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Offered languages
- English
How about uncovering the hidden gems of Istanbul—places where locals go and tourists often miss? On this tour, you’ll see the city through the eyes of a local, hopping on trams and ferries to explore its fascinating mix of history and modern life. Starting in the vibrant Karaköy neighborhood, you’ll uncover Istanbul’s secrets, experiencing its rich past and lively present together. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in the daily life of Turkish people, visiting the old Greek and Jewish districts, the bustling Tahtake market, the majestic Süleymaniye Mosque (Istanbul's largest historical mosque), the charming second-hand bookseller's market, and much more. This is a chance to dive deep into the heart of Istanbul and see it like never before!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point is Caribue coffee Karakoy. Please note, there are lots of caribue coffees Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Rıhtım Cd no 3 , 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Coffee shop is looking water and 30 second walk from the Galata Bridge on the Karakoy side.
It ends near Grand Bazaar in an old madrasah where we will have coffee.
Itinerary
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1Karakoy
We'll begin our tour in Karaköy, offering a chance to see Istanbul from a more local viewpoint. After your guide gives a brief introduction to both Istanbul and Karaköy, we'll head to Balat, enjoying freshly bought bagels or pastries along with Turkish tea during our ferry ride.
25 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Balat & Fener Tour
In Balat and Fener, former Greek and Jewish districts, we’ll explore the buildings that have outlasted the communities once living within them. As we trace the rich, cosmopolitan history of Istanbul—shaped by Christian and Jewish cultures alongside their neighbors until the 1960s—we'll reflect on the shift from the past to the present. Walking through side streets greeted by clotheslines, we'll reminisce about the lost neighborhood culture and ponder the meaning of events that once unfolded here. Today, Fener and Balat are vibrant with colorful cafés, antique shops, and a diverse mix of people, offering us a unique glimpse into this evolving neighborhood. After exploring this fascinating area, we’ll hop on the tram and make our way to Eminönü.
50 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3St. George
Located in one of the oldest parts of Istanbul, in Fatih, the Cathedral Church of Saint George is a Greek Orthodox Church which is still in working order
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Tahtakale District
We’ll take a quick look at the Egyptian Spice Market, popular with tourists, before heading to the Tahtakale Market, where locals do their shopping. This is also where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the area.
55 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)
Vividly coloured spices are displayed alongside jewel-like lokum (Turkish delight) at this Ottoman-era marketplace, providing eye candy for the thousands of tourists and locals who make their way here every day.
25 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Suleymaniye Mosque
After lunch, we’ll indulge in some Turkish delight at a local spot, with no pressure to shop, and take in the grandeur of the Süleymaniye Mosque. We’ll also learn more about the Islamic faith, gaining insight into its teachings and significance.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Istanbul Universitesi Rektorlugu
Next, we'll learn about the Turkish education system as we explore the area around Istanbul University.
25 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Sahaflar Carsisi
We’ll also visit the historic bookstore market where has been a book and paper market since Byzantine times.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi
An old madrasah which turns into a coffee shop
25 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum capacity is 2 persons. We reserve the right to cancel a tour due to insufficient reservations. We will do all we can to reschedule your tour or a refund will be provided.
- A maximum of 12 people per booking
- Our tours are done by public transportation and walking so if you have any serious mobility issues, we advise you to book a private tour
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Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum capacity is 2 persons. We reserve the right to cancel a tour due to insufficient reservations. We will do all we can to reschedule your tour or a refund will be provided.
- A maximum of 12 people per booking
- Our tours are done by public transportation and walking so if you have any serious mobility issues, we advise you to book a private tour
- Parents of children under 6 years are advised to book a private tour
- On Religious Fests Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are closed.
- On Sundays: Grand Bazaar is closed.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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