Istanbul Private Walking Tour: Highlights & Gems with a Local
Active
2h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This isn’t a scripted sightseeing tour. It’s a City Unscripted experience, shaped entirely around you. Explore Istanbul with a local host who tailors your day to reflect your curiosity, whether that means tracing Byzantine history in backstreets near the Grand Bazaar, sipping tea on a quiet terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, or weaving through colorful markets and lesser-known lanes. Every moment is designed to connect you with the city’s living culture.
Before the tour begins, you’ll complete a short online questionnaire so we can match you with the ideal local host and craft an itinerary filled with authentic encounters, spontaneous discoveries, and the layered stories that make Istanbul unforgettable.
Available options
3-hour Istanbul walking tour
Duration: 3 hours
2-hour Istanbul walking tour
Pickup included
6-hour Istanbul walking tour
Duration: 6 hours
4-hour Istanbul walking tour
Duration: 4 hours
8-hour Istanbul walking tour
Duration: 8 hours
What's included
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)
Online questionnaire link sent after booking to tailor your experience and match you to a local host
Flexible durations and start times - Pick your preferred duration when you book
Private and personalized walking experience with insider tips from a passionate local
Direct communication with your host for itinerary planning and local recommendations
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
See Istanbul through the eyes of someone who calls it home, uncovering ancient history, vibrant culture, and hidden charm with a passionate local host by your side. This isn’t just a tour. It’s a City Unscripted experience: real people, real connections, designed around you, full of authentic moments and unforgettable discoveries.
Before your adventure begins, you’ll receive a short online questionnaire so we can craft an itinerary that reflects your interests, whether it’s sampling street-side pho, navigating narrow alleyways in the Old Quarter, or sipping egg coffee in a tucked-away café only locals know. Here are some highlights to spark your curiosity:
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Admire the iconic Blue Mosque from the outside as your local host shares its historical and cultural significance. Then, explore nearby courtyards and surrounding streets steeped in Ottoman heritage.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
Stroll through the palace’s peaceful gardens and take in the grandeur of its exterior. Your host will share stories from the Ottoman Empire’s final era and offer insights into nearby neighborhoods along the water.
4
Stop 4
Pass by
Get lost in the colorful maze of one of the world’s oldest markets. Whether you’re browsing, buying, or simply soaking up the energy, your host will point out hidden corners and help you navigate like a local.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Pause at scenic spots overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. You may enjoy a mezze platter on a terrace, sip traditional Turkish tea, or simply take in the panoramic views that link two continents.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
Explore the winding streets below Galata Tower, far from the usual crowds. Your host shares the stories that give this historic district its character, from merchant history to modern-day creative spaces.
What's not included
Food, drinks and tickets to any attractions
Transportation (primarily a walking experience, public transport may be used at an additional cost)
Gratuities (optional)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
TR
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
28 reviews
5★
28
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
34 reviews
5★
33
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a private City Unscripted experience: real people, real connections
After booking, you'll receive a short online questionnaire to share your interests, preferences, and must-sees. Your City Unscripted guide will personally reach out to craft a fully customized itinerary that suits your style—whether you love history, food, hidden gems, or cultural experiences.
This private tour is a walking experience. A private vehicle is not included.
Public transportation or local taxis may be used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with your host after your reservation is finalized.
Meeting point
This is a private walking tour. Your host will meet you at your chosen hotel, or you can select the central meeting point instead, which we recommend for the best overall experience. If your hotel isn’t listed, please choose the central landmark option. No private vehicle is included.
Important notes
Once you've booked your experience, your local host will personally reach out to tailor the adventure to your interests. Whether you're seeking authentic food spots, cultural insights, or hidden gems, we ensure your journey is immersive, personalized, and uniquely yours, transforming your tour into a meaningful connection with the city.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
