Overview Included & Not included Important information Highlights More information

Istanbul Uncovered Discovery

Duration: 3.5, 8.5 hours

Overview

Istanbul is a beautiful city, but it pays to know where to look. Join this Istanbul tour to be shown the unmistakable icons as well as the hard-to-find secret spots that make Istanbul so captivating.

Highlights

Discover the secret haunts of locals in Sultanahmet and explore the backstreets and hidden gems
Explore the labyrinth that is the Grand Bazaar
Wander through the Sahaflar Carsisi (book bazaar), one of the oldest markets in Istanbul
Explore the Blue Mosque with a local and gain insight into Islam
Stop of an authentic coffee or tea on the way
Be stunned by stellar views of Istanbul and hear tales of both Byzantine and Ottoman drama and intrigue.
Optional Full-Day Discovery Upgrade: Enjoy a local lunch and guided visits to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia

Included

Half‑Day Sultanahmet Walking Tour (3.5 hours) – Inclusions
Local English‑speaking guide
Guided walking tour through the Sultanahmet district
Visit to the historic Sahaflar Book Bazaar
Visit to the Grand Bazaar
Visit to the Ancient Hippodrome
Visit to the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)
Traditional Turkish tea at a local tea house
Full‑Day Discovery Tour (8.5 hours) – Inclusions
Everything included in the Half‑Day Sultanahmet Walking Tour
Sit‑down lunch at a trusted local restaurant (lokanta)
Entrance and guided visit to Topkapı Palace
Entrance and guided visit to Hagia Sophia

Excluded

Tips / gratuities for your local guide
Additional food/drink

Important information

Can I extend my half-day tour to a full-day tour?

Extend your adventure for another 5 hours! This upgrade includes a delicious local lunch and guide visits to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia in the afternoon.

What is the duration of the tour?

The morning tour is 3.5 hours long; however, you have the opportunity to extend it to a full-day experience of 8.5 hours.

Where do we meet?

Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant, Divanyolu Caddesi No.6 34400, Sultanahmet, Istanbul. The restaurant is located on the street where the tram lines runs through Sultanahmet, approximately a 3-minute walk from Sultanahmet tram stop.

Where does the tour end?

Pudding Shop - The tour ends at the original meeting point

Can I cancel my tour?

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity

What if I can't find my guide?

If you have any issues on the day of your tour, please call +90 850 309 68 76.

Do I need to follow a dress code when visiting mosques?

Yes — mosques in Istanbul have a strict dress code, and following it ensures a smooth, respectful visit. Women should wear long, loose clothing that fully covers arms, legs, and hair. Men must cover their shoulders and ensure their shorts or trousers go below the knee. If clothing doesn’t meet the required standards, mosque staff may refuse entry — so it’s best to come prepared.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

Half-day tour: The walking distance is 2.4 km.
Full-day itinerary: The total walking distance is 3.5 km

If I book the Full‑Day Discovery Tour (8.5 hours) what should I expect for lunch, and can you accommodate my dietary restrictions?

Our local guides will lead you to the best authentic spots for lunch. Here is what you need to know:
Dietary Requirements: We can accommodate most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Please let us know your requirements at the time of booking.
Meal Inclusion: For full-day itineraries, lunch is included and consists of a one-course meal plus one soft drink/water.

Highlights

More information

Get the most out of Istanbul in the company of an expert local guide. As we tour Istanbul, your guide will point out places to get the best local snacks and coffee, as well as show you the main points of interest along the way.

Your Istanbul walking tour will begin at the meeting point, where you’ll set off with your expert local guide straight into the city’s rich history and daily life.

The first stops will be the atmospheric Sahaflar (Book Bazaar- a hidden gem where the first printed book in Turkey was sold in 1729), and the legendary Grand Bazaar, where your guide will help you navigate the historic lanes, explain the bazaar’s origins, and point out interesting details.

Along the route, you’ll pause at a local tea house to enjoy traditional Turkish tea, offering a relaxing break and a chance to soak in the atmosphere of the city from a local perspective.

From there, the tour continues toward Sultanahmet, taking you to the Ancient Hippodrome, once the center of public life in Byzantine Constantinople.

Just steps away, you’ll visit the iconic Blue Mosque, renowned for its harmonious proportions and stunning blue Iznik tiles, while your guide shares insights into Ottoman architecture and Islamic culture.

The tour concludes in Sultanahmet, leaving you well oriented and full of tips and recommendations from your guide to help you make the most of the rest of your stay in Istanbul. The tour will end at the same place where it begins.

Go beyond the basics and immerse yourself in Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Upgrade to the full-day discovery option and enjoy a complete cultural experience: after a relaxing lunch at a lokante (small trusted local restaurant) step inside the opulent Topkapi Palace and wander through the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia. All entrance fees are included, and your expert guide will bring centuries of history to life with stories and insights you won’t find in any guidebook. This is the ultimate way to truly understand Istanbul’s rich heritage in one unforgettable day.