This tour takes you to the main tourist attractions that are a must for any visit to Istanbul. This includes the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, The Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Reserve now & pay later to book your spot without any charges today. Learn more
Duration 7 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the line through a separate entrance
Live tour guide: English
Pickup included: We provide Pick Up and Drop off to Centerally Located Hotels in Taksim, Sultanahmet, Old City, Fatih, Sisli, Beyoglu, Besiktas areas.

Highlights

Visit all the main tourist attractions in Istanbul
Explore the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmet and more
Learn about the rich history of Istanbul as you explore its many historic sites

Full description

You will start at the old Hippodrome of Constantinople which was the sports and social center of the old city. Discover major works of art including the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi, and the fountain of Willhelm II, constructed by the Germans. From there, continue to the Blue Mosque, whose six minarets are a key fixture of Istanbul’s skyline. Next, head for the Topkapi Palace, which was home to the Ottoman emperors between the 15th and 19th centuries. Marvel at the jewel-stuffed treasury and priceless displays of Oriental porcelain. Move on to the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Behold the dome and stunning Byzantine mosaics of this architectural gem as your guide recounts its turbulent history. Then visit the Grand Bazaar with over 3,000 shops selling everything from carpets to jewelry to ceramics and leather goods. Also stroll around the Spice Bazaar with its incredible smell from almost every spice imaginable, as well as dried fruits and nuts, sweets and the ubiquitous Turkish Delight.

Includes

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Live guide
All entrance tickets to museums and sites

Food and drinks
Tips

Not suitable for

Pregnant women

Covid-19 precautions

You must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed

Safety measures in place

All required protective equipment is provided
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You will receive a mandatory temperature check

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 280 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.8/5
Transportation
4.6/5
Value for money
4.5/5

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I would recommend the guided tour to anyone who has a short stay in Istanbul and wants to see the treasures of the Golden Horn within one day. The only disappointment was that the Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays due to its reconstruction and busy time on the day of prayer. This was not mentioned in the description, otherwise we would have chosen another day.

May 9, 2022

Totally loved it. Very well planned and we had a great experience. Our guide Mr Baris was thorough with his knowledge about the places and ensured we had a great time. Also, would like to mention the hospitality and care we got on the trip after my mother fell while on the journey. We are extremely grateful of the team and Mr Baris for everything. Don’t miss this trip, it is awesome!!!

April 23, 2022

Our tour guide was really great and had lots of information. I would echo the former review that noted these sites are all really close to each other so unless you want all the info, the tour is not super necessary. Also that same reviewer noted that they take you to a few shops and that was an unwelcome part of the experience. Overall, positive but with a few caveats.

April 18, 2022

Best of Istanbul in 1 Day

Best of Istanbul in 1 Day

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