Istanbul: Old City Walking Tour

Exploring Istanbul’s captivating Old City is a must for any visitor. This walking tour immerses you in the city’s rich history, from the iconic Blue Mosque to the grand Topkapi Palace. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll uncover the architectural wonders and cultural significance of each landmark. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an immersive experience, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most fascinating destinations. But what secrets will you uncover along the way?

Key Points

• This 7-hour small-group walking tour covers the key landmarks of Istanbul’s Old City, including the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia.
• The tour is led by a licensed English-speaking guide and provides approximately 5 hours of guided exploration at various sites.
• The tour includes flexible cancellation policies and a reserve now, pay later option, making it convenient for travelers.
• Entrance fees to Topkapi Palace (€55) and Hagia Sophia (€25) are not included in the tour price.
• The tour has received positive customer reviews, with praise for the guide’s professionalism, knowledge, and the overall engaging experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Istanbul Old City Walking Tour offers an immersive experience exploring the historic heart of the city.

The Istanbul Old City Walking Tour offers an immersive experience exploring the historic heart of the city.

Priced from $27.14 per person, the 7-hour small-group tour with a licensed English-speaking guide covers key attractions like the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia.

With a flexible cancellation policy and a reserve now, pay later option, the tour provides an accessible and hassle-free way to discover Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.

The itinerary includes approximately 5 hours of guided exploration at various sites, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the city’s rich history and culture.

Key Attractions

The tour begins at the iconic German Fountain in Sultanahmet Square, where guests spend around 30 minutes exploring the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Next, they visit the iconic Blue Mosque, spending 45 minutes marveling at its stunning Ottoman architecture and intricate interior.

| Attraction | Duration | Highlights |

| — | — | — |

| Topkapi Palace | 2 hours | Opulent Ottoman-era palace, lavish harem, and dazzling Treasury |

| Hagia Sophia | 1 hour | Iconic Byzantine cathedral-turned-mosque, renowned for its massive dome |

| Grand Bazaar | 1 hour | Labyrinth of shops and stalls selling traditional handicrafts, spices, and textiles |

The tour concludes with an optional visit to the vibrant Spice Bazaar, where guests can enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas of this historic marketplace.

Itinerary Details

As the tour begins, guests gather at the iconic German Fountain in Sultanahmet Square, where they spend around 30 minutes exploring the storied Hippodrome of Constantinople.

Next, the group visits the stunning Blue Mosque, marveling at its imposing architecture and intricate interior for 45 minutes.

Continuing on, the tour spends 2 hours at the Topkapi Palace, discovering its rich history and admiring the lavish Sultan’s apartments.

After lunch, the group explores the iconic Hagia Sophia for an hour, followed by an hour-long visit to the vibrant Grand Bazaar.

An optional stop at the Spice Bazaar concludes the 5-hour guided tour.

Included and Excluded

Though the Istanbul Old City Walking Tour includes a private licensed local guide and pickup and drop-off services if selected, it excludes food, drinks, transportation, and entrance fees to the major attractions.

The tour’s exclusions are:

The tour’s exclusions include entrance fees, food, drinks, and tips for the licensed local guide.

1. Entrance fees to Topkapi Palace (€55 per person) and Hagia Sophia (€25 per person).

2. Costs for food, drinks, and personal expenses during the tour.

3. Tips, which aren’t mandatory but appreciated by the guide.

While these additional expenses aren’t included in the tour price, the overall experience provides immense value through the expertise of the licensed guide and the opportunity to explore Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.

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Customer Feedback

Travelers have consistently praised the Istanbul Old City Walking Tour, awarding it an impressive 5/5 rating based on reviews. Guests highlighted the professionalism and attentiveness of the guide, Ferda, who skillfully enhanced the experience with her extensive knowledge and passion. Visitors from Italy, France, and beyond expressed enthusiasm for the tour, commending Ferda’s ability to provide interesting details that brought the history and culture to life.

| Reviewer | Nationality | Rating |

| — | — | — |

| Andrea | Italy | Praised the professionalism and attentiveness of the guide, Ferda. |

| Teresa | Italy | Commended Ferda for her knowledge, passion, and ability to enhance the tour experience with interesting details. |

| Alina | France | Expressed enthusiasm for the tour experience. |

Meeting and Preparation

The tour begins at the iconic German Fountain in Sultanahmet Square, making it an easily accessible starting point for participants.

To prepare for the tour, travelers should:

Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a water bottle, and have a camera ready to capture the stunning sights on this tour.

1. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate walking shoes as the itinerary involves extensive exploration on foot.

2. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour.

3. Ensure they’ve a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning architecture and scenery along the way.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing for inclusive participation.

With these simple preparations, visitors can enjoy the rich history and captivating sights of Istanbul’s Old City.

Accessibility

The walking tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors with mobility needs to fully partake in the exploration of Istanbul’s Old City. The tour route and sites are designed to be easily navigable for those using wheelchairs or mobility aids.

| Accessibility Features | Details |

| — | — |

| Wheelchair Accessibility | All sites and transportation are wheelchair-friendly |

| Assistance Available | Tour guides are trained to provide personalized assistance |

| Restroom Facilities | Select sites have accessible restroom facilities |

| Sensory Considerations | Guides can adjust pace and provide additional details |

This ensures an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all participants, regardless of their mobility level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Best Places to Try Turkish Cuisine?

While on the tour, travelers can explore the vibrant food scene in Istanbul’s Old City. The Spice Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, and local restaurants offer a chance to savor authentic Turkish dishes like kebabs, baklava, and Turkish coffee.

Is It Necessary to Pre-Book the Tour or Can We Just Show Up?

It’s best to pre-book the tour in advance, as availability can be limited, especially during peak seasons. This ensures you secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Showing up without a booking may not guarantee a tour on the preferred date.

How Much Cash Do We Need to Carry for the Tour?

You’ll need around $80-$100 per person to cover the entrance fees and any optional purchases during the tour. The tour includes guided visits, but food, drinks, and transportation are extra. Have cash on hand to cover the key costs.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Senior Citizens or Students?

The tour details don’t mention any discounts for seniors or students. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator directly, as they may offer such discounts or special rates for certain groups.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Focus on Specific Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to focus on specific interests. The private licensed guide will work with you to adjust the itinerary and highlights based on your preferences for a personalized experience.

The Sum Up

The Istanbul Old City Walking Tour offers an immersive 7-hour experience, exploring the city’s iconic landmarks with a licensed expert. Priced at $27.14, the small-group tour emphasizes Ottoman architecture and historical significance. With a flexible cancellation policy and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour provides a convenient and enriching way to discover the enchanting Old City of Istanbul.

You can check availability for your dates here: