Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Guide

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Hippodrome of Constantinople – Once the heart of social and political life in Byzantine Constantinople, the Hippodrome was a grand arena that hosted chariot races, celebrations, and public events for centuries. Today, it remains an open-air museum, home to historical monuments like the Serpent Column, Obelisk of Theodosius, and Walled Obelisk, each carrying echoes of the city’s glorious past.

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2. Hagia Sophia – A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, Hagia Sophia has stood for over 1,500 years, serving as a cathedral, mosque, and museum. Its massive dome and rich history make it one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.

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3. Blue Mosque – Famous for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and six elegant minarets, the Blue Mosque is an active place of worship and a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, welcoming visitors from around the world.

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4. Topkapi Palace – Once the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, this grand complex served as the political and cultural heart of the empire, filled with exquisite courtyards, treasures, and history.

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5. Basilica Cistern – Built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, this underground marvel once stored water for the Great Palace of Constantinople. With its forest of marble columns and mysterious Medusa heads, it remains one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric and intriguing landmarks.

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6. Explore the Grand Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most historic and vibrant landmarks. With its colorful shops, traditional crafts, jewelry, carpets, spices, and souvenirs, the bazaar offers a unique glimpse into the city’s centuries-old trading culture.

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Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 54 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

How it compares in Istanbul

• Its from-price is 110% above the median of the 3649 experiences we list in Istanbul.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 392 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).

See all 3649 experiences in Istanbul