Istanbul
Half day in Istanbul with a local
Flexible Half-Day Discovery • 4 hours
5.0
(19)
Half day in Istanbul with a local
Vibrant culture, a very Grand Bazaar, and impossible to resist mezze.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Get what you want out of Istanbul on a private and personalized experience
- Enjoy local music, vibrant restaurants, historic neighborhood strolls or simply go for a walk in the streets and take in the diverse ambiance
- Fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Istanbul, getting the best of what the city has to offer in a limited space of time
- Get a taste of what makes Istanbul one of the most popular tourist cities in the world, with a twist – your stories will be authentic and all your own!
- Get the scoop from your host on other areas to explore and exciting things to do whilst visiting Istanbul
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 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
Think of this personalized experience with one of our local Istanbul hosts like spending the day with a friend. You’ll explore markets and get seriously hooked on haggling, see the enchanting sights and domes Istanbul is so famed for, hop between continents (you know, as we all do with our friends), and stop for a coffee or maybe an ice-cold beer and some mezze.
You could navigate one of the oldest bazaars in the world or wander through the lively Kadıköy district, stroll through lush palace gardens, or do some serious sightseeing. Just tell us what you’re into and we’ll do our best to make it happen.
Our hosts can’t wait to share their home city with you, and although half a day isn’t possibly long enough to see all there is in this bustling urban antiquity, we know you’ll embrace it all!
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
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What travelers think of this experience
Jason
Apr 2025
Emir was great, showed us around old town and into the highlight places to see. It was our first day and he explained a lot of Turkey and the local history.
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Hugo
Apr 2025
We had a fantastic tour around the streets of Istanbul with Tugba. We wanted to get off the beaten track and see the city through the eyes of a local and this is exactly what Tugba delivered. Highly recommended!
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William
Mar 2025
Really great tour - Emir tailored the tour to our tastes as we wanted to see more authentic places and not just the main tourist sites. We wanted to get a feel for what life was like in Instanul for the citizens and Emir delivered and more. She was friendly and was very knowledgeable. After our tour we felt we knew a much more about the city and had a better feel for life in Turkey.
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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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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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Krystyna
Jan 2025
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!
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