Istanbul
Full day in Istanbul with a local
Flexible Full-Day Discovery • 8 hours
4.9
(15)
Full day in Istanbul with a local
The Bosphorus Strait, a meyhane tavern, and some good old market haggling.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Spend the day with a host who will create an experience that's fully customized to your interests and what you'd most like to see
- See Istanbul’s iconic attractions as well as some secret Istanbul spots
- Get a unique local perspective as you explore the city - avoiding tourist traps is key
- Discover the highlights of the area or neighborhood that you explore
- Eat and drink like a local, picking up street food from a food stand or popping into a meyhane tavern
- Chat to your host, getting tips and advice on exciting things to do and places to see during the rest of your trip
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
8 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
A private and personalized experience
8 hours with your host
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
What’s not included
Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)
Meeting point
Your hotel/apartment or any other central locationCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat 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 mostWhat you’ll do
Oh, the places you’ll go on your day in Istanbul! Most experiences don’t offer you the opportunity to hop between continents, but then it’s not every day you’re in Istanbul. You’ll join one of our local Istanbul hosts who can’t wait to share with you their favorite places to hang out, where to get your hands on the best food and show you what makes their city so unique.
You’ll weave your way through a neighborhood or two (we recommend checking out one on either side of the Bosphorus Strait), showing you a glimpse into life in Istanbul, which is lived out in the streets.
From dazzling waterfront spots to artistic neighborhoods on the Middle-Eastern side, you’ll discover some secret spots as well as landmarks like the Blue Mosque or Grand Bazaar.
Whether you see yourself lounging on a terrace of a meyhane tavern and feasting on mezze, then haggling your way through markets or you’re in for something faster-paced, you’ll feel like you’re spending the day with a friend.
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
17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting
Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.
recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.
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!
Show more
Fetine,
Sep 2024
Hands down the best decision my mate and I made with booking a private tour guide in Istanbul. We were VERY lucky to have Ekrem as our guide. He was very knowledgeable and gave us all the local insight into the city. My mate and I gave him a list of places to explore and he created an itinerary that ensured we explored all the places on the list whilst enjoying a long day worth of walking and catching transport. Did I also mention the mouth watering lunch we had thanks to his recommendation. Samsun pide in Kadıköy is a must. Definitely recommend booking a private tour guide through this agency (can also be booked via get your guide app). Thanks Ekrem for all your hard work. Look forward to catching up with you on our next trip
Show more
Cheryl,
Sep 2024
Feruza was a warm and engaging tour guide with lots of local knowledge and great photography skill Loved our day exploring Istanbul!
Show more
Nola,
Aug 2024
Experienced so many different places like a local Just brilliant
Show more
Karla,
Jun 2024
Knowledgeable accommodating helpful. She was very nice, it felt like visiting a friend who showed you around town.
Show more
Anshuman,
May 2024
An awesome tour guide with complete understanding of what unscripted means. Excellent knowledge of the city and streets. Great temperament and very friendly
Show more