Istanbul Highlights – Skip-the-Line Full-Day Old City Experience
- 8 hours
- Skip the line
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 3 languages
Highlights
Full-Day Istanbul Highlights Tour Step into the rich tapestry of Istanbul’s past on this immersive full-day experience. Travel through time and uncover the stories of Roman Byzantium, Byzantine Constantinople, and Ottoman Istanbul as you explore the city’s most iconic landmarks. Tour Highlights Hippodrome of Constantinople – once the vibrant center of Roman social and political life Blue Mosque – a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, famous for its blue İznik tiles Topkapi Palace – the residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years Grand Bazaar – one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets Experience Istanbul with Ease Enjoy skip-the-line assistance at selected sites, allowing you to make the most of your time while avoiding long ticket queues. Discover the city in comfort with a professional licensed guide and seamless organization throughout the day.
Inclusions
What's included
- Entrance fees of Topkapı Palace Museum
- Professional guide
- Lunch
- Guaranteed to skip the long lines
- Fuel surcharge
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
What's not
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees of Hagia Sophia Museum €25
Itinerary
Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, is one of the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul. Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, this architectural masterpiece reflects the city’s unique cultural heritage. Entrance to the interior is optional and tickets can be purchased on-site (approximately €25 per person).
Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, offers a fascinating glimpse into imperial life. The palace features impressive courtyards and collections including the Imperial Treasury, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Muhammad, royal kitchens, Chinese porcelain, weapons, and calligraphy. Enjoy skip-the-line entry with pre-arranged tickets, allowing you to enter the palace without waiting in ticket lines. Please note that live guide commentary is not permitted in certain sections. The Harem section is included and can be visited individually.
The Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, stands opposite Hagia Sophia and is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. It is famous for its stunning blue İznik tiles and unique architecture featuring six elegant minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmed I. Entrance is free of charge; however, visitors are kindly requested to follow the dress code and visiting hours may vary during prayer times.
Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the Hippodrome.
The Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, is a true highlight of Istanbul. With nearly 4,000 shops, it offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can explore a wide variety of goods including antiques, jewelry, gold, carpets, leather products, and souvenirs. Enjoy free time to wander through its colorful alleys and experience traditional shopping culture. A demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets can be arranged upon request.
The German Fountain is a gazebo styled fountain in the northern end of old hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square), Istanbul, Turkey and across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I.
The Obelisk of Theodosius is the Ancient Egyptian obelisk of Pharaoh Thutmose III re-erected in the Hippodrome of Constantinople (known today as At Meydanı or Sultanahmet Meydanı, in the modern city of Istanbul, Turkey) by the Roman emperor Theodosius I in the 4th century AD.
Enjoy a special shopping stop in the Sultanahmet area, where you can explore a curated selection of high-quality leather goods crafted with traditional Turkish craftsmanship. Discover stylish jackets, bags, and accessories while experiencing the artistry behind this long-standing local trade. This stop is optional and offers a relaxed opportunity to browse and shop at your own pace.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.4
- 54
- 40
- 30
- 21
- 10
Ratings come from 5 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 10 travellers
- Operated by
- Local Experiences Istanbul
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Tour price includes A/C transportation, guidance in multiple languages, entrance fees of Topkapı Palace, lunch and taxes
- Drinks are not included during the lunch
- Please kindly be ready by the hotel reception 10 minutes before departure time
How it compares in Istanbul
- Its from-price is 30% above the median of the 3649 experiences we list in Istanbul.
- It is longer than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 1254 of 3649.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Istanbul
Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus, with Byzantine and Ottoman monuments, busy bazaars and ferries crossing between continents.
The historic peninsula holds the greatest landmarks. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome face each other in Sultanahmet, the Basilica Cistern lies beneath the streets, and Topkapı Palace spreads across the hill above the Golden Horn. A short walk away, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar have traded for centuries, and Süleymaniye Mosque, built by the great Ottoman architect Sinan, crowns one of the city's seven hills.
Top-ranked sights in Istanbul: Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi), Bosphorus, Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu).
Special offers in Istanbul
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
