Istanbul Old City Tour with Professional Guide

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. The Hippodrome was the social and sporting center of Byzantine Constantinople, famous for its chariot races. Today, remnants like the Egyptian Obelisk and Serpent Column still stand on its site. It remains a historic gathering place in Sultanahmet Square.

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2. The Blue Mosque, completed in 1616, is known for its six minarets and stunning blue İznik tiles. It is still an active place of worship, welcoming visitors between prayer times. Its courtyard and interior reflect the grandeur of Ottoman architecture.

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3. Hagia Sophia, built in 537, served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a mosque again. Its massive dome and Byzantine mosaics make it one of the world’s architectural marvels. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site visited by millions each year.

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4. Topkapi Palace was the administrative and residential center of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Visitors can explore opulent courtyards, treasury collections, and the famous Harem. It offers panoramic views of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.

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5. Built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I, the Basilica Cistern stored water for the Great Palace. Its forest of marble columns creates a mysterious underground atmosphere. Highlights include the famous Medusa head bases.

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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 35 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 121% above the median of the 3649 experiences we list in Istanbul.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 517 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