5.0(16 reviews)
Istanbul Old City Cultural Walking Tour
FromTRY 120
8 hours
Istanbul, Turkey
About this activity
Immerse yourself in Istanbul's rich history with a full-day guided walking tour of the Old City, visiting iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
Highlights
- Explore Hagia Sophia's stunning architecture
- Visit the iconic Blue Mosque
- Discover the treasures of Topkapi Palace
- Shop at the bustling Grand Bazaar
- Experience Istanbul's rich cultural heritage
Full description
Step back in time and explore the heart of Istanbul's Old City on this immersive full-day walking tour. Led by an expert guide, you'll visit the architectural marvels of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, delve into the opulent history of Topkapi Palace, and haggle for unique souvenirs in the vibrant Grand Bazaar. Along the way, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Turkish cuisine. This tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into Istanbul's rich cultural tapestry, making it a must-do for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Itinerary
1
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today it is a square named Sultanahmet Meydanı in the Turkish city of Istanbul, with a few fragments of the original structure surviving.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
The German Fountain is a gazebo styled fountain in the northern end of old hippodrome, Istanbul, Turkey and across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I. It was constructed to commemorate the second anniversary of German Emperor Wilhelm II's visit to Istanbul in 1898.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
The Obelisk of Theodosius is the Ancient Egyptian obelisk of Pharaoh Thutmose III re-erected in the Hippodrome of Constantinople by the Roman emperor Theodosius I in the 4th century AD.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
The Serpent Column, also known as the Serpentine Column, Plataean Tripod or Delphi Tripod, is an ancient bronze column at the Hippodrome of Constantinople in what is now Istanbul, Turkey
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
The Column of Constantine, also known as the Burnt Stone or the Burnt Pillar, is a Roman monumental column constructed on the orders of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great in 330 AD. It commemorates the declaration of Byzantium as the new capital city of the Roman Empire.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Sultan Ahmed Mosque is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It remains a functioning mosque, while also attracting large numbers of tourist visitors. It was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. Its Külliye contains Ahmed's tomb, a madrasah and a hospice.
Duration: 45 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
Hagia Sophia is the former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral, later an Ottoman imperial mosque and now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Built in AD 537 in the Middle Ages, it is famous for its massive dome. It was the world's largest building and an engineering marvel of its time.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO
8
The Topkapı Palace, or the Seraglio, is a large museum in the east of the Fatih district of Istanbul in Turkey. In the 15th and 16th centuries it served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans.
Duration: 3 hoursAdmission: NO
9
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops on a total area of 30,700 m², attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.
Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Binbirdirek, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Atmeydanı Caddesi, Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour involves walking for several hours; ensure you're comfortable with this level of activity.
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas; follow the guide's instructions.
- Some sites may have long queues; patience is recommended.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress modestly to respect local customs.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection during outdoor visits.
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Traveler reviews
5.016 reviews
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Our guide was excellent...
Our guide was excellent and gave us an informative and thorough tour. Fatih was a very knowledgeable guide with many insights to Istanbul.
Alan_SApr 7, 2026VIATOR
Entertaining walking tour!
Thank you for a memorable day! Our guide Fatih was very passionate about Istanbul and knowledgeable about its history. He conveyed the information in a very pleasant way which made the trip entertaining for us. After the official part of the tour, he even took us to the Süleymaniye Mosque, from where we had a great view towards Galata! Highly recommended!
Luca_HOct 5, 2025VIATOR
Tour ad istanbul
The tour was fantastic and above all our guide: a nice and reliable person. We had a wonderful experience and had a great time.
letizial829Sep 4, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Ultimate Istanbul
Murat is the most knowledgeable tour guide with a deep understanding of his county’s history and very experienced at sharing the information in a way that is entertaining and informative. We highly recommend Murat he is a definite 10/10. Thank you for a wonderful day.
H7135SVkerrycAug 31, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Wonderful
Absolutely the best tour guide we have ever had. Highly recommend this tour if you can make time. Lots of history and great experiences!
C3231TGbryancMar 16, 2023TRIPADVISOR