Istanbul Private Tours & Local Tour Guides
Discover Things to Do and Plan a Trip to Istanbul, Turkey with a Local Guide
Popular Istanbul Tour Guides
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!
Semih B.
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.
Sedat C.
Merhaba(Turkish) First of all, welcome to my profile. I don't want to keep it too long and bore you, as I believe my life story will be much more interesting the day we embark on a tour together :) I was born in Kuwait and lived there for many years. After completing my education at an Indian school, my family and I permanently moved to Türkiye in 2003. After completing high school and university in Turkiye, I began my career as a Police Officer. While working as a Tourism Police officer, I discovered my passion for traveling. In 2018, I took the initiative to resign and ventured into the path of becoming a Tourist Guide. I have traveled to more than 15 countries and still love exploring. I believe traveling is the best investment one can make in themselves. I am fluent in English and Arabic. I believe that living abroad and studying in a foreign school are crucial factors for communication with people of different languages, religions, and races. Looking forward to meeting you on tours soon. Best wishes, Sedat
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
New Istanbul Tour Guides
Didem T.
Hi, My name is Didem. I was born in 1977 in Istanbul and I am a licensed tour guide working in Istanbul where my family has lived for more than a century. Before studying tour guiding I studied economics and worked in banking and finance for many years. As I was so much amazed with the rich history of my hometown I decided to study guiding and turn my passion to my profession. Today I am so happy that I have been able to share my knowledge, passion and love for Istanbul with the thousands of guests I have guided so far. I do hope that our paths will cross with you and It will be my pleasure to guide you in our beautiful Istanbul.
Volkan C.
Hello and welcome to my beautiful amazing and Majestic city ; İstanbul.. My name is Volkan, I live in İstanbul and I have been a tour guide aprroximately for 15 years.. I hope our tour will be very enjoyable for you ; walking in history, tasting amazing food, feeling the atmosphere of bazaars.. If you need experinced professional guide to feel relax and happy, contact with me with a real local.. Let's tailor our tours according to our needs..
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!
Popular Istanbul Private Tours
2-Day Private Tour in Istanbul
Is 1 day not enough for you to explore Istanbul? First day will be for the classics such as Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar. On our second day let's go to some beautiful local markets and historical neighborhoods where you can get a local flavour. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to spend more than 2 days with me or customize this tour.
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.
Istanbul Daily (Old City) Walking Tour
Meeting at your hotel/location Tour Itinerary ~ Topkapi Palace (Harem included) - Enterance fee : 1700 Turkish Lira per person ~ Hagia Sophia (Upper Gallery for non muslims Enterance fee (25 Euro) per person ~ Blue Mosque ~ Hippodrome ~ Basilica Cistern - Enterance fee : 900 Turkish Lira per person ~ Grand Bazaar
Sultanahmet (Old City) Walking Tour
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.
New Istanbul Private Tours
Landmarks of İstanbul
İstanbul is an amazing city with 2700 years of history as the capital of two empires. With this tour we are starting the day with the oldest structure of Constantinople, the Hippodrome and the Egytian Obelisk. Then we are visiting two more landmarks from the Roman era, 1500 years old Hagia Sophia and Basilica cistern. After our inside visits to the Roman landmarks, we'll see Blue Mosque from outside and walk to the Grand Bazaar to enjoy this 600 years old Ottoman bazaar with 4000 shops.
JOURNEY TO HISTORY
Hello dear guests, this amazing tour includes so special spots to see and learn as ; -one of The Majestic Buildings of The World "Hagia Sophia", -one of the Amazing Mosques of The World "Blue (Sultan Ahmed) Mosque", -The Best Palace of The World "Topkapı Palace", -One of The highlights of The World "Underground (basilica) Cistern, -One of the greatest and oldest Shopping Centres in tge world "Grand Bazaar" and near by beautiful Art Galleries, -The Famous hippodrome with Egyptian Obelisk, etc..
Non-Stop Shopping in Istanbul
İstanbul is the Silk road's city and rich varieties of Turkish style handicrafts are available here. Our tour includes nice and various presentations of our Art coming from history.. Amazing handicrafts as tile, ceramic, plate, vase, Fascinating wool, cotton, silk handmade carpet and kilim, So nice leather jacket, fur, kashmere, scarf, Attractive jewelery and turquise, ruby, jade, tanzanit and black diamonds, etc.. Delicious Turkish delights (lokum), Herbal Tea, Baklava, Saffron, etc..
Colorful corners of the Golden Horn: Fener-Balat-Pierre Loti
One of the most colorful places in Istanbul is the districts along the Golden Horn. There are many colorful houses and streets with stairs where you can take many photos. Additionally, one of Istanbul's 2 cable car lines is located on this route.
Istanbul Tour Reviews
“Istanbul in the rain”
Despite the weather, we had a wonderful experience with Sedat. His knowledge of the city and its history is exceptional. His outgoing and friendly nature made us feel welcomed, comfortable and safe. His “connections” at the various attractions managed to get us out of the rain quicker than expected. Would recommend Sedat to anyone
Sedat C.
Thank you very much Chris. Despite the rainy weather, the warmth of you both warmed my heart. You completed Turkey’s most challenging tour despite the harsh weather conditions, and that is truly commendable. You are both true adventurers.
“A poor experience”
Our group was very disappointed with Semih presentation. His English was hard to understand, we told him we could only do a four tour & when booking he said he could cover all the major sites, which we didn't. He walked ver y slowly & had to be prompted when ever we passed anything interesting. We ended the tour after 3 1/2 hr.
Janet E.
Top five most visited sites of Istanbul walking private tour
“Main sites of Istanbul”
Very knowledgeable professional friendly guide. Very mindful of our requirements. Picked us up and dropped off at the cruise port. Good fun to be with. Excellent value for money would highly recommend!
Istanbul Private Tour Guide
Discover Istanbul with a private tour guide for an immersive experience, shaped to your interests, from culinary delights to historical wonders, to hidden gems.
In Istanbul, hiring a private tour guide can greatly enhance your exploration of this vibrant and historic city. A guide can provide detailed narratives and historical insights about iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern. For example, learning about the architectural marvels and the historical significance of these landmarks from a knowledgeable guide can enrich your understanding and appreciation of Istanbul’s rich heritage.
Private tours of the ‘City Of The World’s Desire’ offers the chance to delve into Istanbul's historical and cultural treasures. With a private guide, you can explore the ancient Byzantine monasteries, uncovering their fascinating histories and architectural splendor. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Galata and Pera, where you can admire the stunning blend of European and Ottoman influences in the buildings and streets. To add a touch of entertainment, your guide can arrange an evening of traditional Turkish belly dancing, allowing you to experience the vibrant energy and artistry of this captivating performance.
Istanbul Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a tour guide for Istanbul?
While it’s not mandatory to have a tour guide in Istanbul, having one can significantly enhance your experience. Istanbul is a city with a rich and layered history, and a knowledgeable guide can offer deeper insights into its cultural and historical sites, such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
A guide can also help you navigate the city's bustling streets, recommend local eateries, and share hidden gems that you might otherwise miss. For first-time visitors, hiring a tour guide is highly recommended to fully appreciate Istanbul's heritage and charm.
While it’s not mandatory to have a tour guide in Istanbul, having one can significantly enhance your experience. Istanbul is a city with a rich and layered history, and a knowledgeable guide can offer deeper insights into its cultural and historical sites, such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
A guide can also help you navigate the city's bustling streets, recommend local eateries, and share hidden gems that you might otherwise miss. For first-time visitors, hiring a tour guide is highly recommended to fully appreciate Istanbul's heritage and charm.
What is the best way to tour Istanbul?
The best way to tour Istanbul is a combination of guided tours and independent exploration.
- Start with a guided tour to get an overview of the city's main attractions and historical context. Walking tours, in particular, are a great way to explore neighborhoods like Sultanahmet and Beyoglu. Additionally, taking a Bosphorus cruise offers a unique perspective of the city from the water.
- For independent exploration, using Istanbul’s efficient public transportation system, including trams, ferries, and buses, will help you get around easily.
The best way to tour Istanbul is a combination of guided tours and independent exploration.
- Start with a guided tour to get an overview of the city's main attractions and historical context. Walking tours, in particular, are a great way to explore neighborhoods like Sultanahmet and Beyoglu. Additionally, taking a Bosphorus cruise offers a unique perspective of the city from the water.
- For independent exploration, using Istanbul’s efficient public transportation system, including trams, ferries, and buses, will help you get around easily.
Is Istanbul a walking city?
Yes, Istanbul is very much a walking city, especially in areas like Sultanahmet, where many of the major historical attractions are located within walking distance of each other.
The neighborhoods of Beyoglu, Karakoy, and Balat are also best explored on foot, allowing you to soak in the local atmosphere, discover quaint cafés, and enjoy the city's vibrant street life. However, due to its hilly terrain and sprawling size, you may need to use public transportation or taxis to cover longer distances.
Yes, Istanbul is very much a walking city, especially in areas like Sultanahmet, where many of the major historical attractions are located within walking distance of each other.
The neighborhoods of Beyoglu, Karakoy, and Balat are also best explored on foot, allowing you to soak in the local atmosphere, discover quaint cafés, and enjoy the city's vibrant street life. However, due to its hilly terrain and sprawling size, you may need to use public transportation or taxis to cover longer distances.
How many days in Istanbul are needed?
To truly experience Istanbul and its main attractions, a minimum of 3 to 4 days is recommended. This allows you to visit key sites like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, as well as enjoy a Bosphorus cruise and explore neighborhoods like Beyoglu and Kadikoy.
If you have more time, extending your stay to a week will enable you to delve deeper into the city’s cultural scene, visit lesser-known attractions, and take day trips to nearby destinations like the Princes' Islands.
To truly experience Istanbul and its main attractions, a minimum of 3 to 4 days is recommended. This allows you to visit key sites like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, as well as enjoy a Bosphorus cruise and explore neighborhoods like Beyoglu and Kadikoy.
If you have more time, extending your stay to a week will enable you to delve deeper into the city’s cultural scene, visit lesser-known attractions, and take day trips to nearby destinations like the Princes' Islands.
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Istanbul is sometimes described as the world’s largest open air museum. Antiquities abound but due to time constraints, tourists need to be selective. There are numerous popular venues to visit and magnificent sights to see, especially in the historic hea...
Top 5 Shopping Spots In Istanbul
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Istanbul is the commercial center of Turkey and an important gateway for trade between Europe, Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea. For centuries, the city’s merchants have sold their rich variety of wares to its cosmopolitan visitors. There is som...
Our Top 3 Private Nature Tours In Istanbul
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Inasmuch as Istanbul is a cross-cultural treasure trove of history, it is also the crossroads of several natural phenomena. The city is a transition zone between the Mediterranean and Euro-Siberian biological regions, resulting in a rich diversity of anim...
Travel Like A Celebrity - Luxury Tours in Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is no stranger to luxury. Formerly known as Constantinople, for centuries it was home to the rulers of one of the world’s top historic superpowers. The opulence of the ages is still evident in many parts of the city, and can be enjoyed to this da...
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