Ticket Hall

Private Guided Tour in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

  • 3–4 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • Guided in English
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

Explore the mesmerizing beauty of Istanbul with our exclusive guided tour, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar and the Basilica Cistern. Join me, a young and enthusiastic guide full of energy and humor, as we dive deep into the rich history and vibrant culture of this magnificent city. You'll benefit from my insider knowledge as I studied Tourism Guiding in college, gaining access to hidden gems and local secrets that most tourist miss, as I’m a local that lives in the old city. Families with children will especially enjoy this tour, as I love being around kids and know how to keep them engaged and entertained. Plus, we'll skip the queues at museums, saving you precious time to explore even more. Perfect for adventure seekers, history buffs, and anyone looking to create unforgettable memories in Istanbul.

Inclusions

What's included

  • •Hagia Sophia tickets are included and for the kids under 8 tickets are free
  • •Skip the Ticket Line

What's not

  • Basilica Cistern tickets is NOT included, tickets are 800 Turkish liras kids under 7 are free.
  • Gratuities
  • •Skip the Securtiy line (if there is any)

Itinerary

  1. Skip the Line and discover the Basilica Cistern's 1500 years of history, you can buy your own tickets after I take you inside

    35 min

  2. Join me and Skip The Queue and explore the unique and incredible history of Hagia Sophia. Please note that there is a dress code and women must wear a scarf during the visit ıf you dont have a scarf the museum sells scarft for one use and both for women and men shorts, skirts and dresses should be covering over the knee line otherwise we need to get one-use covers from the museum.

    45 minAdmission included

  3. Explore the magnificent 17th century mosque with it's intricate architecture and ceramic tiles

    30 min

  4. Last stop is the Grand Bazaar world's oldest and largest covered market with me you will discover unique back streets maybe taste some local food and meet famous craftsmen

    1 h

Cancellation

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

Know before you go

Meeting point
Please meet me at German Fountain at Hippodrome of Istanbul you will see a handsome man around 6ft tall with wearing a badge.
Pickup
Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operated by
Sam
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • You skip the ticket lines but you cannot skip the security check. The security check can take up to 15-20minutes during peak seasons. The prayer area in the first floor can only be entered by Turkish citizens. Women are required to cover their knees, shoulders, and chest. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf. Men are required to cover their knees and shoulders. If you do not have a scarf or body cover, you can buy them at the entrance (A scarf is €2 and a body cover is €3). This tour is not suitable for wheelchair. Due to the Friday prayer, the Mosque will be closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm. For a smoother experience, it's recommend visiting after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.
  • The Blue mosque will be closed during the prayer times for visitor and due to friday prayer Blue Mosque will be opened after 2.30 pm
  • Blue mosque is closed between 12.30 pm to 14.00pm—16.00pm to 17.15.pm
  • Tour duration includes waiting time in line for security entrance and travel time

How it compares in Istanbul

  • Its from-price is 45% below the median of the 3649 experiences we list in Istanbul.
  • It is shorter than most of them.
  • 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

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Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.

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