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Offered languages
- English
This is one of the most diverse areas of Istanbul. Join me as we explore the city’s modern heart and embrace its contemporary contradictions, cosmopolitan heritage, and thriving food and culture scene. Galata, Pera, Beyoğlu and Taksim have much more to offer than meets the eye.
From a cultural perspective, we will visit several historical churches belonging to various Christian communities. We will also visit some of the city’s best contemporary cultural centres. We will also discover the area's lesser-known gems.
From a culinary perspective, this route offers plenty of rewards. Some of the finest examples of Turkish cuisine can be found here. From delicious aubergine dishes and the best Turkish coffee in the city to sweet pastries, the options are endless. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try lamb brain salad, a dish that I really enjoy.
Join me as we discover the most visited but least understood part of the city.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
From Galata/Pera area, you can walk to the meeting point. From Sultanahmet or Laleli areas or from a cruise ship, take "T1 Kabataş-Bağcılar Tram Line" and exit at "Karakoy" stop. From Asian side districts, use boats to arrive "Karakoy Pier". For help, contact with me via Whatsapp.
Itinerary
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1Galata Tower
The most iconic structure in Istanbul's Pera or Galata district is Galata Tower. However, there are many other points of interest to discover in this area. On this route, we will explore Turkish, Christian and Jewish cultural sites in the Karaköy and Galata districts. We will walk through the streets that were the financial centre of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. We will get acquainted with the world's second oldest metro. We will briefly sample local delicacies. We will convey the history and importance of the Galata Tower. However, due to the physical difficulties involved in climbing the tower, this will be optional, depending on your preference.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included -
2Beyoglu
Beyoğlu has developed rapidly since the 18th century and has been one of Istanbul's most important centres since the 19th century. This characteristic largely continues today. We will tell you about the interesting stories of the historic embassy buildings in Beyoğlu, which resemble palaces, the Mevlevi culture that has influenced the area, and Galatasaray, an imperial school. We will walk along Istiklal Avenue, where many art, culture, entertainment and shopping establishments are blended together. We will see many churches reflecting different Christian cultures and visit the interiors of some of them. Along the way, we will see the famous Pera Palace Hotel, which has hosted kings and presidents. Depending on your preference, we will visit the Painting Museum, which offers a beautiful overview of Turkish painting. We will sample the offerings at many historic restaurants, cafes, and confectioneries in the area, according to your preferences and budget.
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
3
We will explore a part of Beyoğlu that mass tourism has yet to discover, with its unique energy, cats roaming its narrow streets, surprisingly rich antique shops, and buildings over 100 years old. This area is one that young Turks frequently visit, enjoying tea and coffee while socialising.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
4
The final stop on our route, Tophane, is a noteworthy area both for its historical and cultural richness and its increasingly prominent culinary culture. Here, we can sample interesting dishes from Turkish cuisine, eat some of Istanbul's best baklava or delicious fish wraps, depending on your personal preferences. Culturally, we can explore the stunning beauty of mosques dating back to the 16th and 19th centuries, depending on your preferences. By visiting Galataport, which has brought new life to the area, we can witness one of the city's most beautiful panoramic views together.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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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.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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