 15 people to ensure a quality experience.

Dive headfirst into Istanbul's modern art scene on this 3.5-hour walking tour. Learn about Turkey's rich art history as you follow your enthusiastic guide around the districts of Tophane and Karaköy, stopping to browse a selection of the city's most interesting contemporary art galleries, including SALT Galata. Finally, learn about popular Turkish artists like Abidin Dino and Ara Güler, and view cutting-edge temporary exhibitions at the Istanbul Modern Art Museum. This small-group tour is limited to 15 for a personalized experience and includes hotel pickup.

Discover a different side to Istanbul's history as you trace the route of the original Orient Express train, the legendary rail route that ran from Paris to Constantinople, on this unique 4-hour small-group walking tour. Learn all about the luxurious trains that connected Europe and Asia, and how they became famous around the world, even inspiring an Agatha Christie murder mystery. Finally, experience the nostalgia of 19th century Istanbul as you cross the Golden Horn by passenger ferry, visit the original Orient Express station and ride the historic Tünel funicular.

Get your bearings in Istanbul on this 3-hour walking tour of Sultanahmet with an informative guide. See top attractions from the outside including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace; and visit the Grand Bazaar. As you explore, get insider recommendations on restaurants and other sights, and learn practical tips such as how to use the tram system. If you wish, get your guide's help to buy a money-saving Museum Pass (own expense), setting you up to sightsee independently afterward. Numbers are limited to eight for a personalized experience.