ISTANBUL
The pick of Istanbul.
The 15 most popular markets tours in Istanbul. A short list of the ones worth planning a day around, with prices, run times and who to book with.
Rooftop views and secret passages in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, with artisan stops, tea, and 600-year trade stories.
Most Popular“Such a great way to explore the Grand Bazaar. We got to see the less touristy parts, and we're give access to places that tourists don't normally get to see.”
See Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Istanbul’s Old City highlights on a small guided walking tour with skip-the-line ticket help and pickup.
“Lots of walking but our tour guide, Baris, was a historian so lots of great information at each stop. Breathtaking sites and I learned a lot!! 👍 Only problem was that we did the tour on a national holiday and the Grand Bazaar was closed😞”
Hotel pickup, Spice Bazaar shopping, and a Bosphorus cruise past palaces on both continents in about 3 hours.
“Trip to the spice market was very rushed, tour guide was stressed and only seemed interested in getting rid of us. Boat cruise was lovely but could have just of easily gone by myself as tour guide said nothing”
A smart 5-hour Istanbul walk that links Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar with skip-line access and an excellent guide.
“Fantastic tour, well worth the cost to have Oz (not the right spelling sorry!) tell us stories and show us all the best parts of the attractions. He was funny and knowledgeable and happy to answer all our questions as well as giving recommendations for other places to see. No queuing despite the crowds was…”
Air-conditioned Istanbul tour with pickup, skip-the-line Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar in 4 hours for $25.
“Great tour, perfect length to get you oriented and familiar with Grand Bazaar too.”
A 5.5-hour small-group Istanbul Bazaar Quarter food tour with two meals, snacks, and a stop focused on Grand Bazaar craftsmen.
“Our tour began outside the train station in Fatih and was easy to find. Our tour guide Esin was wonderful. She had arranged a traditional Turkish breakfast for us inside the train station (the same one built to accommodate the Orient Express! After breakfast we continued through the streets of Fatih constantly stopping at various…”
Half-day Istanbul tour featuring the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar, with pickup and Hagia Sophia entry.
“Can was a great guide - he was really knowledgeable & gave detailed explanations about important historical and architectural points - thanks!”
A half-day Istanbul tour linking four empires through Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar, with optional carpet stops.
“Great way to visit all the important historical sites of Istanbul! We were picked up from our hotel in a nice minibus and taken to meet the group who were on the full day tour. Tour guide was very knowledgeable. Make sure you each lunch before the tour begins, otherwise when you arrive at the…”
Make your own Turkish mosaic lamp in the Grand Bazaar. Hands-on workshop, tea and coffee included, with a take-home fee at the spot.
“Easy to follow, love the lamp I created. Really enjoyable and relaxing experience. Recommend to others”
Small-group Istanbul highlights tour covering Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome sights, and Grand Bazaar, with local context and smart pacing.
“This turned out to be a private tour for just my husband and me. Our guide seemed very knowledgeable and we enjoyed our time with him.”
See Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar in a 3-hour small-group morning with skip-the-line tickets and hotel pickup.
“Our hotel was nearby the start of the tour at the blue mosque but the pick-up service drove us/let us wait over 40 minutes around the city.”
Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman highlights in one guided day: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar.
“Great way to learn about significant landmarks. Also being able to skip admission lines makes a big difference!”
A guided 4-hour shopping loop through Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar, with smart haggling tips and an Iznik ceramics stop.
“An absolutely fabulous experience with Aik our guide. He made Istanbul come alive. He was so knowledgeable on the history of Turkey and personable. We highly recommend the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market tour. You won’t be disappointed.”
Bosphorus cruise with Golden Horn views and a guided Spice Bazaar visit in Istanbul, with hotel pickup and a 1.5-hour boat ride.
“La guida è stata molto competente gentile e disponibile. Bella la crociera …”
Half-day Bosphorus cruise plus the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. See the bridge, Rumeli Hisari, Ottoman waterfront mansions, and shop smarter with a guide.
From the strait to the old city to the day trips beyond, and every way to see them.
