Istanbul Old City Top Sights Private Walking Tour

Discover the historic attractions of Istanbul’s Old City with our private walking tours. Choose from 2-hour to 6-hour options and explore iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.

Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Hagia Sophia History Museum - Meet your guide in front of the Hagia Sophia History Museum, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye. Please do not enter the building, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.

  • Sultanahmet Square - Walking tour of Istanbul’s Old City and Grand Bazaar. This short and simple tour is ideal if you have limited time, as our Expert Guide will show you only the most important monuments. Immerse yourself in stories about the Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans on a guided walk through the Sultanahmet Square and SultanAhmet Park, surrounded by glorious mosques, fountains and ancient ruins of Constantinople, including the site where the Hippodrome once stood.

  • Obelisk of Theodosius - Highlights include the circa-1400 B.C Obelisk of Theodosius, the Tomb of Sultan Ahmet, the one-of-a-kind Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Ottoman-style Topkapi Palace (exteriors only). You can tailor the experience to your needs and interests with the full attention of your Private Guide, who will help you discover your Istanbul and give you tips on shopping for spices, jewelry and other goods at the world famous Grand Bazaar!

  • Blue Mosque - Enhance your experience with entry to the beautiful Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and art. The Blue Mosque is famous for its interior decorated with over 20,000 exquisite blue Iznik tiles, from which the mosque derives its name. The intricate floral patterns and geometric designs create a serene ambiance, bathing the entire space in a soothing blue light. Don’t miss this beauty and spirituality!

  • Hagia Sophia Mosque - Visit the majestic Hagia Sophia Mosque with Fast Track Tickets that allow you to skip the long line at the ticket office. Hagia Sophia is a timeless marvel that stands as a testament to Istanbul’s architectural ingenuity and remains one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the intricate blend of Christian and Islamic artistry that adorns the walls of this former cathedral, featuring the Byzantine-era mosaics depicting biblical scenes and saints alongside the Ottoman-era calligraphy honoring the names of Allah and Muhhammed. Hear the full story of the conquest of Constantinople!

  • Topkapi Palace Museum - Istanbul’s Old City tour to visit 4 top-rated attractions: the Topkapi Palace Museum, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar. The historic royal residence of Ottoman sultans offers an intimate look into their court life, political aspirations, and wealth. Walk through the beautiful courtyards and representative halls of the Topkapi Palace and immerse yourself in history and heritage. This tour includes fast track access to the palace museum, excluding the harem (optional, paid on site).

What's Included
  • Hotel/accommodation pick up (only in the Old City area)
  • Fast track tickets to the Topkapi Palace Museum (6-hour option only)
  • Private Walking Tour of Top Attractions in Istanbul’s Old City
  • Fast track tickets to Hagia Sophia Mosque (4- and 6-hour options only)
  • Free entry to Blue Mosque (3-, 4- and 6-hour options only)
  • Free entry to Grand Bazaar (all options)
  • 5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice
What's Not Included
  • Free entry to Blue Mosque (in the 3-hour option)
  • Fast track tickets to Hagia Sophia Mosque (in the 2- and 3-hour options)
  • Fast track tickets to the Topkapi Palace Museum (in the 2-, 3- and 4-hour options)
  • Hotel/accommodation pick up (outside the Old City area)
Additional Information

Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests:

2-hour: Old City
Visit the Grand Bazaar and see the highlights of Istanbul’s Old City, including the Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia (outside) and Topkapi Palace (outside)

3-hour: Old City & Blue Mosque
Visit the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar, and see the highlights of Istanbul’s Old City, including the Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia (outside) and Topkapi Palace (outside)

4-hour: Old City, Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia
Visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque, the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar, and see the highlights of Istanbul’s Old City, including the Sultanahmet Square and Topkapi Palace (outside)

6-hour: Old City, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace
Visit the Topkapi Palace Museum, the Hagia Sophia Mosque, the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar, and see the highlights of Istanbul’s Old City, including the Sultanahmet Square.

  • Check your email a day before the tour for important information.
  • Please note that the number of attractions depends on the option selected.
  • All mosque visitors must undergo security checks and follow mosque etiquette, which includes modest attire (headscarves for women). Women are allowed only in the visitors’ area.
  • The Blue Mosque closes 5 times a day for prayers (at different times).
  • Fast track tickets to Hagia Sophia allow you to skip the line at the ticket office but not at the security and entrance.
  • Fast track tickets to Topkapi Palace Museum (including Hagia Irene) allow you to skip the line at the ticket office but not at the security and entrance. Additional tickets to the Imperial Harem can be purchased on the spot.
  • For the best experience, we limit your group size to 1-25 guests per guide. We will arrange additional guides for larger groups, so the price will be higher.
  • It is a walking tour, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and dressing appropriately for the weather.
Location
Hagia Sophia History Museum
At Meydanı Caddesi
Meet your guide in front of the Hagia Sophia History Museum, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye. Please do not enter the building, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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(1 Rating)
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Inesnik2021
Nov 2, 2023
Wonderful tour - I had really enjoyed this tour. It was well organized. Our guide was very friendly and true history enthusiast. Definitely recommend it !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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September 2024
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