Istanbul Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

Hi there. My name is Semih. I live in İstanbul. I am professional licensed tourist guide. I would like to host my curious tourist guests as being their tour guide.

Tunahan O.

I am a tour guide in Istanbul. I usually do walking tours and street tours. I have a lot of routes in Istanbul

Yasin K.

Merhaba (Hello) from a friendly Istanbulite! My name is Yasin, a licenced tour guide who is in love with his city. Istanbul is more than a regular city. It has been a melting pot of different empires, religions, languages and cultures for centuries! I've been living in this amazing city for 36 years and have about 8 years of experience as a guide. My purpose is not only to show you some historical buildings but also give you a chance to learn more about our unique history, culture-traditions, cuisine, daily life etc. I am very interested in both Roman/Eastern Roman (Byzantine) and Ottoman heritage of Istanbul, so I can offer you very specific tours that you'll always remember. I have basic information on the old/medieval Greek and can read the Ottoman Turkish. I can also understand caligraphic inscriptions easily. I believe that if you really want to feel the soul of historical buildings, you should know what those inscriptions explain to us. That's why I spent so much time to improve myself in this field. I also love photography and trying different types of healthy and traditional food. Fortunately, Istanbul gives us a great chance for them. I'll be so happy to help you with them, too! Feel free to contact me for either a full-day or a half-day tour. I can provide you a complete program or customizable itinerary. Let's explore this amazing city and unique culture together!

Muzaffer E.

Welcome to Türkiye! Your passionate local guide (originally from Istanbul!) is here! It is my pleasure to customize my tours for your unique experiences according to your requests. After getting my bachelor's degree in econometrics as a valedictorian and working in finance and foreign trade sectors in Türkiye for several years, I went to the USA. When I had studied my master's in economics at George Washington University (GWU), I was offered two prestigious postgraduate scholarships by The University of Nottingham (UoN) and so, I moved to the UK. After getting my PGCert in economics from The UoN, I moved back to Istanbul and started my master's in econometrics in order to pursue a PhD. However, at the same time, I took my first steps towards my professional carreer in tourism. During my life in Washington DC, for about 4 years, I had experienced not only being a volunteer translator for Turkish delegations and international students hosted by non-profit organizations sponsored by the US government, but also being a volunteer guide of them for cultural tours including the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex. Therefore, after moving back to Istanbul, I desired presenting Istanbul - my lovely hometown! - and Türkiye to tourists in the right way and completed the tourist guidance program at Cappadocia University as a full scholarship scholar. I also hold an associate of arts degree in cultural heritage and tourism and have been studying art history at Istanbul Medeniyet University. I have been qualified by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Republic of Türkiye, as an expert professional guide in Istanbul - Cappadocia - Ephesus, Kusadasi and on the Eastern Roman Empire - Gobekli Tepe and Upper Mesopotamia - the Seven Churches of Revelation. Looking forward to meeting you on your next trip to Türkiye. Thank you for your time and interest. All the best, Muzaffer

Umut K.

Hello , I am a professional licensed english speaking tour guide in Turkey, I do guiding all around Turkey.

Dilek O.

5.00 / 5

(1 reviews)

Hi everyone, My name is Dilek, a national - licensed tour guide. I am 42 years old and have been guiding for 14 years. My husband is from Mexico and with our two young kids we live in Istanbul. When I don't work I spend most of my time outdoor with my family, enjoy istanbul as much as we can. I am qualified in the knowledge of Turkish history, mythology, archaeology, history of religion and history of art. I speak English and Spanish. Following my university graduation, I lived in England for 5 years where I continued my education studying Travel and Tourism at Greenwich School of Management. After I lived a short time in Guatemala, Cuba to learn Spanish. In my tour I would like to show you architectural styles, historical fun facts, famous historical monuments, tell you about the peoples life in Istanbul, how we spend our days, where do people go to eat, what we eat, where we shop, what we listen, the best places to eat, drink and party. As your local guide, I am flexible to your wishes and needs. Making it interesting and enjoyable for you is my wish. With all of my years of experience in the travel industry, I hope to help you make the most of your time in beautiful Istanbul by taking a tour with me. I very much look forward to meeting you all!

Uğur K.

Hello, I am Uğur. After graduating from the Faculty of Economics at the university, I started working in tourism. Then one day I realized that guidance would make me more enjoy and self-actualization. Because I was hungry for history, I was hungry for knowledge, my curiosity was high. I developed myself in this field and became a tour guide professionally by taking the official trainings we need to take. Here I was in the field that I was looking for and made me happy. When I first started working in the field, I was very excited, I made simple mistakes out of excitement, but they all tasted good, maybe it is these pleasant mistakes that still give the local flavor to the tours I do. Even though I travel and tell the same places with different people from all over the world, the feeling of traveling to the same places with different friends or different places with the same friends never goes away. Sharing my knowledge and empathizing with people makes me feel happy. I have friends from all over the world and this is the best part of this job. I love my job, I love history, I love people... Recently, I have been working as a mediator in order to make social use of the experience I have gained in this field and try to make a positive impact on the society I live in.

Doğan M.

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Welcome to Istanbul! My name is Dogan, and I have been working as a tourist guide in this magnificent city for three years. I am here to help you explore Istanbul's rich history, unique flavors, and diverse culture. I am eager to provide you with an unforgettable experience. If you have any questions tours, reservations and personalised programs please feel free to ask. Let's immerse ourselves in the enchantment of Istanbul together!

New Istanbul Tour Guides

Rasim T.

Enthusiastic And Enjoyable ToursProfessional Tour Guide First-class customer service, Interesting Insights , Very Knowledgeable A+ Private Tour Guide, treated like VIP With more than 20 years of professional guiding experience, Our Tour Guides are very passionate sharing informations about Istanbul ,Ephesus, Cappadocia and rest of Turkey with great Narrations

Hamide C.

Hi everyone! My name is Hamide. I'm a professional tour guide who studied and graduated with bachelor's degree. I've been guiding for 14 years with a great enthusiasm. I'm a lifetime learner and experiencer in my stunning city, Istanbul! I love to see the reaction on the faces of my guests that happens when they let Istanbul touch their souls. I like listening what old buildings tells, strolling on the narrow streets of historical and local markets and feasting my tongue with unique tastes... I'm just looking for more friends who would like to join me to share my experiences!

Maksut C.

I'm a native Istanbulite guide and I have a great love and knowledge of Istanbul and Turkey. I strongly believe that no one can show you the true soul of a place better than an insider who will open the doors to new cultures for you. As an Istanbulite Tour Guide; I have no scripted speeches or monologues. I am enthusiastic and I love what I do passionately. Because of my local and area-specific travel information, I consider myself an ambassador of culture and my mission is to create unique, innovative vacation tours that not only showcase the history, archeology and beauty of my country you visit, but also to help travelers discover the soul of the people and their wonderful hospitality. So, you'll catch the excitement when you hear the stories behind the facade, which was carved onto the walls, that even most residents don’t know. After providing literally hundreds of tours over the years and especially after receiving high satisfaction ratings from the travelers in my groups I decided to share my own first-hand Turkey travel knowledge and experience, the result of my own personal quest of the wonders of Turkey and its best representations of the culture such as local customs, daily life, cuisine, special events. As a licensed and private Tour Guide, it is my pleasure to build a tour that focuses on your interests, preferences and whims and make your tour experience the most memorable and informative that you could wish for. Let me liberate you from the confines of a fixed itinerary. Travel with me in a way that provides the most entertaining, informative, amusing and memorable experience and enjoy the freedom to explore with an itinerary tailor-made to suit your interests and maximize your time. Let me know exactly what you wish for and together we will construct an itinerary based on your areas of interest and must-see sites. Please contact me for all your questions and requirements.

Doğan deniz D.

Greetings from Istanbul, Im Profesional nationwide tour guide since 2014 and preparing designated tailor made tours for guest wishes to explore the city without hustle. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask me.

Sedat C.

My personal background and linguistic skills (English, Turkish, Arabic) have both strongly influenced my decision to be at tourism sector since many years. I completed my primary and secondary education in Kuwait, where I was born and raised. Upon moving to Turkey with my family in 2003, I completed my bachelor degree at the Department of Security Science of Ataturk University in Erzurum. Later on, I entered to Istanbul Police Directorate as Police Officer responsible for tourism. I resigned with my own will in January 2018 due to career and academic purposes. After my resignation, I worked as an Inspector in Istanbul Chamber of Guides, where I inspected official tourist guides and illegal tourist guides. My background in a foreign country and my years of experience in the international environment has convinced me to be an accredited tourist guide.

Richard M.

Hello travelling foodies, Richard here! I am a French national, born and bred in Istanbul. My passion for cooking brought me to Cordon Bleu Paris almost 20 years ago. After working in top kitchens for many years in Paris, a job offer to become a chef instructor in one of the most prestigious culinary schools in Istanbul brought me back in 2013. I love sharing the knowledge, passion and experience that I gathered over the years as a chef and a culinary educator during my tours. This is why I have teamed up with Deniz, a longtime friend from Cordon Bleu, chef turned professional food tour guide. We lead gastronomic adventures through bustling markets, multi-generational specialty food stores , iconic Istanbulite institutions as well as hidden gems off the beaten path. We believe that tasting authentic flavours and learning about the stories behind them is the best way to appreciate the rich diversity of any culture. Let’s savour all the deliciousness that Istanbul has to offer together.

Tugce G.

Professional Tour / Travel Guide Licensed & Certified by Turkish Republic Ministry of Tourism & Culture. From Turkey/istanbul.

Özgür E.

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Hello I am Ozy From Turkey. I am a Tour Guide and also Manager of a Tour Company. I can speak Japanese and English. I am working as a Guide about 15 Year And Manager of Tour Company about 8 Years. I am the exper of my Country, Turkey, I can give you any information about 81 City of Turkey. Also, we have a Guide Team, Who can speak English, Turkish, Japanese, German, Spanish. And also we can provide any other Languages speaking Guide. You can ask me whatever you want about the Turkey. You can ask me about anything.....Transfer, Hotel, Baloon, Jeep Safari, Parasailing, Horse Riding, Flight Ticket.....If you want to return to your country with an unforgettable experiences, WILL BE WAITING IN TURKEY...

Popular Istanbul Private Tours

Must See Places in Istanbul

It's always a good idea to see the highlights of the city during the first day of your visit to Istanbul for a good introduction accompanied by the stories of this stunning city blended with history, culture, mythology, geography and cuisine. For someone who is visiting a new city for the first time it's a place people are just passing by. When it comes to the exploring the hidden gems you may need a company.

Top five most visited sites of Istanbul walking private tour

Your walking tour will include the most visited (and most famous!) sites of Istanbul's historic peninsula. Your old Istanbul walking tour takes you to the imperial center of the old Turkish Ottoman Turkish Empire. Visit the Blue Mosque, Beautiful mosque with predominantly blue stained glass windows and tiles, Topkapı Palace where you can get good understanding about how the Turks ruled and lived, The Grand Bazaar with more than 4 thousands shops and the relics of the Roman (Byzantine) Empire: Ha

History based City Tour

Istanbul is one of the most beautiful city in the world. It has so many attractions, Bosphorus and Istanbul is the city connects Asia to Europe. There are so many buildings coming from past, reflects the whole history. You will be surprised when buildings start to talk to you and say their own stories in the exact place.

Topkapi Palace and Harem

3 hours

This tour is for the travellers who want to know Topkapi Palace deeply with its harem. There has always been two different life in this palace, one for the men of the court which includes Sultan, all other politicians, soldiers, Enderun students, other one is for women including wives, concubines, daughters of Sultan. Throughout history very few people entered into harem, this has been the reason of curiosity. We will picture the life in harem together.

Magics of Istanbul

Welcome to Magics of Istanbul. Today we will see the most visited places in the city. What we have in our program: Hagia Sophia-The Church of Divine Wisdom is the highlight of this day, the Roman / Byzantine Hippodrome, where the chariot races were organized by the Romans and Byzantines, Blue Mosque the only mosque with six minarets, The Grand Bazaar for demonstration of Turkish Handicrafts, Lunch time and Topkapı Palace

FROM$149/ per person

Taste The Local Food in A Turkish Way

3 hours

Tonight is the time that you will try the Turkish food in a local way. We will go to different places like locals do.We try Simit, Turkish Alcohol Rakı, Turkish Tea, Turkish coffe and more. While you are trying the Turkish food you will have the chance liste to different stories about the food.It will be a walking tour.

FROM$159/ per person

Shopping in Old Bazaars With Your Local Guide

3 hours 30 min

Shopping in old bazaars always makes you confuse when you try to bargain. As bargaining is a tradition in Turkey it is better to go with a professional local guide. Firstly we visit Grand Bazaar and then walk down to Spice Bazaar which is also called Egyptian Bazaar.

FROM$59/ per person

Two Continents and Bosphorus Excursion

Istanbul is one of the biggest city on the world and it is the only city with two continents. With this excursion you will have the chance to see Asia and Europe. Plus you see the marvellous bosphorus on the boat.

FROM$159/ per person

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New Istanbul Private Tours

2 Continents 1 City: From Europe to Asia

4 hours

Istanbul is the only city in the world situated on two continents. This tour will start from the Eminönü. In this tour we will see the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, a coffee roastery from the Ottoman period, Spice Bazaar, Galata Bridge, Building of Ottoman Bank on the European side. Then we will go to the Asian side by a short boat tour. We will see the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, Fountain of Ahmed III, Gastronomy Street of Usküdar and New Mother's Mosque.

FROM$200/ per group

Tunahan O.

The Capital Of The Old World

The historic peninsula, serving as Istanbul's cultural and historical nucleus, naturally serves as the ideal starting point for any exploration of the city. Old Istanbul, renowned for its abundance of palaces, temples, and cisterns, boasts not only stunning natural landscapes but also an array of breathtaking historical landmarks.

FROM$200/ per group

Maksut C.

Istanbul Step by Step

Istanbul is a city must be explored by experiencing, trying and tasting. I let my guests touch almost everything in the same day step by step. A little history, culture, food and tradition...

FROM$200/ per person

Hamide C.

Highlights of Istanbul (Half Day)

4 hours

This 4-hour tour takes you on a journey through Istanbul's iconic landmarks. Explore the majestic Hagia Sophia and its stunning dome, marvel at the elegant Blue Mosque, and discover the ancient Basilica Cistern with its impressive columns. Visit the historic Hippodrome, adorned with ancient monuments, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, where diverse goods and rich cultural experiences await.

FROM$250/ per group

Muzaffer E.

Highlights of Istanbul (Full Day)

This 7-hour tour takes you on a journey through Istanbul's iconic landmarks. See the largest courtyard of the Topkapi Palace where Hagia Eirene is, explore the majestic Hagia Sophia and its stunning dome, marvel at the elegant Blue Mosque, and discover the ancient Basilica Cistern with its impressive columns. Visit the historic Hippodrome, adorned with ancient monuments, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, where diverse goods and rich cultural experiences await.

FROM$300/ per group

Muzaffer E.

Three in One ( New Europe, Old Europe and Asia )

Do we only have one day in Istanbul? Do you want to see a little bit of everything in Istanbul? Three in One is just for you. We usually explore three regions of Istanbul (the New European part, the Historical Peninsula and the Asian part of Istanbul) with a walking tour. Sometimes we also take public transportation to see local people. We go to local restaurants to taste the food eaten by local people. We shop like local people in historical bazaars. A beautiful day awaits you in Istanbul.

FROM$150/ per group

Rasim T.

Taksim - Istiklal Street - Galata Tower

3 hours 30 min

Taksim and Istiklal Street are Istanbul's most visited and famous pedestrian streets. In this tour, starting from Taksim Square, you will see historical passages, churches and beautiful artistic buildings on Istiklal Street. Additionally, Galata Tower, one of the most beautiful towers of Istanbul, will be seen.

FROM$160/ per group

Tunahan O.

Sultanahmet (Old City) Walking Tour

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5 hours

Welcome to Istanbul. We will visit the Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Basilica Cistern together with you by walking. If you want to discover the most visited places in Istanbul, this tour is for you.

FROM$200/ per group

Tunahan O.

Istanbul Tour Reviews

Felixberto generoso n M.

5 / 5

Jan 2, 2024

History based City Tour

4 hours 30 min

Jan 2, 2024

“Istanbul personalized tour”

It was great considering the short, short time. He showed me all the tourist places in Istanbul, at least the important ones due to time limitation. The Topkaki Palace was already closed by then so I did not get to see it. But got to see the beautiful mosques not only the Hagia. He is very knowledgeable of the history of, and proud of his city - Istanbul. Would have been great if this was a whole day tour, but time limitations due to flight arrivals late in the afternoon prevented that. Anyways, try him, you will not regret it. Thanks

Hiroshi T.

5 / 5

Nov 3, 2023

Top five most visited sites of Istanbul walking private tour

Nov 3, 2023

“Very enjoyable tour”

It was great fun to walk the basic course of Istanbul with Dilek. She was very cheerful and kind. In addition, she seemed to be friends with many guides in the city, so I was able to walk very efficiently while obtaining the latest information on congestion and other things from them.

Dilek O.

(1 reviews)

Hi Hiroshi Thank you very much for your positive review. It is a big motivation for me to see you were satisfied with my tour. Thank you very much for your interest in my country and for your visit.

Kevin S.

5 / 5

May 27, 2023

Must See Places in Istanbul

May 27, 2023

“Great tour”

Excellent guide. Quite pleasant and very informative. Really good way for someone with a mobility issue to see the city. Rather than me having to keep up with a ship’s tour, she was able to adapt to my slow speed.

Duygu G.

(3 reviews)

Thank you very much Kevin. I really enjoyed guiding for you and Mary and I'm hoping to see you again some day. Please take care and stay well

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