ISTANBUL
The pick of Istanbul.
The 15 most popular walking tours in Istanbul. A short list of the ones worth planning a day around, with prices, run times and who to book with.
Walk Istanbul’s Fener and Balat on a 3-hour guided route featuring the Bulgarian Iron Church and Ahrida Synagogue, plus coffee.
Most Popular“Perfect tour. Thank you our tourguide Yunus. He had everything so interesting and clearly explained. If you want to go new and interesting places in Istanbul I definitely recommend.”
Eat your way through Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar and Kadıköy with 8-9 tastings, a Bosphorus ferry ride, and dondurma in Moda.
“Excellent food tour! Also ended up being part city walking tour which was a bonus!”
Half-day walk through Istanbul’s Fener and Balat with churches, synagogues, rainbow stairs, and colorful houses for about 3 hours.
“Best walking tour I ever had with a guide who is very passionate about his mission to bring life and attention to the local community he loves. Very inspiring and the tour itself was interesting as well for seeing how locals live in Istanbul rather than hitting the overhyped, overpriced tourist sites.”
Walk Istanbul’s Fener and Balat with an expert guide, from the Iron Church to the Ahrida Synagogue, ending with Turkish coffee.
“This ended up being a lovely private walking tour with just my husband and I, and the tour guide. He was very informative and walked us to some prominent historical spots within the fener/balat area, while discussing the history of each site. The tour included visiting some churches, synagogues and colorful streets/buildings. Make sure to…”
Cross to Istanbul’s Asian side by intercontinental ferry, then stroll Kadıköy with a local guide for markets, bars, and sunset views.
“Our guide Haluk was very informative with respect to the history and sights, but also with respect to current affairs and life in Istanbul. Our time with him went by quickly and his recommendations for a restaurant and in season boneless grilled sardines for dinner was perfect. Very worthwhile of our time and money.”
See Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, and Grand Bazaar in one efficient 8-hour small-group day with a guide and skip-the-line help.
“excellent, especially the guide Sevilay. She took care of the group as if we were her family. tremendous knowledge and professional guide. Hats off to her. Defiantly recommend this tour to friends n family.”
A 7-hour private guided walk through Istanbul’s Old City, from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to Topkapi and the Grand Bazaar.
“Led by a knowledgeable and funny guide NACI who is passionate about his city. This tour is weaving together stories of history, culture, and local lore. Every stop on this tour offers a glimpse into the soul of the city. Whether you're admiring architecture or sampling local food delicacies. Every moment is an opportunity to…”
A private 8-hour Istanbul walking day through Sultanahmet and beyond, with priority access, expert guides, and flexible route planning.
“Schedule is flexible, Zeynep is passionate and extremely kind, I truly recommend her if you want to have an immersive experience in Sultanahmet area”
3-hour guided walk pairing Topkapi Palace with the Basilica Cistern. Small group, English guide, tickets included, Medusa myth included.
“Seeing the cisterns was an experience that was interesting and informative. It was lovely especially with the changing light display.”
Walk Galata with a live English guide, ride the funicular, visit churches and passageways, then finish at Galata Tower.
“Had an amazing time with Burak!! I went on the walking tour with my parents and brother. Burak was very helpful, knowledgeable, and considerate. Saw so many areas of Galata etc that I know I would not have not seen if I didn’t take the tour! I highly recommend the tour with Burak he will…”
A 2-hour guided walk through Istanbul’s Fener and Balat, with colorful streets, Orthodox sites, Jewish landmarks, and stairs made for photos.
“Fener and Balat are definitely a must if visiting Istanbul. Beautiful, colorful neighborhoods that make for great photos. Furkam was great, very knowledgeable. Thanks for everything”
A fast 1.5-hour Sultanahmet walk with tickets included: German Fountain, Hippodrome, Sultanahmet Square, and the Blue Mosque.
“Knowledgeable and friendly tour guide. Provided a great tour of key parts of Istanbul. Would recommend to anyone wanting an efficient tour”
Skip the ticket line and walk the Basilica Cistern with a live Spanish guide, entry included, starting at the German Fountain.
5.5-hour guided walk through Galata Tower, Camondo Stairs, Golden Horn views, Fener & Balat, then Spice Bazaar shopping.
Walk Üsküdar and Kadıköy, ride Marmaray under the Bosphorus, see Ottoman mosques, enjoy included lunch, plus a return boat ride.
“My wife and I spent a memorable entire day with Tuncer, our tour guide. He was a wealth of knowledge and provided us with so much historical and interesting information about the entire area. We spent 8 hours with Tuncer and we enjoyed the tour immensely. Would highly recommend the tour especially if you are…”
From the strait to the old city to the day trips beyond, and every way to see them.
