Straddling both Asia and Europe, the amazing and historic city of Istanbul came into existence in around 1,000 BC and was the site of the significant capital of Constantinople of the Byzantine Empire, which retained its position after the great conquest of the Ottomans. The historic landmarks of Istanbul still stand today and, with the advent of modernity, the city has grown into of the world’s great metropolises. Istanbul attracts tens of thousands adventurers every year who come to explore the glorious remains of its illustrious and long history, monuments and other impressive landmarks. Indulge in these fantastic GetYourGuide tours in Istanbul and be guided through the most impressive of the city’s landmarks.
1. Istanbul Aquarium & Aqua Florya Mall (from USD 108.44)
Tour this enormous aquarium, the biggest in the world, and enjoy some fun activities as you explore the full range of its collection of fish species. This site is very robust, with 15,000 species of sea and land creatures, including some rare species, such as octopi, piranhas, and giant stingrays. These sea creatures are hosted in 64 large tanks, covering a total area of 22,000 square meters (236,806.03 square feet). Catch some fun in the 5D 6-axle movie theatre or scan through the Aqua Florya Shopping mall for some favorite quality products, such as toys, electronics, cosmetics, jewelry and more. The hall also boasts a cinema, bowling alleys and restaurants - all you need to have a great time.
Istanbul Aquarium and Aqua Florya Shopping Mall Tour
Duration: 5.0 hour
2. Highlights of Istanbul: One or Two-day private guided tour (from USD 107.28)
Have a memorable time exploring some of the greatest city’s attractions with this one or two-day private guided tour. The one-day tour features an eight-hour trip to some of the major city’s attractions, such as the Obelisk of the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the stunning maze of the Grand Bazaar, the prominent Blue Mosque and the magnificent Hagia Sophia Museum, which is an outstanding site from the Ottoman and Byzantine eras. The two-day tour takes you to some lively, prominent locations, such as the spice bazaar, Egyptian Market, the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, along with a trip on the Bosphorus to Istiklal Street and finally to Taksim.
Istanbul: 1 or 2-Day Private Guided Tour with Hotel Transfer
Duration: 7.0 to 2.0 hour
3. Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque small group tour (from USD 27.11)
Join this half-day tour and explore in depths the spectacular monuments of Istanbul. Enjoy the sweet drive to the Sultan Ahmet Square from where you begin your extraordinary adventure. Ignore the long queues at the entrance of the notable Hagia Sophia and get to discover how the structure was constructed beside the largest church under the rule of Emperor Justinian and how it was converted to a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. Admire the stunning minarets and blue Iznik of the Blue Mosque.
Istanbul: City Highlights Tour w/Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Duration: 4.0 hour
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4. Istanbul: Topkapi Palace and Harem with a historian guide (from USD 67.23)
Gain first-hand knowledge of the histories of the Ottoman emperors as you tour their dwelling, the magnificent Topkapi Palace. See the palace’s precious collections and get a panoramic view of the surroundings from the stunning terraces and the charming courtyard. The historian guide will walk you through some essential stories, such as the legendary figures and culture of this important attraction, as you tour the entire palace. From the anterior fountain and squares to the interior and beauteous surroundings, this place is worth visiting.
Istanbul: Topkapi Palace Highlights Tour and Audio Guide
Duration: 1.0 day
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
5. Istanbul: Bosphorus dinner cruise with entertainment (from USD 24.83)
Join in a luxurious cruise past some of the most important monument in Istanbul, while having a sumptuous, three-course meal. This tour takes you between Asia and Europe via the Black Sea, passing under the Fatih Sultan Mehmed and the Bosphorus Bridge. Catch the stunning sights of the summer palaces of the Ottoman sultans, including the Beylerbeyi, Ciragan and Dolmabahce Palaces and also some of their fortifications, including the Anatolian and Rumeli castles along the way. Don’t miss the enticing dance entertainment on board, as you savor your delectable Turkish meze and local drinks.
Istanbul: Dinner Cruise & Entertainment with Private Table
Duration: 3.0 hour
6. Istanbul: Madame Tussauds entrance ticket (from USD 25.29)
Get your ticket to explore the cultural and historical heroes of Turkey. Madame Tussauds is a vast building, covering a total area of 2,000 square meters (21,527.8 square feet), featuring celebrities cast in wax. Tour this historic site at will and have an unforgettable experience. Take some selfies with your favorite legendary Turkish singers, athletes, artists, politicians and much more.
Istanbul: Madame Tussauds Entrance Ticket
7. Istanbul’s Golden Horn, Eyup, Miniaturk & Pierre Loti Tour (from USD 54.22)
Explore the world’s third most sacred location, after Jerusalem and Mecca, with this half-day tour. Join the other numerous daily visitors, as you tour the Mosque of Eyup El-Ansari, featuring tastefully-designed decor and a calm atmosphere. Eyup-El-Ansari is the flagbearer of the Prophet Mohammed and a prominent icon in the Islamic faith. Catch a beautiful bird’s eye view of the Horn as you ascend the 550-meter (1,800-foot) high hill to the coffee house of Pierre Loti. Also see the Miniaturk, a fabulous open field of scaled models and the symbol of the history and culture of Turkey.
Istanbul's Golden Horn, Eyüp, Miniatürk & Pierre Loti Tour
Duration: 4.0 hour
8. Sea Life Istanbul entry ticket (from USD 25.78)
Take your family to this fascinating tour, fully packed with lots of fun experiences and discoveries. Get a 270-degree fantastic sight of the sea bed by taking a stroll through the 83-meter (272.3-foot) underwater tunnel. Explore some of the 15,000 sea creatures in the 47 lined display tanks and see the 21 themed sections, featuring the rainforest, Stingray Bay and Clownfish Alley. Get excited with your kids in the Touchpool Experience Zone, where you can touch and feel crabs or starfish or watch the fish feeding shows, all day.
SEA LIFE Istanbul Entry Ticket
9. Istanbul: Basilica Cistern skip-the-line guided tour (from USD 32.53)
Explore the Basilica Cistern, one of the most important landmarks in Istanbul, and gain some critical insight on its historical heritage from an experienced tour guide. This attraction was constructed in the 4th century and was expanded in the year 532 AD, when it was used to store up to 80,000 cubic meters (2,825,173.3 cubic feet) of water, to supply to the Great Palace. Explore the interior of this magnificent structure by stepping down the 52 stone steps. A four-meter (13.1-foot) thick wall, plated with a waterproofing mortar, surrounds this tremendous and historic site. You’ll also gain a piece of first-hand knowledge on the story of Medusa from Greek mythology.
Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Duration: 30.0 minute
10. Istanbul: Food tour across the Bosphorus (from USD 70.63)
Take a memorable culinary journey through some of the different Turkish dishes. Experience great neighborhoods, such as the Kadikoy, one of the 50 coolest locations in the world, according to Time Magazine. Taste some sizzling local dishes and find the city’s best restaurants, offering delectable and unbeatable Turkish cuisine, from fresh meze plates and olives to a variety of cheese, pizza and desserts. Experience unique culinary art in a prominent restaurant, such as the one featured in the next season of Chef’s Table, on Netflix.
Istanbul: Food Tour Across Bosphorus
Duration: 3 hour
Physically explore this city
Planning to visit Istanbul is a great idea. All the stories you have heard and the pictures and videos you have seen of this place cannot be compared with the magnificence of seeing them in person. There are a lot of places to explore within the limited time you have - let these GetYourGuide tours help you out.
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.
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