Private Istanbul Old City Walking Tour with Suleyman

listing image 1
Show all photos
7 to 9 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Explore Istanbul’s Old City with me, Suleyman Tirasoglu, your experienced private guide. I bring the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman history to life through stories and conversation, with time for your questions.

My approach is friendly, easygoing, and flexible. We can adjust the pace, balance historical detail with everyday Turkish culture, and take breaks when you need them. The route can be adapted to your interests, taking opening hours and available time into account.

Discover remarkable landmarks alongside quieter moments, such as a courtyard break at Caferaga Medresesi. Whether this is your first visit or you are returning to Istanbul, my aim is to help you feel comfortable, understand what you see, and enjoy the day.

This tour is exclusively for you and your party, with my personal attention throughout.

What's Included

Private guiding service with Suleyman Tirasoglu. Hotel lobby (Or Cruise Ship Port, Airport) meeting.
Entrance tickets are paid separately. Your guide assists with priority ticket access where available, helping you avoid regular queues. Mandatory security checks and any entry queues still apply.

Meeting and pickup

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

I will meet you in the lobby of your hotel in Istanbul’s Old City (Sultanahmet), subject to confirming its location. For hotels outside this area, we will arrange a convenient meeting point in the Old City.

Please provide your hotel name when booking. The exact meeting time and location will be confirmed through Viator messages.

This is a private walking tour. No vehicle transfer is included. If we agree to use a tram or taxi, fares are paid separately.

OR
Meeting point
Ottoman Hotel Imperial

If you prefer to make your own way to the Old City, meet me outside the main entrance of Ottoman Hotel Imperial. Your guide is Suleyman. Please confirm through Viator messages whether we will meet here or in your hotel lobby, so we both go to the same location.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 7 to 9 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    TopkapI Palace

    Explore the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. Walk through its courtyards and exhibition rooms while learning about palace life, imperial traditions, and the Ottoman Empire.

    3 hours • Admission ticket not included
  • 2
    Ayasofya Camii

    Step inside one of Istanbul’s most remarkable monuments. Discover its Byzantine origins, architectural achievements, and transformation from an imperial church into an Ottoman mosque.

    1 hour • Admission ticket not included
  • 3
    Caferaga Medresesi

    Take a relaxing break at Caferağa Medresesi, a historic Ottoman madrasa with a peaceful courtyard and traditional arts workshops. Enjoy an optional coffee, tea, or lunch before continuing your Old City walk. Food and drinks are paid separately.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Basilica Cistern Museum

    Descend into an atmospheric Byzantine water reservoir beneath the Old City. Walk among its columns, discover the Medusa heads, and learn how it supplied water to Constantinople.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 5
    Hippodrome

    Explore the former sporting and social center of Byzantine Constantinople. See the surviving monuments in Sultanahmet Square and hear stories of chariot races, imperial ceremonies, and rivalries.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    The Blue Mosque

    Visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque for its beautiful blue Iznik tiles. Learn about its Ottoman architecture and its continuing role as an active place of worship.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Grand Bazaar

    Walk through the historic Grand Bazaar and discover its covered lanes, traditional crafts, and trading culture. Learn about its place in Istanbul’s commercial life, with time to browse according to your interests.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour involves extended walking, uneven surfaces, and steps. Please wear comfortable shoes and let us know about any mobility needs before booking.
Supplied by Touring Istanbul, Private Tours

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Archaeology Tours
Shore Excursions
Additional fees
Port Pickup
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Show more
from per group (up to 8)
Was {{formatPrice(summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount, currency, 2)}}
Book Now