Top Istanbul How to Get Around

Prepare to be awed by Istanbul’s magnificent architecture, rich history, and eclectic bazaars as you discover the unmissable highlights of the Old City on this 1-, 2-, or 3-day private tour. Marvel over the glorious Hagia Sophia, learn how the Blue Mosque earned its famous nickname, and see the ancient Basilica Cistern. Tour Topkapi Palace to gain an insight into the lavish lifestyles of the Ottoman sultans and their harem, and browse the legendary Grand Bazaar, where you find everything from carpets to Turkish delight. Flexible daily itineraries: Day 1 - Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, German Fountain, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar. Day 2 - Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside), Spice Market. Day 3 - Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), Pierre Lotti Panoramic Hill by Cable Car, Kadıkoy Market (or alternative sites).

Admire Istanbul from a new angle as you cruise on the glorious Bosphorus Sea with this dinner tour. Indulge in an incredible dinner menu with dishes influenced by Europe and Asia alike, including Hors Doeuvres, salads and dessert, while watching the lights of Istanbul in the distance. Then relax and enjoy a range of cultural performances inspired by local cultures, such as the Belly, Folk and Latin-Flameno dance styles.

Discover Istanbul’s European and Asian sides—and taste a range of delectable Turkish delicacies—on this full-day, small-group tour. Meet your guide in the morning in Istanbul’s Old City, and be sure to come hungry: you have a day of feasting ahead of you. Explore a spice market, and enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast, before crossing the Bosphorus to trendy Kadikoy. Sip Turkish coffee, visit multiple restaurants, and discover Istanbul’s must-try dishes.

Instead of driving around Istanbul all day in a stuffy tour bus, discover the city’s beauty in style on this relaxing sunset cruise down the Bosphorus, the waterway that marks the border between Asian Turkey and European Turkey. From the open-air deck of your luxury yacht, see riverside landmarks like the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Ortaköy Mosque and the Rumeli Fortress, all lit by the beautiful dusk light.

As a cultural practice honored by the UNESCO Heritage of Humanity designation, the Mevlevi Semah ceremony offers a transfixing, centuries-old cultural experience. Don't miss this singular dance form with a whirling dervish show in the heart of Istanbul. Just sit down for your experience to watch the Sufi dancers spin and rotate in twisting movements, enjoy the accompanying music, and encounter one of the most popular and beautiful experiences in Turkey.

Experience Istanbul's beauty and history on a morning Bosphorus yacht cruise with a stopover on the Asian side. As you glide along the strait, take in stunning views of the city's iconic landmarks, including the Blue Mosque and Dolmabahce Palace. Then, discover local culture on the city's Asian side. With comfortable facilities and informative commentary on board, this excursion is a great way to explore Istanbul without breaking a sweat.

Enjoy stunning, sunset views of Istanbul’s top heritage sites, all from the comfort of a luxury yacht. During this Bosphorus cruise, you’ll sail down both European and Asian sides of the renowned strait, covering highlights like 19th-century Dolmabahce Palace, imposing Rumeli Fortress, and the iconic towers of Maiden and Galata. Guided tours include complimentary refreshments, including fruit and homemade lemonade.

Take the time to explore Istanbul’s most magnificent sites at your own pace with a full-day, guided tour of the city's historic places and landmarks. Follow in the footsteps of charioteers and Roman soldiers at the Hippodrome, then see the arcing tiles of the Blue Mosque. Listen for the whispers of courtiers and sultans inside Topkapi Palace, then see Hagia Sophia’s stunning murals and minarets. Browse the vibrant displays at the iconic Grand Bazaar, with inside tips on the best places to find carpets, handicrafts and local souvenirs.

Enjoy the undivided attention of a personal guide and see the best of Istanbul’s Old Town on a private sightseeing tour. Set at a leisurely pace, you'll enjoy unhurried visits to the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Blue Mosque. With your guide on hand at all times, there’s no chance of getting lost in the Grand Bazaar. Pause the tour at any point to ask questions or adjust the itinerary.

The Bosphorus Strait divides Europe from Asia, and a Bosphorus cruise is a signature Istanbul experience. This round-trip yacht cruise, with live commentary and fun facts from an experienced guide, covers all the classic waterfront sights—bridges, palaces, the Maiden’s Tower, the Rumeli Fortress, and more. But it also includes a stop for coffee and snacks in the characterful Kanlıca neighborhood and onboard Wi-Fi so you can share as you go.

Prepare for an evening of nonstop entertainment with an exciting Rhythm of the Dance show at the legendary Hodjapasha Culture Center in Istanbul. Feel the electric rhythms of Turkey as you enjoy shimmying belly dancers, magnetic harem dances, energetic folklore performances, and dazzling costumes, accompanied by live music and 360-degree video projections.

Get a taste of Turkey's varied cuisine during this half-day food tour through the Beyoglu (Pera) neighborhood. With a small group limited to eight, enjoy samplings of everything from mezes to baklava to kebabs; there is even a chance to enjoy raki, an anise-flavored liquor local to the region. Stop at bustling markets, street food stalls, restaurants, and backstreets for a closer look at Turkish culture and history.

Ensure a stress-free start to your stay in Istanbul with this convenient arrival transfer. Your driver will meet you on arrival at Istanbul Airport, help with your luggage, and drive you directly to your Istanbul hotel or accommodation. Travel in the comfort of a private air-conditioned car or minivan, with no extra stops to pick up other passengers and no waiting around at the airport.

Get the perfect introduction to Istanbul’s most iconic places during a half-day tour of the old city with an experienced guide. Step into the world of Ottoman sultans and Byzantine emperors as you make your way from the Hippodrome to the Blue Mosque and the underground Basilica Cistern. Explore the gleaming mosaics at Hagia Sophia, then immerse yourself in the bright colors, vivid scents and bustling aisles of the Grand Bazaar. Enjoy the personal experience of a small-group tour, with insider tips and advice from a local.

Explore the top attractions in Sultanahmet (the old city) on a full-day tour with a knowledgeable guide. Take in UNESCO World Heritage sites and famous monuments in Istanbul including the stunning Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome. Then follow your guide through the Grand Bazaar, browsing the shops of hundreds of vendors with an array of textiles, jewelry, perfumes, spices and more. Your guide shares the long history of Istanbul with your small group, which is limited to 10 participants to ensure a more intimate experience.

Sail between two continents and into the Black Sea on this full-day cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, with an onboard guide plus a delicious meze lunch on deck. Gaze over the shores of Europe and Asia as you cruise the Bosphorus; stop to visit the pretty Ortaköy neighborhood; and enjoy guided tours of the ornate Küçüksu Palace and Rumeli Fortress. There’s even a chance to swim in the Black Sea.

Discover one of Istanbul’s most renowned landmarks during this Hagia Sophia history tour. Explore the mosque with a professional guide to learn about its history and the significance it played in daily life as a gathering place for religion, politics, and art during the Byzantine era. You’ll also discover insights into the architecture of the building and its golden domes.

Treat yourself to a stress-free arrival or departure in Istanbul during this private, one-way car service between the airport and your hotel accommodation. Travel comfortably in a WIFI-equipped, climate-controlled minivan with driver, with complimentary bottled water. Private rides include wait time for flight delays or traffic at no additional cost.

Discovering Cappadocia’s eroded landscape is a top experience in Turkey, but reaching the remote region can be a challenge if time is limited. Combining round-trip flights, ground transport, and activities, this small-group tour is an easy way to maximize your sightseeing time. Included boutique accommodations are in a cave hotel, for a uniquely Cappadocian experience that ensures a memorable stay.

For travelers short on time in the Turkish capital, this tour hits all the major highlights in just one day. The tour includes a visit to the Hagia Sophia, the grand mosque of the city built in the 6th century; the Topkapı Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans; and a Bosphorus cruise for panoramic views of Istanbul. It's easy to spend hours trying to find attractions in busy Istanbul - having a guide on hand speeds up the process of getting from place to place and reduces the risk of being targeted by touts, meaning you'll spend less time pounding the pavement and more time seeing the city's top attractions.

Book your evening cruise on the Bosphorus ahead of time; this must-do activity sells out quickly. Step on board the boat for views of Istanbul's top landmarks—including the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the Blue Mosque—lit up for the night. Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner with drinks, followed by entertainment.

Visit the notorious WWI battlefields of Gallipoli in just one day on this tour from Istanbul, including lunch and hotel transfers. See Anzac Cove, where the troops first landed; visit the commemorative site where the Dawn Service is held; walk along Brighton Beach; and learn about the war from both perspectives as you view the Allied and Turkish trenches at Johnston's Jolly.

Explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic attractions during this small-group walking tour of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Take a walk through the vibrant Sultanahmet neighborhood and admire the beautiful Islamic architecture of the Blue Mosque. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the Hagia Sophia, where you learn about life under Ottoman and Byzantine rule.