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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A really interesting and varied tour. Saw and noticed things we would never have seen on our own or on a conventional tour. Burak was relaxed, honest, adaptable and so knowledgeable.
April 2025
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It felt like we were just popping into places with a friend. Lots of opportunities to find out more about Turkish culture and life.
April 2025
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Really enjoyed our trip today. We were tired after several intense days and despite his huge knowledge and wealth of options he managed to cater to our needs and made everything interesting and worthwhile
March 2025
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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