Private Tour
Istanbul
Where East meets West: mosques, bazaars and vibrant neighbourhoods.
About Istanbul
Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents, Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus strait. Capital of three empires (Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman), it offers a fascinating blend of history, culture and modern life that you won't find anywhere else on the planet.
Walking through Istanbul is like travelling through time. In Sultanahmet, the historic heart of the city, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque face each other as witnesses to centuries of splendour. Topkapı Palace, from where the sultans ruled an empire that stretched across three continents, holds jewels, relics and gardens overlooking the Bosphorus.
But Istanbul goes far beyond its classic monuments. Neighbourhoods such as Balat, with its colourful houses and artisan cafés, cosmopolitan Karaköy and the lively İstiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu reveal the city's most contemporary side. A Bosphorus cruise at sunset, with mosques and palaces lit up on both shores, is an experience that stays with you for ever.
What to See in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
A masterpiece of world architecture, built in 537 as a Byzantine cathedral. Its dome, 56 metres high, was the largest in the world for almost a thousand years. Today it serves as a mosque, preserving its stunning golden Byzantine mosaics alongside Islamic elements.
Read more about Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet)
Famous for its six minarets, it was built by Sultan Ahmed I in 1616. The interior is decorated with more than 20,000 İznik tiles in shades of blue, which give the mosque its popular name. Entry is free outside prayer times.
Read more about Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet)Topkapı Palace
Home of the Ottoman sultans for four centuries. Its four courtyards house the Harem, the collection of relics of the Prophet, imperial jewels such as the Spoonmaker's Diamond (86 carats), and unforgettable views over the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
Read more about Topkapı PalaceGrand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)
One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 4,000 shops spread over 60 streets. Here you'll find everything from Turkish carpets and mosaic lamps to spices, jewellery and ceramics. The art of bargaining is part of the experience.
Read more about Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)Bosphorus cruise
The best way to take in Istanbul is from the water. The route passes Ottoman palaces such as Dolmabahçe, medieval fortresses, yalıs (wooden waterfront mansions) and the bridges linking Europe and Asia. At sunset, the city turns into a spectacle of lights.
Read more about Bosphorus cruiseBalat neighbourhood
Istanbul's most photogenic neighbourhood, with steep streets lined with colourful houses, Byzantine churches, synagogues and hip cafés. For centuries it was home to the city's Jewish and Greek communities. Today it is the centre of Istanbul's alternative, bohemian scene.
Read more about Balat neighbourhoodMust-See Places
Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque
Grand Bazaar
Topkapı Palace
Bosphorus
Balat neighbourhood
Food in Istanbul
Istanbul's food is a universe of its own. For breakfast, serpme kahvaltı (the spread-out Turkish breakfast) is a sacred ritual: dozens of small plates of cheeses, olives, honey, jams, eggs and the famous simit (sesame bread ring). Don't miss menemen (eggs scrambled with tomatoes and peppers).
For lunch, kebabs are king: from döner to İskender, by way of spicy Adana. A balık ekmek (fish sandwich) by the Galata Bridge is a must. Meze (starters) in a meyhane (tavern) in Beyoğlu make the best dinner: hummus, ezme, yaprak sarma, washed down with rakı, the Turkish aniseed spirit.
For dessert, baklava, künefe (a hot cheese pastry made with shredded kadayıf dough) and Turkish ice cream from Kahramanmaraş are essential. Turkish tea (çay) and Turkish coffee, listed by UNESCO as intangible heritage, are drunk at all hours.
Practical Tips
- Visit Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. Women need to cover their hair to enter mosques.
- Buy the Museum Pass Istanbul to save on entrance tickets and skip the queues at Topkapı, the Archaeological Museums and more.
- Use an Istanbulkart for public transport: it works on the metro, trams, buses and ferries, and is much cheaper than single tickets.
- Bargaining is expected at the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. Start by offering 40–50% of the asking price.
- Try the local neighbourhood restaurants (lokanta) to eat like an Istanbulite: delicious home-style cooking at very low prices.
- The best free viewpoints: the rooftop of Büyük Valide Han, Pierre Loti Hill (reachable by cable car) and Çamlıca Park on the Asian side.
Getting There
Istanbul is one of the world's great aviation hubs, with direct flights from most major cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America. It has two international airports: Istanbul Airport (IST), the main intercontinental hub, on the European side about 40 km from the centre; and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), on the Asian side. From IST, the Havaist bus or a taxi (fixed fares by zone) will take you to the centre in 45–60 minutes.
IST also has a direct metro link (line M11) to Kağıthane station, where you can change to other lines. If you land at Sabiha Gökçen, the Havaist bus to Taksim takes about 90 minutes depending on traffic.
As your guide, I arrange private airport transfers so you can start your trip without any worries.
Tours in Istanbul
Private Tour
Istanbul in Depth 8 Days
Private Tour
Türkiye by Air 7 Days
Frequently Asked Questions about Istanbul
How many days do I need to visit Istanbul?
I recommend spending at least 3 days in Istanbul so you can see the main sights at a relaxed pace. If you have more time, you can combine it with nearby destinations to make the most of your trip.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
The best time to visit Istanbul is April to June, September to November. That said, every season has its charm, and Türkiye is a destination you can enjoy all year round.
Can I visit Istanbul with an English-speaking guide?
Yes. As a licensed, English-speaking tour guide in Türkiye, I organise private tours and day tours in Istanbul. Every itinerary can be tailored to your interests.
How do I get to Istanbul?
Istanbul has two international airports: Istanbul Airport (IST), on the European side, and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), on the Asian side, both with direct flights from many cities around the world. On the tours I organise, transport within Türkiye is included and planned to make the most of your sightseeing time.
Can I include Istanbul in a longer tour of Türkiye?
Of course. Istanbul combines easily with other destinations in Türkiye. I design tailor-made itineraries of 7, 10, 12 or 15 days that include this and other fascinating places.
Want to visit Istanbul with a licensed, English-speaking guide? Book your private guide in Istanbul and we'll plan the itinerary together.
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