The vibrant Turkish capital Istanbul is a perfect amalgamation of culture, tradition and modernity. Istanbul is a popular tourist destination and people from all over the world throng to this magical city. Art lovers enjoy a visit to the Hagia Sophia Museum, where they can admire the Byzantine architecture. History enthusiasts enjoy browsing through the vast breadth of history of Turkey at the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. Take the elevator to reach the top balcony at the Galata Tower, where tourists can admire the stunning panoramic views of the city. Visitors can enjoy a tram ride on the Istiklal Caddesi street, which is teeming with restaurants, cafes, hotels and shops. Shopaholics can visit the Grand Bazaar or the Spice Bazaar, from where they can gather souvenirs for friends and family back home. Check out the list of top day tours in Istanbul, happening in the amazing country of Turkey.
Tip from tour guide
Watch out for a rare flower—the tulip. Brought to Anatolia from the Pamir Mountains of Central Asia by the Turks, this flower has a rich history. After its introduction to Dutch culture and art from the Ottoman Empire, the tulip has made its presence known both aesthetically and commercially. The Turks, in their effort to enhance the beauty of their surroundings, developed special promenades and cultivated various flowers, including tulips, roses, and carnations.
One fascinating aspect that contributed to the acceptance of tulips by the Ottomans is its connection to the word Allah (ﷲ) in Arabic letters. According to the "ebced" method, a numerical system based on the calculation of numbers corresponding to letters, the word "Allah" and the word "tulip" share the same numerical value.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Full-day guided tour of Istanbul with lunch
Explore the incredible city of Istanbul, which is defined by the marvelous architecture of its ancient stadiums, magnificent mosques and magical grand bazaars in this six-hour guided trip. Start the day by admiring the eighth wonder of the world - Hagia Sophia - a beautiful architectural masterpiece featuring towering minarets and beautifully handcrafted mosaics. Head to the Blue Mosque which boasts over 20,000 Iznik blue tiles that adorn its facade and interior. Tourists are then taken to the famous sports arena of Hippodrome. Next stop is the Grand Bazaar where you can go on a shopping spree. Last but not least, visit the Şerefiye Cistern after lunch, which was built by Roman Emperor Theodosius II.
Book Tours : Istanbul: Full-Day Guided Tour
2. A small group tour of Istanbul
Enjoy this small group tour in your air-conditioned minivan, which will take you back to Constantinople’s history. Arrive at the neighborhood of Sarachane and explore the carved remains of St Polyeuktos church, learn how the monastery Church of Pantocrator was converted to a mosque. Pay a visit to Fethiye Mosque and admire the funerary chapel’s stunning array of Byzantine mosaics. Head to the Monastery Chapel of St. John the Forerunner, which is known to be Istanbul’s eldest standing church, before relishing delicacies at a local eatery. Stop by Chora Church next, to click pictures of distinguished mosaics and detailed frescoes. The trip ends with a walk through the kingly Tekfur Palace, featuring archways, courtyards, houses, dungeons, and huge gardens.
3. Small group tour of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
Discover the beautiful attractions in the Sultanahmet district along with Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in this morning tour. Board an air-conditioned vehicle which will take you to Sultan Ahmet Square. Explore the magnificent Hagia Sophia by skipping the long line (thanks to the tour) at the entrance, which was built under the orders of the Emperor Justinian I. This was built on the site of an earlier church, but later it was converted to a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. Head to the Blue Mosque where you can admire the minarets and the blue Iznik tiles.
4. Full-day Princes Island tour with lunch
Cruise across the Sea of Marmara on this nine-hour trip as you set out to explore Büyükada, which is the largest of Turkey’s Princes islands. Admire the stunning landmarks of Topkapi Palace, and the Kiz Kulesi which were filmed in the famous James Bond movie – The World is Not Enough, from the comfort of the boat. Stop by the island and take a leisurely stroll through the streets while learning about the history of Turkey’s Byzantine-Christian period from your guide. Explore the island’s late Ottoman-era architecture and feed the seagulls with simits, before heading for lunch in a seafood restaurant. Enjoy the rest of the day in your own way on the island.
Istanbul Tour Guide
Rose The Guide
Professional Tour / Travel Guide and Photographer Certified by Turkish Republic Ministry of Culture and Tourism. I am a knowledgeable and motivated individual with years of experience in organizing group tours in several areas; have the ability to motivate different sets of audience; have the ability to communicate effectively and possess high degree of energy and enthusiasm.
Istanbul Tour Guide
Dilek Orubegarcia
My name is Dilek, a national-licensed tour guide. I am 40 years old and have been guiding for 12 years. My husband is from Mexico as a Mexican Turkish family and with our two young kids we live in Istanbul. When I don't work I spend most of my time outdoor with my family, enjoying Istanbul as much as we can. We go out, try to discover new restaurants, new museums, art galleries, children's acti... Read more
Istanbul Tour Guide
Safiye Kaban
Hi there, this is Safiye from istanbul. I am a professional licensed tour guide and travel expert over 12 years. I have guided thousands of travellers from all around the world. I love meeting with new people, making new friends and building bridges. I orgnize cultural, historical, shopping and food tours to small groups, I mostly guide to private tours. I am also a foodie, I love discovering n... Read more
Istanbul Tour Guide
Guide Hamide
Hello, everyone! I'm Hamide, a professional tour guide in Istanbul. I studied archeology, mithology, history of art, anatolia, and religions. After my bachelors' degree graduation, I started to work in Cappadocia for 4 years. I came and settled in Istanbul when I realised that Istanbul has a very deep history, a unique multiple culture and stunning geography! I still keep experiencing new taste... Read more
Tours by Guide
5. Istanbul food walking tour of Kadikoy with breakfast
This five-and-a-half-hour culinary walking tour is ideal for food lovers. You stroll across the streets of Kadıköy to discover Istanbul’s tastiest and most traditional foods. Pass by baklava shops and tea-houses, before relishing a heavy Kahvalti (Turkish breakfast), Menemen, Kaymak, and spicy sausage known as Sucuk. Ride a ferry across the Bosphorus to reach the buzzing food scene. Soak in the charm of the cobbled lanes, lively markets, and animated taverns as you absorb the atmosphere. Head to the bustling fish market, wander around the stalls and taste freshly grilled fish and juicy olives. Once done, enjoy your lunch at one of Kadıköy’s most popular restaurants - Çiya Sofrası. Here you get to taste regional Turkish staples like Güveç (meat and vegetable stew), Ezogelin (red lentil soup) and Katmer (flaky pastry stuffed with pistachios), along with a cup of rich, dark Turkish coffee.
6. Vialand theme park and shopping mall tour
Adrenaline junkies and shopaholics will have a gala time in this eight-hour tour, where you will get to explore a famous theme park, visit the 30 different entertainment zones and splurge your cash on shopping and food at the Vialand Mall. Head to the very first theme-park in Istanbul – the magical Vialand, filled with thrilling and adrenaline-fueled rides. From the Breath Taker roller coaster to the high-velocity Drop Tower to the Safari Tunnel, there is something for every age group. The high-end Aqua Florya Shopping Mall is also stationed here in Vialand. Shop till you drop and enjoy your day to the fullest!
7. Private guided tour of Istanbul
A private-guided trip always gives you the benefit to choose the spots you would like to visit at your own pace. Pre-arrange your trip and meet your personal guide at the hotel lobby to get a brief introduction about the places before the commencement of the journey. Explore the museums, local markets, and restaurants and learn interesting anecdotes from your guide. Stop to pose and click Instagram-worthy pictures at leisure without the hassle of waiting for other people or feeling rushed. Discover Istanbul on a walking tour, or you can also use the public tram and subway metro at your own convenience.
Book Tours : Istanbul: Private Guided Tour
8. Byzantine and Ottoman relics tour
Enjoy a perfect sightseeing tour of Istanbul by immersing yourself to the wonderful history and culture of this enigmatic city. Take a short ride in an air-conditioned vehicle before stopping at the Blue Mosque, where you can admire the blue tiles of the interior, the six towering minarets, and 260 windows, as well as the stunning architecture. If you want a picture-perfect view of this mosque, head to the Hippodrome, which was an ancient stadium during the Byzantine era. The next stop is the Grand Bazaar, where you can explore the jewelry, pottery, and leather goods markets if you want to buy souvenirs for friends and family back home. After a yummy lunch at an authentic Turkish restaurant, learn about fascinating facts about the famous sites that were preserved from the Byzantine and Ottoman Relics. Apart from that pay a visit to the Topkapi Palace, the Tombs of the Sultans in Hagia Sofia, and cross the Galata Bridge to reach the Golden Horn.
9. Experience Turkey at its best in a 6-day cross country tour
Those with a life-long dream of seeing the beautiful country of Turkey can check out this amazing 6-day Turkey Viator tour. For just USD 810.82, travelers who book this travel tour will get to witness 10,000 years of history and see how Persians, Greeks, and the Roman Empire made an impact on Mediterranean culture. Sites that will be featured on this tour include Istanbul, Ephesus, and Pamukkale to name a few scenic spots.
They will also be going on a cruise between Bosphorus and Izmir, and leave from Istanbul. Inclusions of the trip are breakfast for five days, lunch for three days, air-conditioned vehicles, arrival, and departure transfers, as well as necessary fees and taxes for the whole of the trip. Experience real Turkish delight in just six beautiful days in the Mediterranean.
Book Tours : 6 Days Istanbul & Aegean Turkey Tour
10. Sail through the Mediterranean waters on an Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise
Take your significant other on board and enjoy sailing through the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean on an Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise. Experience entertainment and a scrumptious meal while seeing the most iconic parts of Turkey for five hours. Pick-up and drop-off arrangements, three-course dinner, unlimited drinks, a belly dancing show, henna ceremony, and folk dances are some of the amazing perks of this tour. Spend some quality time with your loved ones in this beautiful Turkish sailing experience for just USD 31.38 on GetYourGuide.
11. Explore historic landmarks and local cultural hubs of Istanbul
Gather around at Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant, to go on a full-day tour in order to discover the historic landmarks and cultural hubs of Istanbul. Explore the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the Theodosius Cistern - Serefiye Sarnici, the Nuru Osmaniye Mosque. Pass by the chaotic Grand Bazaar - Kapali Carsi, before stopping for Turkish coffee, pastry and hookah (tobacco pipe). Visit the Second Hand Book Bazaar of Sahaflar Carsisi, before taking a tour of the Istanbul University. Marvel at the beauty of the Suleymaniye Mosque and Cathedral Church of St George, but not before you pause to click pictures of the triangular spice piles at the Spice Bazaar. Lastly, snake your way through the districts of Balat and Fener, which were previously known to be Greek Orthodox and Jewish neighborhoods.
Tip from tour guide
One of the historical landmarks you can see is The Süleymaniye Mosque. It's a must-see architectural masterpiece built by the world-famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan between 1551 and 1558. Its construction was ordered by the Ottoman sultan of the time, Suleiman the Magnificent.
You're sure to appreciate the symmetrical design and the towering minarets. Moreover, the courtyard in the middle creates a sense of harmony and tranquility for the worshippers.
12. Jewish heritage tour of Istanbul
Enjoy a half-day tour as you visit the Jewish District of Istanbul, where you can learn about the lives of Jewish people living here in peace for over 500 years after they were deported from Spain. Visit the century-old Jewish neighborhood of Galata, where you can see the iconic tower built by the Genoese. After this, drop by the Ashkenaz Synagogue, the only active synagogue of its kind, and where you can learn about the Austrian Jews, who built the structure for the Ashkenazi Jewish sect. Also, you should explore the Zülfaris Jewish Museum of the Quincentennial Foundation and the “Oldies House” at Hasköy. Tourists are then taken to the Jewish Cemetery and the Ortaköy, which was the first point of arrival for the Sephardic Jews. Lastly, end this beautiful trip with a visit to the Etz Ahayim Synagogue in Ortaköy.
Tip from tour guide
In the 17th century, Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi, an Ottoman aviator, decided to take a leap of faith from the Galata Tower. Legend has it he constructed wings from eagle feathers and wooden rods. While it might not have been the smoothest landing, it's a historical feat that deserves a round of applause for creativity.
Book Tours : Private Tour: Istanbul's Jewish Heritage
Soak in the immanent charm of Istanbul
Brimming with history, art, culinary heritage, and vibrant local life, the Turkish city of Istanbul is perfect for a wonderful getaway. With an unending list of famous attractions such as the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarniçi), Dolmabahçe Palace, and Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Türk ve Islam Eserleri Müzesi), Istanbul beckons travelers to absorb its rich history and charm.
In light of the February 2023 earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria, Trip101 urges you to be apprised of the latest news if you have any plans to travel to Eastern Turkey. Other parts of the country remain open to travelers.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
