Family-Friendly • 4 hours 5.0 (6)

Family day in Istanbul with a local

The Grand Bazaar and Turkish delights (we don’t just mean the sweets).

Bargaining is an integral part of the carpet-shopping experience in Turkey so don't be shy and just go with the flow!

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • See Istanbul your way with activities to entertain your whole family, with a trusty host by your side
  • Experience the colorful city streets with a stroll or enjoy some time in the Middle Eastern side of the city
  • Visit the beautiful Blue Mosque, explore the Grand Bazaar and recharge in lush palace gardens
  • Pop into a cafe or feast on street food on the move like Turkish pizzas, fresh pastries or some sweet treats
  • Get the scoop from your host for other things to do in the city that your family will love

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

4 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

A private and personalized experience
4 hours with your host
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)

What’s not included

Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

You’ll discover what jewels there are waiting for you in Istanbul - a fascinating destination for you and your family if ever there was one! Life here is lived in the streets, and so you’ll join one of our local Istanbul hosts to explore the city together; they can’t wait to share with you the market culture, the outdoor cafes, the street food, and history with you.

Your wish is our command - kind of like having a fairy godmother - so let us know your pace and your family’s style, and we’ll stick to it. You could visit impressive sights like the world-renowned Blue Mosque, stroll through the lush gardens of the Dolmabahce Palace or explore an Aladdin's cave of wonders (also known as The Grand Bazaar).

All of that exploring will obviously call for a snack or two - what about some lahmacun, a kind of Turkish pizza, some flaky borek pastries stuffed with meat or spinach, or even some Turkish delight? It would almost be rude not to. Along the way, your host will spill the secrets of some other great, family-friendly spots to visit during the rest of your trip.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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What travelers think of this experience

Cordelia, Feb 2025

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!

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Kelly, Feb 2025

I had an amazing private tour in Istanbul with Feruza, and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and engaging guide! She studied English in Boston, which made communication good, and her insights into the city's rich history and culture were good. Feruza planned an efficient itinerary, ensuring we saw the highlights while also allowing time to explore hidden gems. She shared fascinating historical details, answered questions, and kept the tour fun and engaging. Her enthusiasm and deep knowledge of Istanbul truly enhanced the experience. If you're visiting Istanbul and want a guide who is professional, personable, and well-informed, Feruza is a great choice! I would absolutely book another tour with her.

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Krystyna, Jan 2025

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!

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Kamil, Jan 2025

Tugba is incredibly passionate about her city and this comes across in her tours. You are guaranteed a customised and informative walk with many tales and anecdotes that allow you to see Istanbul for a perspective not offered by mainstream tours.

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David, Jan 2025

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.

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Katharine, Jan 2025

This tour was amazing. Guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Answered all our questions and personalized the tour to our interests. Highly recommend.

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