7 Must-Do Guided Tours in Istanbul
Istanbul is a huge city, and like any metropolis, you need at least 5 days to explore the best it has to offer. You can divide your days to visit 1 or 2 neighbourhoods a day, and this would allow you to avoid wasting your time on transportation since you can walk between the neighbourhoods.
We prepared a list of the must-do guided tours in Istanbul, especially if you want to get the most out of your trip in shorter amount of time.
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Guided Bosphorus Tour
Your visit to Istanbul wouldn’t be complete without a Bosphorus Tour. This scenic sightseeing cruise includes an intro to the history of Constantinople, unforgettable views of the Bosphorus Strait, Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Anadolu Fortress, Asian side and more.
It’s a 2-hour tour in a comfortable setting where you can just sit back and listen to your guide and take photos to capture this memorable experience. This cruise tour of Istanbul is best taken in Spring, Summer and early Autumn.
Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Guided Tour
Located in Old Town in Istanbul, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are unique works of Islamic architecture. By joining a guided Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia tour, you would be skipping the queue and you can learn about Ottoman and Byzantine history and culture. You would also be able to enjoy gorgeous views of Istanbul from the terrace and see one of the most famous sites associated with Istanbul at the Blue Mosque courtyard.
Topkapi Palace and Harem Guided Tour
In this tour, you can learn a lot about Ottoman history and why this empire was once the most magnificent and powerful. Experience the royal lifestyle of Ottoman sultans, and add onto your history knowledge to understand Oriental culture better. Visit the Harem, an exclusively female club that sultan’s mother supervised. You would be hearing about the conspiracies amongst the palace’s residents, the wars fought with Bulgaria, Serbia, Austria, Venice and more.
Balat
Guided Walking Tour in Fener and Balat
Fener and Balat used to be largely populated by non-Muslim families who lived in Istanbul, such as Greek Orthodox and Jewish. Today, Fener and Balat are known with the colourful old houses and hidden churches. On this tour, you can learn about Jewish and Greek migrants’ history and stop by the old and new restaurants and shops. If you select a private Fener and Balat tour, you can enjoy delicious authentic meals as well.
Guided Istanbul Food Tour on Two Continents
Who hasn’t heard great things about Turkish cuisine? Food in Istanbul is unlike any other city; whether you are a sweet tooth, a cheese fanatic or a beer or wine connoisseur. From breakfast to dinner, to snacks in the small hours, Istanbul offers an abundance of choices on both of its continents. Eat your way through Constantinople on this food tour and experience a totally unique food scene.
Guided Istanbul Markets & Bazaars Tour
Istanbul’s markets and bazaars are big and present an authentic shopping experience; prepare to be surprised on this tour. You can taste many different snacks, shop for Turkish spices, or enjoy a more luxurious experience by visiting designer and artisan shops. In any case, you’ll be able to find memorable and unique presents for your loved ones, or yourself!
Guided Istanbul Nightlife Tour
Istanbul is a sleepless city, where you can find crowds drinking, laughing, eating and conversing on the streets until the morning. Taking a nightlife tour in Istanbul will make it much easier to find and enjoy more than one good spot and you can easily ask your tour guide for personalised recommendations. From jazz bars, speakeasies to night clubs and craft beer pubs, Istanbul definitely has what you are looking for and more.