Private Tour Guides In Istanbul

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

Couple on a tour of Istanbul with a private local tour guide

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 private guides and local insiders in Istanbul

Looking for the best private tour guides in Istanbul to show you around the city that straddles two continents? City Unscripted has got you covered with our network of passionate, knowledgeable local hosts leading a range of amazing private city tours in the heart of the Turkish capital. No matter what tour you choose, our Istanbul private guides will help you strike the balance between the city’s iconic attractions and lesser-known landmarks loved by locals but often overlooked by tourists. What are you waiting for? Book a 100% personalized tour with one of our private tour guides in Istanbul today and get ready to see the city through a local lens.

Meet some of our Istanbul private guides

Devanshu

Dublin

Tourists exploring the best of Istanbul on a tour of the city with a private guide

Local hosts handpicked for you

No two travelers are the same – and neither are our private tour guides in Istanbul! City Unscripted’s local hosts come from all ages, backgrounds, and perspectives, but they all share one thing in common: they’re passionate about Istanbul and can’t wait to share all its best-kept secrets with travelers like you. On our private tours, you’ll be able to experience Istanbul with someone who’s intimately familiar with every inch of it. Every one of our private tour guides in Istanbul is handpicked for their knowledge and passion, and we’ll pair you with the person who shares your interests.

A bustling scene at a popular tourist attraction on a private tour in Istanbul

Make your dream day a reality

Everyone’s dream day in the colorful Turkish capital looks a little different, and our Istanbul private guides will do everything it takes to make yours a reality. Our local hosts will get to know you, your personality and your interests to plan the perfect Istanbul experience 100% tailored to suit your travel style. Whether you want to sample Şiş Kebap at hole-in-the-wall eateries, move between fragrant markets and mosaic-adorned mosques, or simply relax at a traditional Turkish tavern, trust our private tour guides in Istanbul to plan an incredible day you’ll never forget.

A view of the nostalgic Istiklal Caddesi tram on the streets of Istanbul

A conscious way to see the city

Personalized tours with private tour guides in Istanbul help you build a deep cultural understanding of this vibrant that simply wouldn’t be possible if you were exploring alone. Our local hosts are eager to offer unique insights into their society, and you can count on them to point out the local vendors, chefs, and artisans that deserve every traveler’s support. Tours with Istanbul private guides let you travel as consciously and ethically as possible, connecting with the city on another level and soaking up the true spirit and soul of Istanbul in a way you never imagined.

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

It was invaluable to have a guide. She was knowledgeable and very considerate of our needs. I would recommend Emi and tjis company again.

Nov 2025

Veronica C
It could not have been better. 5 is not enough my guide was like exploring with a very knowledgeable friend. She was the best!

Nov 2025

Dell B
An exchange tour with Ms. Ipek. She went far beyond our expectations, was ver attentive and extremely knowledgeable. We felt like having a new friend in Istanbul. We highly recommend this tour. Thank you, Ms. Ipek.

Oct 2025

Rasa A
I had a 13 hour layover in Istanbul and decided to tour the city. After sifting through many tour options, I decided on this one since you have the option to customize it and choose the sights you want to see, rather than wasting time looking at sights that may not interest you. After doing a ton of research, I had a list of sights and places I wanted to visit, sent it to the guide, and we were confirmed! My guide was Tugba who was an absolute gem. She reached out to me via WhatsApp shortly after booking. She provided recommendations and suggestions to compliment the sights I wanted to visit. She knows the city very well and has great knowledge of places to go and to avoid. I left the airport and met her in the city. Her guidance was much appreciated as she also intervened when local hustlers tried to approach. We were able to see some beautiful sights and places. One of our stops was the Grand Bazaar where she also assisted in negotiating great prices. I returned to the airport satisfied and tired with plenty of time to make my flight. If you are looking for a custom tour where you can explore Istanbul without taking up an entire day, this is the tour for you!

Sep 2025

Waynenetta J