Istanbul Kick Start Tour First Time Visitor Essentials
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Just arrived in Istanbul? Start your trip on the right foot with the Istanbul Kick Start Tour — a friendly 2-hour walking orientation designed for first-time visitors. You’ll discover the heart of the historic peninsula while learning everything you need to navigate, enjoy, and understand this complex and beautiful city.
This is more than a walking tour — it’s your personal Istanbul briefing. Your local expert will share tips on transportation, customs, safety, language, and food, while giving you a brief historical overview of key landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque (from the outside). By the end, you’ll feel like you belong here.
We finish the tour at the legendary Puding Shop (Lale Restaurant) — a 1960s traveler hub once loved by overland backpackers and Beat Generation writers — where you can rest, eat, and plan the rest of your journey with confidence.
Available options
Istanbul Kick Start Tour First Time Visitor Essentials
What's included
Friendly local guide with insider tips
End-of-tour local advice over tea (optional)
Walking orientation with live Q&A
Overview of historical and modern Istanbul
City Map
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Walk through the Hippodrome: Obelisks, Roman history
2
Stop 2
Exterior views of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
Orientation around Sultanahmet tram area and transport systems
Walk through the local lanes and hidden corners
Tour ends at the Puding Shop (Lale Restaurant) — time to relax or grab a bite!
What's not included
Entrance to any monuments (exterior visit only)
Food or drinks at the Puding Shop
Transportation or public transit tickets
Gratuities (recommended)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Go to the end of the Hippodrome and next to The Museum of Islamic Art.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
