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Bucket list destination:

Last updated: 20 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

This important, layered city has seen a series of dramatic reincarnations, beginning life as Byzantium (founded c. 660 BC), before being renamed Constantinople in AD 330 (eastern capital of the Roman Empire).

The city finally became known as ‘Stamboul’, or Istanbul, during the Ottoman era, which began in the 15th century when it was captured by the 21-year-old Sultan Mehmed II (aka “Mehmed the Conqueror”), ushering in an era of lavish Sultan-led rule.

In the course of its deliciously rich 1,800-year history, Istanbul has been the capital of three empires. Here East meets West head-on, in a mesmerising, evocative city that its people have always considered the centre of the world.

Yet Istanbul is not just about sightseeing and museums; right now it has as much urban buzz and excitement as any place on earth. Besides making a bold name for itself in art, music, fashion and design, the city is modernising at a breathtaking pace.

The people are lovely, the food is a delight and the city is one of the top shopping destinations on the planet.

Orientation

The only city that spans two continents, Istanbul is an enormous and complex place of 13.8 million people.

Old Istanbul contains most of the landmarks and tourist sites.

Beyoglu, across the Golden Horn, was the 19th-century ‘European quarter’ and is the trendiest part of town today.

Modern Istanbul spreads northwards from here, up the Bosphorus and through districts of skyscrapers and shopping malls.

The sprawling Asian side is a part of Istanbul few tourists see.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

Istanbul Evening Sightseeing and Food Tasting Tour

Istanbul

Istanbul Evening Sightseeing and Food Tasting Tour
Enjoy a culinary journey through the city of Istanbul on this 4-hour tour. Spend the evening going to four local eateries to sample such classics as Cig Kofte, Icli Kofte, Cag Kebab, and Turkish baklava. Learn how to prepare these Turkish delicacies and see the city at night with an English-speaking guide.

Price: €25

Min age: 18

Rating 4.82 / 5 [57 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Istanbul Sightseeing Walking Tour

Istanbul

Istanbul Sightseeing Walking Tour
The former capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul is a vibrant city filled with magnificent architecture and a rich history as the bridge between east and west. Perfect for first-time visitors, this in-depth guided walking tour covers the main attractions while also venturing to hard-to-find secret spots. Leave the navigation to your guide, who also provides illuminating commentary. After meeting your guide at Sultanahmet Square, head off on a scenic stroll through one of the world’s most spectacular cities. Your guide will tell stories from the heyday of Byzantine and Ottoman rule as you wander the picturesque streets. This tour aims to give you an overview of the city, its historic attractions, museums, local arts and traditions etc.

Price: €30

Min age: 7

Rating 4.87 / 5 [140 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Segway Istanbul Old City Tour - Morning

Istanbul

Segway Istanbul Old City Tour - Morning
Forget about exhausting foot marches, experience Istanbul simply in an elegant way. No Experience Necessary! Learn to ride a Segway less than 2 minutes and join our professional guided city tours. Tour starts daily at 10.00am, tour duration is 3 hours. Please check also afternoon and evening segway tours in viator.

Price: €40

Min age: 18

Rating 4.95 / 5 [63 ratings]

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IST Airport From/To Private Transport Minivan or Minibus

Istanbul

IST Airport From/To Private Transport Minivan or Minibus
Comfortable seats with generous leg room air conditioning and luggage storage Enjoy smooth friendly and hassle-free transfer service, With this private transfer your driver will be waiting at the airport just for you. No matter your flight delay or traffic jams, These private vehicles can accommodate up to six people. Our service under any conditions-available 24 hours a day,7 days in a week Our vehicles are comfortable, clean, regularly serviced and all with A/C. He will help you with your luggages and assist you to the vehicle. You just get your seat and enjoy your time during the transfer.

Price: $44

Min age: 0

Rating 4.43 / 5 [114 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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İstanbul Private Airport Transfer

Istanbul

İstanbul Private Airport Transfer
Take the worry out of your arrival or departure from Istanbul Airport and avoid the unreliable local taxis with a guaranteed transfer to or from your accommodation in all areas of Istanbul. Avail of a reliable and hassle-free ground transportation provider and get a welcome meet and greet on arrival by professional team. Sit back and relax in a vehicle exclusive to you and your group, and make your way directly to your hotel, apartment or private residence with ease. Benefit from flight tracking to avoid any unnecessary waiting fees and to make sure that your driver is ready on time. The service is available 24/7 to suit your needs, whatever time your flight is scheduled to arrive or depart. We know how to serve

Price: €51

Min age: 0

Rating 4.88 / 5 [381 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Full Day Istanbul Old City & Bosphorus Cruise Tour incl Lunch & Tickets

Istanbul

Full Day Istanbul Old City & Bosphorus Cruise Tour incl Lunch & Tickets
Discover Istanbul's rich Culture and history with our experienced guides. Skip the Museum Ticket Queues with your guide. Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar and take a Cruise on The Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe and Asia. Lunch included.

Price: €64

Min age: 0

Rating 4.85 / 5 [102 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Best of Istanbul in 1 Day

Istanbul

Best of Istanbul in 1 Day
This Special Full-Day tour takes you to the main tourist attractions that are a must for any visitor to Istanbul, especially for the first timers. This includes the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, The Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar.

Price: $69

Min age: 0

Rating 4.64 / 5 [37 ratings]

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Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Istanbul Private Tour

Istanbul

Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Istanbul Private Tour
This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Istanbul with hidden gems that only a local can show you. Get to know Istanbul on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, from culture, history, and local lifestyle - this tour has it all! Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Istanbul at its best thanks to your local guide’s knowledge and stories. Check out main landmarks like Topkapi, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and uncover city secrets that will show you the city through a different perspective. As they say, the locals know best! Highlights & Hidden Gems of Istanbul: Private City Tour is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

Price: €89

Min age: 0

Rating 4.89 / 5 [146 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Historic Off the Beaten Path Tour of the Real Istanbul

Istanbul

Historic Off the Beaten Path Tour of the Real Istanbul
See Turkey like a local on this historic off-the-beaten-path tour of the real Istanbul. Go where the locals go, and experience life in the back streets of Istanbul. Wind through the hills of Fener, home to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Church and colorful Greek and Ottoman Houses. Meeting point is Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant

Price: €90

Min age: 6

Rating 4.92 / 5 [177 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Guided Istanbul Day Tour

Istanbul

Private Guided Istanbul Day Tour
Explore Istanbul's rich history and magnificent architecture as you visit the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar on a full-day guided tour.

Price: $95

Min age: 0

Rating 4.80 / 5 [92 ratings]

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Small Group Tour: Essential Istanbul

Istanbul

Small Group Tour: Essential Istanbul
Discover the main highlights in Istanbul’s old town during this small size full day tour with an expert tour guide. Visit old town, the Unesco world Heritage sites, see the acknowledged archaeological and natural monuments, unrivalled artifacts during the tour and will enjoy the privileges that we will gladly arrange for your utmost pleasure to explore the Turkish way. This tour runs everyday 09:00 – 17:00 (times may change depends on locations of hotels, number of people in the group, their interests, weather conditions, length of queues, etc.) and there will be 1 – 10 people in the group.

Price: $99

Min age: 0

Rating 4.69 / 5 [528 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Istanbul Classics and Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi and more!

Istanbul

Istanbul Classics and Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi and more!
This tour is a must in Istanbul with a small group! You will begin the day with the Roman / Byzantine Hippodrome, where the chariot races were organised and take place. Blue Mosque the only mosque with six minarets. Next, you will see the German Fountain - a gift of Kaiser Wilhelm. Hagia Sophia - The Church of Divine Wisdom is the highlight of this day. Following the visits your guide will take you to Nakkas Cistern and give you a presentation of old Istanbul and demonstration of Turkish Handicrafts and Grand Bazaar for thousent of shops. Magnificent Topkapı Museum is the big one, the most important museum of Turkey and Balkan Peninsula. First, second, third and fourth courtyards; the Audience Hall, Divan-the High Court,Treasury, gardens, kiosks. Hagia Irene Church. Your lunch will be served en route in a local and authentic restaurant where you will be able to taste various types of local tastes. To see these things with a great guide. Well, you will never be quite the same again.

Price: $100

Min age: 1

Rating 4.96 / 5 [248 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Tour: Ottoman Istanbul Full-Day Tour

Istanbul

Private Tour: Ottoman Istanbul Full-Day Tour
Experience the best of Ottoman Istanbul on this full-day private tour. Accompanied by an expert private guide, visit top Istanbul attractions including the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and captivating Grand Bazaar. Also, visit the spectacular Hagia Sophia during its regular opening hours, or upgrade to enjoy a crowd-free visit either before or after its official opening times. Your tour also includes lunch at a traditional restaurant, as well as personalized attention from your private guide. A very special way to witness the highlights of old, Ottoman Istanbul!

Price: $110

Min age: 0

Rating 4.66 / 5 [9 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Small Group Tour: Best of Istanbul Tour with Lunch and Tickets (10 people Max)

Istanbul

Small Group Tour: Best of Istanbul Tour with Lunch and Tickets (10 people Max)
Visit the best sights of Istanbul in the accompany of your family-friendly tour guide and small group. Explore Istanbul's most wondrous monuments in one day such as Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Stroll through the ancient streets of the Grand Bazaar and walk through tiny treasures created by local craftsmen. On Fridays, Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque will be visited from outside because of the worship. Skip the line service is not available for Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque - there is a queue for the entrance).

Price: $125

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [45 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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1 Day Private Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour

Istanbul

1 Day Private Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour
Visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Learn about Ottoman sultans at Topkapi Palace Try out your bargaining skills at the Grand Bazaar Tour the inside of Dolmabahce Palace, home to the last Ottoman sultans Admire the Bosphorus Bridge, which connects Europe and Asia

Price: €149

Min age: 0

Rating 4.94 / 5 [35 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise

Istanbul

 All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise
HISTORICAL TOUR OF ISTANBUL WITH BOSPHORUS SUNSET CRUISE Combine a trip to both Istanbul's greatest sites including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and a luxury yacht cruise on the Bosphorus in one day. Take advantage of a special no-wait entry at the Topkapi Palace and skip-the-line access to the great Ottoman Palace during this full-day tour. Witness the classic sites of heritage and history that abound in Istanbul on your full-day tour. Visit architectural masterpieces, marvel at awe-inspiring, Byzantine-era tile works, and see the imperial treasures of Ottoman sultans. Along the way, experience the customs of a bustling bazaar. When you finish exploring the old city of Istanbul, the next thing is to take a magical journey on the Bosphorus. Sail down the Bosphorus passing Dolmabahce Palace, impressive Bosphorus Bridges, and beautifully designed seaside villas along both sides of the Bosphorus.

Price: €160

Min age: 0

Rating 4.83 / 5 [340 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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ISTANBUL BEST Private Guided FullDay City Tour (CRUISEPORT-HOTEL)

Istanbul

ISTANBUL BEST Private Guided FullDay City Tour (CRUISEPORT-HOTEL)
This is a great private guided tour which will enhance your point of view of Ottomans vs Byzantines. It's not only a tour from the past but also an outlook on the future. •Hippodrome where used to organize chariot races with its Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent and Constantine Obelisk and German Fountain. •Visit the famous Sultanahmet Mosque, as Blue Mosque due to its magnificent interior decoration of royal Iznik tiles • Face the highlight of the earth, St. Sophia built in 537 A. D. • See Topkapi Palace where the great empire was ruled •See Underground Cistern where Dan Brown's book ''INFERNO '' ended up. and Second Oldest Movie of James Bond " from Russia with love" •Finalize the day at the famous Grand Bazaar with 4000 shops. • Get the personalized experience of a private tour with private guide • Make the Best of your limited time in Istanbul by saving memories. • Learn about Turkish handicrafts ( carper, leather and Tiles) • If selected hotel pickup and drop-off

Price: $160

Min age: 0

Rating 4.98 / 5 [307 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Best of Istanbul 1 - 2 or 3 Days Private Istanbul Guided Tour

Istanbul

Best of Istanbul 1 - 2 or 3 Days Private Istanbul Guided Tour
Make your Istanbul adventure totally unique with a 1or 2 day private sightseeing tour. Opt for a single day and see the whole of the Old City, plus the Grand Bazaar. Extend the tour to include a second day and visit the Spice Bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim, and Istiklal Street, plus a Bosphorus cruise. Please note that your guide is happy to alter the itinerary completely to accommodate your personal interests. *Get the personalized experience of a private tour *Customize the itinerary to suit your personal interests *Make the most of your limited time in Istanbul *Relax in courtesy hotel pickup and drop-off

Price: $167

Min age: 0

Rating 4.86 / 5 [188 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Istanbul Photo Shoot Tours

Istanbul

Istanbul Photo Shoot Tours
Put down your phone for 2 hours and let me capture your best moment in Istanbul. After these two hours you will not need to take any photo with your phone and enjoy the rest of your trip to Istanbul. For rooftop photos text me on my instagram: @recepergun13

Price: €167

Min age: 1

Rating 4.82 / 5 [51 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Magical Sights of Istanbul Private Walking Tour

Istanbul

Magical Sights of Istanbul Private Walking Tour
An excellent full-day private guided tour to get a comprehensive understanding of Istanbul's rich history. Explore the mixed heritage of the city with an expert tour guide. Visit the famous highlights such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar. Skip the long queues with guide and make the most of your time in this magical city. Entrance fees are included.

Price: $190

Min age: 0

Rating 4.8 / 5 [35 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

Istanbul

Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
Visit highlights of Istanbul with your private tour guide in 1, 2 or 3 days with a flexible itinerary. Day 1 - Highlights of Topkapi Palace Museum, Byzantine Hippodrome / Sultanahmet Square, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar. Day 2 - Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside), Spice Market. Day 3 - Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), Pierre Lotti Panoramic Hill by Cable Car, Rahmi Koc Museum (or alternative sites). Important Notes: - Skip the line service is not available for active mosques - there is a queue for the entrance. - If one of the mosques is not visited, Basilica Cistern will be visited as a replacement. - For the tours that start later than 11 am, kindly note that you may have to skip one/a couple of sites as the sites are closed by 7 pm. Your guide will adjust the program according to your priorities.

Price: $195

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [3689 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Tour: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour including Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace

Istanbul

Private Tour: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour including Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace
Take a hassle-free tour of Istanbul's most famous attractions with your own private guide to lead the way. You'll enjoy personalized attention on your private tour of magical Istanbul and its signature sights: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.

Price: $350

Min age: 0

Rating 4.41 / 5 [219 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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When to go

April can be rainy but it’s also the prettiest month to visit Istanbul, when the Tulip Festival sees millions of blooms decorating the city. May and June are relatively mild and rain- and crowd-free. The tourist crush and summer heat are most intense in July and August, but the rooftop restaurant and club scene is in full swing. September is often lovely.

Despite being near the Mediterranean, the weather in Istanbul can be fairly unpleasant between November and March, with snow possible. Bring warm clothes, though, and you can enjoy low season prices and blissfully uncrowded museums.

Getting there and away

Istanbul’s International Airport (IST) is 40km from the centre – around a 40-minute drive. If you’re staying near Taksim Square, the 24-hour Havas Airport shuttle takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. The LRT metro light rail links the airport to Aksaray, from where you can pick up a tram to Sultanahmet. Taxis are reasonably priced, but it’s worth paying a bit more for a private transfer: ask when you book your hotel.

Some flights out of the UK are to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), which is 45km to the east of the city centre, and more like an hour’s drive. The HAVABUS Airport Shuttle runs frequent services between Sabiha Gokcen and Kadikoy, Yenisahra (metro station) and Taksim.

Getting around

Although attractions in the historic Sultanahmet and Beyoglu districts are within walking distance, Istanbul is a huge city with crazy traffic – too crazy to think of cycling or hiring a car. Use ferries, buses and the metro when you can (save money with an Istanbulkart). Taxis are cheap and plentiful; minibuses and old-fashioned dolmus cars on the main streets are even cheaper, and a great way to meet the Turks. Don’t miss a ride on the antique tram that runs up Istiklal Caddesi.

Where to stay

Beyoglu has become the ‘in’ place to stay, with all the trendy cafés, shopping and restaurants close at hand, along with the adjacent, picturesque antiques district of Cukurcuma. Anyone more interested in the city’s culture and history might prefer the ancient centre, Sultanahmet, which is still an attractive address despite the tourist masses. Eminonu, by the train station, is convenient but dull. The newer districts and the Bosphorus villages can be lovely, but may be too far out for a first-time visit.

Where to eat or drink

You can eat like a sultan anywhere in Istanbul, especially in Beyoglu: rooftop restaurants, bars and clubs overlooking the city are all the rage. Try the open-air seafood places in the Bosphorus villages – but avoid the rip-off Galata Bridge restaurants. Beyoglu is also the centre for bars and nightlife, especially around Nevizade Sokak and Asmalimescit Sokak (or simply ‘Asmali’). Or join the elite in the glamorous nightclubs along the Bosphorus in exclusive Kurucesme.

Where to shop

For upper-end Turkish and international boutiques, head to the Nisantasi quarter or the newest shopping malls, Kanyon and İstinye Park. The 5,000-shop, covered Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar and surrounding streets are good for gold, jewellery, spices and carpets. Istiklal is the place to go for art, while the nearby Cukurcuma neighbourhood is great for antiques.