Istanbul Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

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

Semih B.

5.00 / 5

(1 reviews)

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.

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

Yasin K.

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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!

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!

Doğan M.

There is a saying in the Middle East called "hello". If you look in the dictionary; It will translate as "hello" but the real meaning of this word is "you will find friendship here, feel comfortable". Merhaba, I'm Dogan. I am 27 years old, I have a degree in both international relations and international trade, a master's degree in guidance, and I am currently an art history student. I have been a student for many years and my area of expertise is having a pleasant time with a low budget - just like students.

Maksut C.

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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.

Popular Istanbul Private Tours

Must See Places in Istanbul

7 hours

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

8 hours

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

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.

History based City Tour

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8 hours

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.

New Istanbul Private Tours

Enchanting Family Escapade: Tailored for Kids and Parents Alike

6 hours

We will take the tram to Eyüp Sultan district. Then, depending on your preference, we can visit Eyüp Sultan Mosque and feed the pigeons. Afterwards, we will take the cable car up to Pierre Loti Hill for a nice tea or coffee break at the Terrace. Then, we will descend and transfer to small boats to visit Miniaturk. An open-air miniature park located in Istanbul, Turkey. It features meticulously crafted miniature models of famous landmarks from Turkey and other parts of the world.

FROM$150/ per group

Sedat C.

Street Delights Through the Eyes of a Turk

4 hours

In this tour, we will take a ferry from the European side to the Asian side to experience both a walking tour and a taste of street delights. We will visit Kadıköy, one of the most beautiful districts on the Asian side. In short, Kadıköy is a district primarily inhabited by locals rather than tourists.

FROM$150/ per group

Sedat C.

Exploring Istanbul's Majesty: A Journey Through Topkapı Palace

4 hours

Topkapı Palace is an important part of Istanbul's historical and cultural heritage. By visiting it, you have the opportunity to explore the rich history and impressive architecture of the Ottoman Empire. The palace served as the living quarters and administrative center for Ottoman sultans, playing a significant role in Istanbul's and even world history. Visiting Topkapı Palace allows you to discover this important heritage and gain a window into the magnificent past of the Ottoman Empire.

FROM$150/ per group

Sedat C.

2 Continents 1 City: From Europe to Asia

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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.

Istanbul Tour Reviews

Monica Z.

5 / 5

Jun 29, 2024

Customized Tour for June 18

5 hours

Customized

Jun 29, 2024

“Istanbul Adventures”

We had a wonderful time touring Istanbul with Tunahan. We visited historical sites, big shopping streets, and lesser known gems. If was great fun to use local transportation and taste the local cuisine. Tunahan has great historical knowledge and was able to answer all our questions. We loved it!

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

8 hours

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.

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