Share this tour
Offered languages
- Portuguese
- Japanese
- English
- Italian
- French
- Spanish
Experience Istanbul at an easy pace while discovering the city’s most iconic landmarks and vibrant local neighborhoods. This three-day itinerary combines a convenient airport arrival transfer with two guided walking tours designed to showcase different sides of Istanbul. Step into the historic world of Sultanahmet, home to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar, then explore the bustling streets of Eminönü, from the exquisite İznik tiles of Rüstem Paşa Mosque and the flavors of the Spice Bazaar to New Mosque, Eminönü Square, and the historic Galata Bridge. With a professional licensed guide and carefully planned walking routes, this experience offers a relaxed introduction to the history, culture, and everyday atmosphere of Istanbul.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
On Day 1, an inbound transfer from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel is included. On the following day(s), no hotel pickup or drop-off service is provided for the guided tours. These guided tours are operated as walking tours, and guests are required to meet their guide at the designated meeting point. The meeting points for each tour are clearly indicated in the itinerary below.
Itinerary
-
1Istanbul
Welcome to Türkiye! Your first day is dedicated to your arrival in Istanbul. Upon landing, our team will meet you at the airport and provide a comfortable private transfer to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free to relax and recover from your journey.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Sultanahmet District (Pass by)
You’ll meet your licensed tour guide and embark on a small-group (up to 8 participants) walking tour exploring the highlights of Sultanahmet, the historic heart of Istanbul. Today’s tour includes visits to Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. The meeting point for today’s tour is the German Fountain in Sultanahmet. Your tour guide will be waiting for you at the meeting point, and from there, you’ll begin your walking tour of Istanbul’s Old City. The tour is entirely on foot, so no transportation service is required or included.
-
2German Fountain
The German Fountain, located at the northern end of Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I, is a striking gazebo-style structure. Built to commemorate the second anniversary of German Emperor Wilhelm II’s 1898 visit to Istanbul, the fountain was constructed in Germany, transported in pieces, and assembled on-site in 1900. Designed in the Neo-Byzantine style, it features an octagonal dome supported by eight marble columns, with its interior adorned in stunning golden mosaics.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Hippodrome
The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square, was once the grand chariot racing arena and a key social and sporting hub of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today, it stands in modern-day Istanbul as a public square, renowned for its rich history and the surviving remnants of its ancient structures.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Blue Mosque (Pass by)
The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its elegant six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles. You’ll admire the mosque from the outside and learn about its history and architectural significance from your guide.
-
4Sultanahmet Square
After a short walk through Sultanahmet Square, you’ll continue to Hagia Sophia, the next stop on your tour.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-booked tickets and experience one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox history. Discover how this magnificent structure was transformed into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Marvel at the unique blend of architectural elements from both a mosque and a church, coexisting harmoniously. Take in the grandeur of its soaring dome, towering minarets, intricate mosaics, vivid paintings, and ancient Roman columns. Learn about the addition of exquisite İznik tiles over the years, the craftsmanship behind the Virgin Mary mosaic, and the Ottoman tradition of burying their sultans in the courtyard.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included -
6Basilica Cistern
Walk on the wooden walkways over the water until the famous upside-down Medusa head. The Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir in Istanbul, features stunning columns and a mysterious ambiance, reflecting the city's rich history and architectural brilliance. The cistern was known in Byzantium as thebasilica Cistern, Justinian was the founder of the largest underground cistern, built after the Nika Revolt in 532. A must-visit marvel.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
7TopkapI Palace
Topkapi Palace Museum / Topkapı Sarayı More than just an Imperial Residence of Ottoman Sultans, it was the seat of the Supreme Executive and Judiciary Council for almost 400 years long. Topkapi Palace is a great monument of Oriental architecture which resembles the power of the Ottoman Empire.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
8Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar / Kapalı Çarşı One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 4,000 shops with colorful products of ceramic, leather, rugs, carpets, handicrafts, clothes, silver, and gold.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
9
Meet your licensed guide in front of Rüstem Paşa Mosque and begin your walking tour. Discover this beautiful Ottoman mosque, known for its elegant architecture and stunning İznik tiles.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free -
10Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)
Continue to the famous Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s historic covered markets. Walk through its lively aisles filled with spices, Turkish delight, dried fruits, nuts, and other traditional products while experiencing the atmosphere of this historic marketplace.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
11Yeni Camii
Walk to the impressive New Mosque, located next to the Spice Bazaar. Admire its grand Ottoman architecture and learn about its history and importance in the heart of Eminönü.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
12Eminonu Square
Continue through Eminönü Square, one of the liveliest areas of Istanbul. See the busy ferry terminals, street vendors, and the daily rhythm of local life.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
13Eminonu Pier
Explore the lively streets around Eminönü’s local food area, where you’ll see traditional food vendors and experience one of the city’s busiest everyday neighborhoods.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
14Galata Bridge
Finish your walking tour with a walk across the historic Galata Bridge. Enjoy views of the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, Istanbul’s skyline, and the local fishermen along the bridge.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Karakoy Rihtim (Pass by)
Your tour concludes on the Karaköy side of Galata Bridge, where you can continue exploring Istanbul or easily reach other parts of the city by public transportation or taxi.
Arrival Istanbul and Airport Transfer
Istanbul Old City Walking Tour
Ottoman Markets with Golden Horn Walking Tour
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The meeting point for Day 2 is the German Fountain at 9:00 AM. The supplier will provide the exact location details, including a Google Maps link, after your booking is confirmed.
- The meeting point for Day 3 is the Rustem Pasha Mosque at 9:00 AM. The supplier will provide the exact location details, including a Google Maps link, after your booking is confirmed.
- The meeting points for our guided walking tours have been carefully selected for easy access by public transportation and taxi. This makes it convenient for you to reach your meeting point from your hotel or other locations in Istanbul.
- As Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, it will be replaced by a visit to the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum on these days.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and will be replaced by a visit to the Spice Market on these days
- The Grand Bazaar and Spice Market are closed during the Eid holidays on March 09–11 and May 16–19, 2027.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Get our app
