Istanbul Private Walking Tour: Highlights & Gems with a Local

5.0
(62 reviews)
Istanbul, Turkey

2 to 8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

This isn’t a scripted sightseeing tour. It’s a City Unscripted experience, shaped entirely around you. Explore Istanbul with a local host who tailors your day to reflect your curiosity, whether that means tracing Byzantine history in backstreets near the Grand Bazaar, sipping tea on a quiet terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, or weaving through colorful markets and lesser-known lanes. Every moment is designed to connect you with the city’s living culture.

Before the tour begins, you’ll complete a short online questionnaire so we can match you with the ideal local host and craft an itinerary filled with authentic encounters, spontaneous discoveries, and the layered stories that make Istanbul unforgettable.

What's Included

Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)
Online questionnaire link sent after booking to tailor your experience and match you to a local host
Flexible durations and start times - Pick your preferred duration when you book
Private and personalized walking experience with insider tips from a passionate local
Direct communication with your host for itinerary planning and local recommendations
Food, drinks and tickets to any attractions
Transportation (primarily a walking experience, public transport may be used at an additional cost)
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

This is a private walking tour. Your host will meet you at your chosen hotel, or you can select the central meeting point instead, which we recommend for the best overall experience. If your hotel isn’t listed, please choose the central landmark option. No private vehicle is included.

OR
Meeting point
Starbucks

This is a private walking tour. Your host will meet you at your chosen hotel, or you can select the central meeting point instead, which we recommend for the best overall experience. If your hotel isn’t listed, please choose the central landmark option. No private vehicle is included.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 to 8 hours (approximately)
  • Istanbul (Pass by)

    See Istanbul through the eyes of someone who calls it home, uncovering ancient history, vibrant culture, and hidden charm with a passionate local host by your side. This isn’t just a tour. It’s a City Unscripted experience: real people, real connections, designed around you, full of authentic moments and unforgettable discoveries. Before your adventure begins, you’ll receive a short online questionnaire so we can craft an itinerary that reflects your interests, whether it’s sampling street-side pho, navigating narrow alleyways in the Old Quarter, or sipping egg coffee in a tucked-away café only locals know. Here are some highlights to spark your curiosity:

    Admission ticket free
  • Blue Mosque (Pass by)

    Admire the iconic Blue Mosque from the outside as your local host shares its historical and cultural significance. Then, explore nearby courtyards and surrounding streets steeped in Ottoman heritage.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Stroll through the palace’s peaceful gardens and take in the grandeur of its exterior. Your host will share stories from the Ottoman Empire’s final era and offer insights into nearby neighborhoods along the water.

    Admission ticket free
  • Grand Bazaar (Pass by)

    Get lost in the colorful maze of one of the world’s oldest markets. Whether you’re browsing, buying, or simply soaking up the energy, your host will point out hidden corners and help you navigate like a local.

    Admission ticket free
  • Bosphorus Bridge (Pass by)

    Pause at scenic spots overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. You may enjoy a mezze platter on a terrace, sip traditional Turkish tea, or simply take in the panoramic views that link two continents.

    Admission ticket free
  • Galata Tower (Pass by)

    Explore the winding streets below Galata Tower, far from the usual crowds. Your host shares the stories that give this historic district its character, from merchant history to modern-day creative spaces.

    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
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This is a private City Unscripted experience: real people, real connections
Supplied by City Unscripted

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Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
City Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Excellent Quality
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Curated Catalog
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

5.0 Based on 62 62 reviews
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Likely to sell out
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