Hi, I’m Burak
Hi, I’m Burak
I’ve lived in Istanbul for 13 years
I speak English, Spanish, Turkish
I am a Professional Tour Guide
Hi, I'm Burak, and I’m proud to be a local host in the magnificent city of Istanbul. What I love most about this city is the profound sense of history that you can feel simply by walking down any street. One of my favorite ways to explore the city is by riding my motorcycle, whether through the lively streets of the city center or the quieter outskirts where nature and history meet. I also enjoy visiting authentic neighborhoods, where I can engage with the local people and hear their stories. As someone who has a deep knowledge of Istanbul’s historical buildings and must-see sites, I’m excited to share these treasures with visitors. I also know where to find the best and most traditional food in the city, from local street vendors to hidden gems that serve up authentic flavors you can’t miss. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to discover something new, I’m here to help you experience the best of what Istanbul has to offer.
My knowledge & interests
Food
Drinks
History
Culture & customs
Street food
Local cuisine
Desserts
Food markets
Parks
Gardens
Scenic routes
Social history
Architectural history
Religious history
Cityscape photography
Street photography
Classical architecture
Third wave coffee
Local beers
Artisanal tea
Street markets
Handicrafts & souvenirs
Traditional culture
Religious customs
Lifestyle culture
Rituals & ceremonial customs
Alternative or underground culture
Local speciality drinks
Traditional drinks
Traditional art
Bookstores
Antique shops
Ottoman architecture
Ethnic culture
Traditional music
My reviews
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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
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This tour was amazing. Guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Answered all our questions and personalized the tour to our interests. Highly recommend.
January 2025
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Tour guide was very knowledgeable. Answered all of our questions. Took us to many great sites.
January 2025
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Having Burak as my guide was the highlight of my trip to Turkey, and one I will never forget. He imbued me with the most detailed and passionate history of the city, far more than I thought possible while traveling afar. I've never had a guide that knew so much about the history and culture of a place I'd visited, he made exploring so much more intriguing, you feel connected to the city/culture when you're lucky enough to have him at your side. An extremely caring, fun, genuine individual who literally takes you under his wing (as apposed to just points and reads, like so many others). I can't say enough good stuff about him. Again reiterating on how passionate he is about the city he lives but also on teaching those with him about a multitude of things, none of which are usually provided from a guide. I look forward to touring with him again when next I'm in Turkey again.
January 2025