Daily Istanbul City Tour

|Daily, 2 Destinations |Starts from Istanbul

Best price guaranteed

No booking fees

Earn €20 in travel credits

Duration

daily

Max Group Size

Departure Type

Scheduled

Guiding Method

Fully guided

Physical level

easy

Operated In

English

Age Requirement

11 - 99 Ages

Tour Overview

Istanbul, a city where East meets West, is a vibrant metropolis rich in history, culture, and beauty. As Turkey's largest city, Istanbul is home to iconic landmarks that span thousands of years, reflecting the grandeur of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. The Daily Istanbul City Tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the city’s most famous attractions in a single day. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone wanting to experience the magic of Istanbul, this tour covers the highlights and gives you a deep dive into the city's rich heritage.

From the stunning Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar, this guided city tour lets you explore the essence of Istanbul’s cultural and architectural wonders. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning for a deeper experience, this tour offers a fantastic overview of Istanbul’s iconic sites and local flavor in a convenient, comfortable, and well-paced itinerary.

In-depth CulturalSightseeingDiscoveryDailyHistoricalExplorerMuseumFamilyPhotographySolo Travel

Route

Starts from

Istanbul

Ends in

Istanbul

Pickup Location

Hagia Sophia Mosque, 08:30

Dropoff Location

Hagia Sophia Mosque, 17:00

Attractions

Sultanahmet

Topkapi Palace Museum

Grand Bazaar (Istanbul)

Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)

Basilica of St. John

Hagia Sophia Mosque

Highlights

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya): A true masterpiece, Hagia Sophia is one of the most important and visually stunning landmarks in Istanbul. Originally built as a church in 537 AD during the Byzantine Empire, it was later converted into a mosque by the Ottomans, and today, it stands as a museum (though its status may vary). Visitors can admire the intricate mosaics, the enormous dome, and the fusion of Christian and Islamic architectural elements. It’s a symbol of Istanbul’s rich, multi-layered history. Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque): Located just across from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul's most recognizable structures. Known for its six minarets and its beautiful blue tiles that adorn the interior, the mosque is an architectural marvel and an active place of worship. A visit to the Blue Mosque gives you a chance to appreciate its grandeur and peaceful atmosphere. Topkapi Palace: The Topkapi Palace was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. This sprawling palace complex is full of treasures, including the famous Topkapi Dagger, priceless jewelry, sacred relics, and rooms with stunning views of the Bosphorus. The palace's beautiful courtyards, lush gardens, and fascinating exhibits give insight into the lavish life of the Ottoman court. Hippodrome of Constantinople (Sultanahmet Square): The ancient Hippodrome was once the center of chariot races and public events in Byzantine times. Today, Sultanahmet Square houses some of its surviving monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain. The Hippodrome area is a place to reflect on the grandeur of Byzantine life and the role the square played in public life for centuries. Basilica Cistern: The Basilica Cistern is an underground wonder that offers a glimpse into the advanced engineering of the Byzantine Empire. With its forest of ancient columns and tranquil waters, the cistern is an atmospheric place to visit. The sight of the Medusa heads (stone carvings of Medusa’s face) is particularly memorable. It’s a fascinating and cool retreat from the heat of the city above. Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı): One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar is a maze of over 4,000 shops selling everything from Turkish carpets and spices to jewelry and souvenirs. Whether you're looking for a unique souvenir, exploring the vibrant atmosphere, or practicing your bargaining skills, a visit to this bustling market is an essential Istanbul experience. Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı): The Spice Bazaar is a sensory overload of color, scent, and flavors. You can find a variety of spices, herbs, teas, dried fruits, and Turkish delights here. It’s a great spot to experience Istanbul’s flavors, pick up some culinary souvenirs, and experience the lively market atmosphere. Bosphorus Cruise (Optional): For an additional charge, some tours offer a Bosphorus Cruise that lets you take in the stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline from the water. This is an incredible way to see the city's iconic landmarks from a different perspective, including the Dolmabahce Palace, the Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus Bridge.

Itinerary

Day 1: St Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome

The city tour will start at the Old City after the delicious breakfast. Hippodrome is the main rota that was inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List in 1985 and the living heritage of both Byzantines and Ottomans can be seen. Around Sultanahmet, The German Fountain -which was gifted by German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1898-, the Obelisk of Theodosius – nearly 3,500 years old, was brought to the Hippodrome by Theodosius from the Temple of Karnak about in 390- can be seen. Serpent Column -considered that it was at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi before- and the Column of Constantine that was brought from Apollon temple in Rome are other highlighted sites of the tour.

The next stop is the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque). Its breathtaking design is the synthesis of 200-year-old of Ottoman mosque architecture with Byzantine church architecture. The mosque is reflecting majesty and grandeur concepts through its architectural features and its green, white Iznik tiles are fascinating with the blue ornaments of the dome.

Hagia Sophia Mosque which is referred to as the “8th Wonder of the World” is another amazing site that is more than 1,500 years old. The light creates a fascinating atmosphere while flowing inside from the dome windows, combining a colorful, mystic view when it reaches the mosaics on the wall. The lunch break will be around at 13:00 before shopping in Asil Efendi where all kinds of authentic gifts can be found such as Turkish tastes, Turkish coffee, exotic spices, herbs, and handicrafts. The tour ends with a hotel transfer.

Please Note: Please do not forget to carry a headscarf with you for the visit to religious places such as Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Mosque.

Trip includes

Included

Guide

Professional English speaking guide

Guiding Method
Fully guided

English

Transport

Pick-up and drop-up from yout hotel

Coach / BusMini-coachPrivate Vehicle

Other included

One day guided istanbul

Good to Know

Why Choose the Daily Istanbul City Tour?

Comprehensive Itinerary: This tour covers Istanbul’s most important landmarks, including religious, cultural, and historical sites. You’ll experience the city’s rich heritage in just one day, ideal for travelers with limited time.

Expert Guides: Local, knowledgeable guides will provide in-depth commentary, making sure you don’t miss out on the fascinating history and stories behind each site. They’ll also offer tips and recommendations for further exploration.

Convenient and Comfortable: With hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation between sites is easy and stress-free. The tour is well-paced to ensure you get the most out of each location without feeling rushed.

Perfect for First-Time Visitors: If you’re new to Istanbul, this tour offers a fantastic overview, allowing you to see the city’s essential landmarks and learn about its rich history and culture.

All Ages and Interests: Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or solo, the Daily Istanbul City Tour offers something for everyone—from architecture and history to shopping and local experiences.

Conclusion: The Daily Istanbul City Tour is a fantastic way to experience the city’s rich cultural and historical tapestry in just one day. From the iconic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque to the bustling markets and serene mosques, this guided tour will ensure you see the highlights of Istanbul while gaining a deeper understanding of its fascinating history. Whether you’re exploring for the first time or returning for a new perspective, this tour is the ideal way to uncover the magic of one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

Excluded

Meals

Lunch

Vegetarian

Halal

Meat

Insurance

Insurance: All types

Other not included

The entrance fees are not included
Tipping
Turkey entry visa
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry
Any others expenses which are not mentioned at the included section

Availability

Loading. Please wait.

Now, just deposit 25% of the total

Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.

Request a Private, Customizable Departure

By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:

Personal

Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.

Protected

Travel withing your own bubble.

Professional

Access our Travel Specialists insider knowledge.

Privacy

Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.

Why book with Travelshopbooking

Best price quaranteed.

100% financial protection.

Earn $20+ in travel credits.

No credit card or booking fees.

Carbon neutral tours.

100 reviews on trustpilot

Cancellation Policy

On our global marketplace TravelShop Booking Supplier is recognized globally as an online tourism marketplace connecting travelers, suppliers, and tour operators worldwide. All users acknowledge that TravelShop Booking is a platform not liable for canceled tours, poor services, or unforeseen circumstances occurring before, during, or after the tour.

Need help or have a question about this tour?

if you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

We're ready to help.