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
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.
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
Berkay A.
Greetings. My name is Berkay. I have started my life as an engineering student yet decided that this is not my passion. So I have decided to become a tour guide just like my father. Since 2015 I am in tourism industry and trying to create different experiences for my guests. I am interested in cooking, showing my culture, martial arts ,archery and of course history. Looking forward to design you unique tours here in Turkey that you will carry with you forever.
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.
New Istanbul Tour Guides
Abdurrahim B.
I am widely regarded as one of the foremost guides specialising in the Gallipoli battlefields. I am renowned for my extensive knowledge, engaging storytelling and respectful approach to this significant historical site. Should you be searching for an in-depth and emotionally impactful tour of Gallipoli, I would be an excellent choice.
Bulent A.
I am nationwide tour guide, licensed by the minstery od tourism and culture. I have been in the tourism industry for the last 30+ years. I know the needs and want of modern day travelers. I will be happy to guide you Eylül in my lovely country TURKEY
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..
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
Popular Istanbul Private Tours
Landmarks of İstanbul
Landmarks of İstanbul
Three in One ( New Europe, Old Europe and Asia )
Three in One ( New Europe, Old Europe and Asia )
Through Bow&Arrow - Turkish Archery Experience
Through Bow&Arrow - Turkish Archery Experience
History based City Tour
History based City Tour
New Istanbul Private Tours
ISTANBUL shore excursion
ISTANBUL shore excursion
Ottomans’ İstanbul ll.
Ottomans’ İstanbul ll.
Ottomans' İstanbul
Ottomans' İstanbul
JOURNEY TO HISTORY
JOURNEY TO HISTORY
Popular Istanbul Private Cars
Gallipoli ANZAC Battlefields Day Trip From Istanbul
Gallipoli ANZAC Battlefields Day Trip From Istanbul
Unforgetable 2 Continent of Istanbul Tours With a Private Chauffeur Service (Mercedes Vito)
Unforgetable 2 Continent of Istanbul Tours With a Private Chauffeur Service (Mercedes Vito)
Istanbul Old City Walls And Chora Church Private Tour (up to 6pax)
Istanbul Old City Walls And Chora Church Private Tour (up to 6pax)
Private Full Day Istanbul Tour From Airport or GalataPort (up to 7pax)
Private Full Day Istanbul Tour From Airport or GalataPort (up to 7pax)
Istanbul Tour Reviews
Memona H.
“Extremely educational, amazing and engaging”
I clicked with Berkay right away , he is very talented and a reservoir of history, geography and linguistic knowledge. His passion for Turkish archery and traditional arts is definitely contagious and we were truly moved by it. The session of rich history and tour of the archery range, was accompanied by shooting arrows from the prized traditional bows. His patience and encouragement and empathetical understanding made us feel very comfortable and enthusiastic about a topic we had no idea about. Keep up the great work Berkay!
Berkay A.
Thank you very much for your kind words. It was a great day with great discussions. Hope to see you again.
Wa H.
“Great time!”
Emine arranged a guide to show us around Istanbul and it was a fantastic. I highly recommend her service.
Diego G.
“It was a lot more than I expected. I had so much fun.”
Berkay was super nice and professional. He took me to the Archers Lodge, which is a very exclusive and antient ottoman training area, and showed me the museum and the laboratories for the construction of bows. I had a chance to see people practicing, and even had the oportunity to practice myself in an amazing VIP shoting area. I will surely return to Turkey just to keep on practicing traditional ottoman archery. Thank you, Berkay.
Berkay A.
Thank you Diego for your nice review. It was great to have you and hope to see you again so we can practice more :)
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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