Istanbul private tours

Tailoring each experience to your wishes by locals who love their city

Top private tours in Istanbul

From exploring cool neighborhoods to eating with the locals to seeing iconic sites, these are some of our favorite experiences

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The best Istanbul private tours & experiences with locals

Turkey’s kaleidoscopic capital is a trove of treasures dating back to the days of the ancient Silk Road, with discoveries to be made around every corner. For a first-time visitor it can be overwhelming – but what if you had a like-minded local guide by your side every step of the way? If it’s the best private tours in Istanbul you’re seeking, you’ve come to the right place. At City Unscripted, we pair you with the perfect partner for Istanbul tours that suit your interests and satisfy your curiosity. Whether you have a full day, half a day, or just three hours, you can rest assured that our Istanbul private tours will show you a mix of must-see sights and secrets.

Meet some of our Istanbul local hosts

Feruza

Istanbul

An enthusiastic Istanbul local, unveils the city's historical wonders and culinary delights, guiding you through a captivating journey of culture and flavor.

Devanshu

Dublin

Feel the true spirit of Istanbul

On City Unscripted private tours of Istanbul, we make it our mission to give you authentic snapshots of local life, because we believe that’s what traveling is about. Between world-renowned attractions like centuries-old the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, our private Istanbul tours will also take you off the beaten track. Our hosts will show you some of the special places loved by locals – the hole-in-the-wall Turkish coffeehouses and neighborhood markets often overlooked by visitors. Discover a side to the city not even your guidebook knows exists on Istanbul private tours.

Shop like a local

In the crisscrossing lanes of Turkey's crowded capital, one thing is for sure: private Istanbul tours are a shopper’s paradise. From fine fabrics to incredible food, Istanbul’s colorful market scene offers a once-in-a-lifetime shopping experience that won’t soon be forgotten. Your bags will be significantly heavier on the flight home after exploring several of the city’s 200 traditional markets on your Istanbul private tours. The Grand Bazaar is just the tip of the iceberg, so put on your comfiest walking shoes, make sure you have some money on hand, and see how locals like to shop.

Private tours tailored to you

What do you love most about traveling? When we plan Istanbul private tours tailored to you, your answer is the thing that guides us. We know everyone is different, but whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a culinary connoisseur, or a history buff, we’ll craft an itinerary around your interests. No two private tours in Istanbul with City Unscripted are the same – our Istanbul private tours take your personality and passions into account. And, in a city as iconic as Istanbul, where the things to do appeal to people from all walks of life, anyone can find something to love.

Istanbul travel tips and inspiration from our Travel Magazine

Find essential city info, travel tips and the best things to do in Istanbul and around the world recommended by our local hosts

Latest reviews from our guests

My son and I had a wonderful time learning about Istanbul with Feruza. We booked our walking tour for the first day of our stay in Istanbul and visited the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, several places along Istiklal Street, and the Galata Tower area. We also took a ferry together to the Asian side of the city. Feruza was a wealth of information, answered all of our questions, and gave us ideas on what to do with the remaining days that we were going to be in Istanbul. Feruza showed us a city that is vibrant, beautiful, and very well run, and I highly recommend her if you are looking for a personalized tour of Istanbul with a local!

February 2025

Cordelia C
We had an incredible day touring Istanbul with Ipek. She brought places like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar to life with her stories and insights. Her passion, friendliness, and attention to detail made the day unforgettable. Highly recommend her to anyone visiting Istanbul!

January 2025

Krystyna M
Burak was fantastic! He understood our pace for the tour and gave great information on the popular sites in the Sultanahmet area. We liked him so much we asked for a second day with him and he took us to Chora, the aqueduct, Suleymaniye Mosque (which is better and less crowded than the Blue Mosque), and some local neighborhoods. His explanation of the mosaics at Chora were awesome. He definitely made our experience in Istanbul more enjoyable and we definitely recommend him.

January 2025

David T
We had an amazing tour of Istanbul today with our guide, Ipek. She was incredibly knowledgeable and made the city’s rich history and culture come alive with her storytelling. We visited iconic spots like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and even enjoyed breathtaking views from the Bosphorus. Ipek’s passion for Istanbul is contagious, and she tailored the experience perfectly to our interests. Her warm and professional approach made the day so special, and she gave us great local tips for the rest of our trip. If you want to truly experience Istanbul, Ipek is the guide you need!

January 2025

Krystyna M