Istanbul Tours: Guided & Walking Tours

Most first-time visitors start in the Historic Peninsula (Sultanahmet), where Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern are within walking distance of each other. A walking tour of the peninsula or a guided visit to one of these landmarks is the easiest way to get your bearings.

A live guide answers your questions, handles the route and adds context you won't find on the signs. An audio guide lets you explore at your own pace. Several options below combine hosted entry with an audio guide.

Yes. With the private guide listed below you choose the sights and the pace, which suits families, small groups and travellers with specific interests.

Yes — the old city is compact and many sights are close together, and neighbourhoods such as Balat and Fener or Galata are best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes: Istanbul is hilly and many streets are cobbled.

Mosques such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia ask visitors to dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered, and a headscarf for women. Shoes are taken off before entering the prayer area.

Some do: the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern guided tours listed here include skip-the-ticket-line entry, and Topkapi Palace has a fast-track entry option. Security checks still apply at the entrance.