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

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