Istanbul Kick Start Tour First Time Visitor Essentials

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2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Just arrived in Istanbul? Start your trip on the right foot with the Istanbul Kick Start Tour — a friendly 2-hour walking orientation designed for first-time visitors. You’ll discover the heart of the historic peninsula while learning everything you need to navigate, enjoy, and understand this complex and beautiful city.

This is more than a walking tour — it’s your personal Istanbul briefing. Your local expert will share tips on transportation, customs, safety, language, and food, while giving you a brief historical overview of key landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque (from the outside). By the end, you’ll feel like you belong here.

We finish the tour at the legendary Puding Shop (Lale Restaurant) — a 1960s traveler hub once loved by overland backpackers and Beat Generation writers — where you can rest, eat, and plan the rest of your journey with confidence.

What's Included

Friendly local guide with insider tips
End-of-tour local advice over tea (optional)
Walking orientation with live Q&A
Overview of historical and modern Istanbul
City Map
Entrance to any monuments (exterior visit only)
Food or drinks at the Puding Shop
Transportation or public transit tickets
Gratuities (recommended)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Alzer Cafe

Go to the end of the Hippodrome and next to The Museum of Islamic Art.

End point
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant

It is located on the tram line and opposite of the Tourism Information Office.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • Hippodrome (Pass by)

    Walk through the Hippodrome: Obelisks, Roman history

    Admission ticket free
  • 1
    Sultanahmet Square

    Exterior views of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Orientation around Sultanahmet tram area and transport systems Walk through the local lanes and hidden corners Tour ends at the Puding Shop (Lale Restaurant) — time to relax or grab a bite!

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by Tematique Tours

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Tags

Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Small Group
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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