ISTANBUL
The pick of Istanbul.
The 15 most popular historical tours in Istanbul. A short list of the ones worth planning a day around, with prices, run times and who to book with.
Step into a centuries-old Istanbul hammam for a full Turkish ritual, optional add-ons, and tea afterward, with same-gender privacy choices.
Most Popular“A great experience to undertake if you've never been. No room for modesty. The women in the bath house were caring and positive.”
Istanbul’s Acemoglu Hammam: clay mask, kese scrub, foam wash, and an optional 30-minute massage. Old City, 45–80 minutes.
“Very happy with my bath… good value for a private session and massage The young lady who did both was very good.”
Visit Istanbul’s 1475 Gedikpasa Hammam for a classic Turkish bath ritual, plus optional private Halvet add-on for more comfort and privacy.
“This hammam was truly one of the best experiences we’ve had! From the moment we entered, we felt calm and relaxed. The space is beautiful, warm, and very atmospheric. The heat was incredibly comforting, and the whole experience felt authentic and special. The staff were kind, attentive, and very professional. They made sure we were…”
Explore Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar with hotel pickup, included tickets, traditional lunch, small group.
“A thoroughly enjoyable and informative day with Fatma. Visited everywhere as described and had a lovely lunch overlooking the rooftops of Istanbul. Istanbul is a vibrant, busy and wonderful city with so much to see and do and should not be missed if you are on a cruise like we were. Be aware that this…”
One-day Istanbul tour with hotel pickup, guided Old City sights, rooftop lunch, and a luxury Bosphorus sunset yacht cruise.
“Our guide was knowledgeable and very personable. She explained the history of the monuments and other sites in great detail and helped guide us to the areas of interest at each. Lunch was provided at a very nice rooftop restaurant. We didn't go to the grand bazaar since we had already visited it the day…”
Istanbul Heritage Tour with hotel pickup, guided visits to Hagia Sophia through Topkapi, and a Bosphorus-view lunch with tickets included.
“The tour itself was good but the guide was the worst guide we have ever had. He was not interested to walk with us on the tour and at times ( mostly ) was 50 metres ahead. He mainly only spoke to us when we were inside a mosque. He also had an argument with…”
Small-group Old City tour in Istanbul covering Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, Nuruosmaniye Mosque, and Spice Market.
“Había Sophia was more beautiful and magical in person. Went at night and saw it lit up. Went inside in the day time and blown away by the elegance and mystique!”
Private Istanbul tour with hotel pickup, fast-track options, and expert-led stops in Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, the Bazaar, and Cistern.
“My tour guide was amazing and I had a good time . Just know it’s a lot of walking but what a great experience.”
A small-group Beyoğlu food walk linking Galata and Taksim to Turkish flavors, sweets, and local drink stops, led by top guides.
“Had a wonderful tour. Interesting tour, great guide and of course, tasty food! Our guide, Errol was fantastic and we appreciated his knowledge and enthusiasm.”
Step into a 15th-century Istanbul hamam at Acemoglu. Choose public, semi-private, or private options with clay mask, kese, and foam.
“I wanted to love this experience, but there were a few things that let it down. My partner and I booked the private bath and massage experience. We had a 1pm appointment and once booked in we were taken to our lockers to get changed, however, instead of going to have our scrub, we were…”
Private guided day in Historic Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Cistern, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, plus Topkapi when open. Fast-track options.
“Nice experience. Our guide helped us get access to sites quickly and was careful to let us move at our pace.”
A 2-hour guided walk through Istanbul’s Fener and Balat, with colorful streets, Orthodox sites, Jewish landmarks, and stairs made for photos.
“In our Tour we were just 2 people. Furkan was our guide. He is a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide in religion and history. He is kind and caring. He was concerned if we were ok. He helped with picture and help me with my request of the Turkish coffee experience. He exceed the experience…”
A 6–7 hour Istanbul tour linking Yeralti Camii, Edirnekapı walls, and Eyüp Sultan Mosque with escorted entry and included sites.
“The guide can only take you to the Harem and Main part of the palace. They aren't allowed to go inside. With that being said our guide did give us a breakdown of the palace and some history. We were allowed only about a half hour to tour the harem so that felt a little…”
Historic Acemoglu Turkish bath in Istanbul’s Old City with clay mask, kese scrub, foam wash, and optional 30-minute massage.
“The atmosphere was very nice and relaxing. Next time, I will make a point to specify massage strength (gentle vs strong) in order to have an even better experience. Great place!!”
Step into Gedikpasa Hamam, one of Istanbul’s oldest Turkish baths, for a full hammam ritual with scrub, foam massage, and refreshments.
“Great experience! Did feel “touristy” and everyone was nice, professional and didn’t try to persuade us to spend more money.”
From the strait to the old city to the day trips beyond, and every way to see them.
