Explore Istanbul’s captivating old city in just 2 hours. This guided walking tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Egyptian Bazaar. Discover the city’s rich Byzantine and Ottoman heritage while savoring local Turkish delicacies. With knowledgeable guides and a focus on both history and gastronomy, this tour promises an engaging adventure for those seeking to uncover the essence of Istanbul’s vibrant past. Prepare to be enchanted by the sights, sounds, and flavors that make this city truly unique.

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Key Points

Comprehensive walking tour covering Istanbul’s top attractions, including Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome of Constantinople, and the vibrant Egyptian Bazaar.
Opportunity to explore the city’s captivating Byzantine and Ottoman history through the lens of its iconic landmarks.
Immersive cultural experience with insights into traditional Turkish spices, teas, and local cuisine at the Egyptian Bazaar.
Tour led by knowledgeable guides, lasting approximately 2 hours, with a 5.0 rating and 100% positive reviews.
Flexible booking options, including "Reserve now and pay later" and free cancellation, making the tour accessible to various budgets.

Tour Overview

The walking tour of Istanbul’s Old City offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Named "2 Hours Walking Tour Through Istanbul’s Old City," this highly-rated tour covers top attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome of Constantinople, and Egyptian Bazaar.

Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides insights into the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman past.

Lasting approximately 2 hours, the tour has received 100% positive reviews from 15 travelers, earning it a 5.0 rating and a Badge of Excellence.

The tour’s meeting and end points are conveniently located near public transportation.

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Top Attractions Explored

As visitors embark on the walking tour, they’ll have the opportunity to explore some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. The tour highlights include the stunning Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque now a museum, the Hippodrome of Constantinople, which served as a chariot racing stadium during the Byzantine era, and the vibrant Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Market, where travelers can enjoy the lively atmosphere and try local delicacies. Throughout the tour, the guide will share insights into the city’s captivating Byzantine and Ottoman history.

Attraction	Significance	Highlights
Hagia Sophia	Former Byzantine church, later Ottoman mosque, now museum	Impressive architecture, mosaics, and Byzantine history
Hippodrome of Constantinople	Ancient chariot racing stadium	Obelisks, reliefs, and historical significance
Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market)	Vibrant market selling spices, teas, and local foods	Sensory experience, opportunity to try local cuisine

Discovering Byzantine and Ottoman History

While exploring the iconic landmarks on the walking tour, visitors explore Istanbul’s captivating Byzantine and Ottoman history.

At Hagia Sophia, they discover the architectural marvel’s transformation from a Byzantine church to an Ottoman mosque.

The Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the center of Byzantine civic life, now stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant past.

As the tour winds through the Egyptian Bazaar, travelers uncover the legacy of the Ottoman Empire‘s global trade networks.

Through these immersive experiences, the walking tour offers a window into Istanbul’s rich cultural tapestry, blending past and present.

Experiencing Local Flavors

Visitors on the walking tour have the opportunity to experience Istanbul’s vibrant local food scene.

The guide takes the group to the Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Market. Here, travelers can sample an array of traditional Turkish spices, teas, and delicacies. The guide shares insights into the history and cultural significance of these ingredients.

Travelers may also try Turkish coffee, a staple of the local culture. Plus, the tour includes a stop at a local eatery, where guests can savor authentic Turkish cuisine, such as meze platters, kebabs, or baklava.

This provides an immersive culinary experience.

The Spice Market Ambiance

The Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Market, exudes an enchanting ambiance that captivates visitors.

The labyrinth of narrow alleyways is filled with the rich aroma of exotic spices, dried fruits, and freshly brewed tea. Vibrant colors of the displays and the lively chatter of merchants create a sensory experience unlike any other.

Strolling through the market, one can observe the haggling between vendors and customers, a time-honored tradition. The bustling atmosphere and the opportunity to sample local delicacies contribute to the immersive experience of exploring the Spice Market’s captivating essence.

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Meeting and End Points

The meeting point for the walking tour is the German Fountain, located at Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

Travelers will be able to identify the guide by their yellow umbrella.

The tour ends at the main gate of the Egyptian Bazaar, Rüstem Paşa, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

This walking tour offers:

Visit to top attractions like Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, and Egyptian Bazaar
Learning about Byzantine and Ottoman history
Trying local food and experiencing the Spice Market atmosphere

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.

Infants must sit on laps, and it isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers.

Tour Accessibility and Group Size

According to the information provided, this walking tour is not wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps, and pregnant travelers are not recommended to join. The tour has a maximum group size of 20 travelers, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience.

Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible	No
Service Animals Allowed	Yes
Infants	Sit on laps
Pregnant Travelers	Not recommended

The small group size ensures a more immersive and engaging tour, allowing participants to navigate the historic streets and soak in the captivating atmosphere of Istanbul’s Old City.

Booking Information and Flexibility

Booking this walking tour of Istanbul’s Old City is flexible and affordable. The price starts from $15.51 per person, making it accessible to various budgets.

Travelers can take advantage of the "Reserve now and pay later" option, allowing them to secure their spot without an immediate financial commitment. Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, providing peace of mind in case plans change.

The highlights of this tour include:

Visiting top attractions like the Hagia Sophia and Hippodrome of Constantinople
Exploring the vibrant atmosphere of the Spice Market
Experiencing the rich history and culture of Istanbul’s Old City

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children of All Ages?

The tour is not suitable for children of all ages. According to the information provided, infants must sit on laps, and the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers, suggesting it may not be appropriate for young children either.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. Snacks and beverages can be purchased from the vendors along the tour route. Participants should plan to rely on the local food and drink options during the experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour website doesn’t mention any discounts for students or seniors. However, you can check if the tour operator offers any special pricing or promotions when you book. Their customer service team should be able to provide more details.

How Much Free Time Is Provided at Each Attraction?

The tour schedule allows for some free time at each attraction, but the exact duration is not specified. Travelers can expect to spend roughly 15-30 minutes exploring the key sights before moving on to the next destination.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration Beyond 2 Hours?

The tour duration cannot be extended beyond the stated 2 hours. The tour is a set itinerary with a fixed timeline. Travelers who wish to spend more time exploring the sites can do so independently after the tour concludes.

The Sum Up

This guided walking tour offers an immersive experience through Istanbul’s captivating history and vibrant culture. Visitors will explore iconic landmarks, uncover the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, and savor local delicacies. With knowledgeable guides and a focus on accessibility, the tour provides an engaging and flexible way to discover the charms of Istanbul’s Old City.