City Essentials: First Day
5.0 (48)

Kickstart your trip to Istanbul

3 hours English
5.0 (48)
100% Personalized

This is the one where your host spills all their local secrets, and you ask all your questions!

Tugba
Tugba
Feruza
Feruza

Match with one of our local hosts

Be matched with a host based on your interests and preferences, to tailor your perfect day.

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100% Flexible: Adapt in real time

Your host will fine-tune the experience in real time to match your mood.

Experience Overview

Time:

3 hours

What to expect:

Fully tailored to your preferences

Language:

Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)

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.

What’s Included:

A private and personalized experience
3 hours with a Host
Start when you like (but an early start means you beat the mad crowds)
Meet-up at your accommodation (as long as it is in reasonable distance. Hooray!)

What’s Excluded:

Food and drinks
Transport costs
Gratuities

Key Highlights:

  • Find your feet in Istanbul with one of our who will show you how to navigate through the city - from the metro to buses and trams, it all starts with figuring out your transport (including on foot, if that’s your style!)
  • Take in some highlights on your experience, like the glittering mosaics at the Hagia Sophia Museum and be awe-inspired by its iconic dome
  • Step back in time (not literally, unless you have a time machine?) to the 1600s, during the rule of Ahmed, with a trip to the historic Blue Mosque
  • Wander through the bustling alleys of the Grand Bazaar as you get orientated in the city and learn about local life, and how to haggle for a bargain!
  • Ask your host any questions you have about exploring Istanbul, what to visit and what to eat - they can’t wait to share their local tips with you

What travelers think of this experience

N
Nicole 1 December 2025

Ipek was absolutely terrific - she is a good storyteller and has deep knowledge of the history and sites to see. She was very flexible and clearly enjoys giving tours!

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J
Jeff 1 November 2025

Great!!

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C
Caroline 1 November 2025

Burak was fabulous, one of the best tour guides we've ever had!! Give that man a raise! :)

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S
Sarah 1 November 2025

I was on a solo layover and only had a few hours to see Istanbul. I had no idea what to expect and on the way from the airport I had an uncomfortable experience with a taxi cab driver who was not being honest. Not knowing the language, I didn’t know what to do so I called Ipek. She asked to be put on the phone with him and afterward he turned kind, and changed the fee, etc., I had not even met Ipek yet, and she helped me to feel supported and safe going above and beyond! On the tour she was lovely, knowledgeable. We made the most of our time in her magical city. I highly recommend her as a tour guide!

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K
Kate 1 November 2025

Burak made contact a few days before the tour and the day before. He was very informative and engaging. We discussed the history of Istanbul, but also modern Istanbul and Turkish politics. I would definitely recommend a guide if it is your first visit to Istanbul.

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C
Chris 1 November 2025

Our guide Ipek was wonderful and we learned so much!

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What you’ll do

Istanbul is a magical city alive with beauty, culture, and history. This is where empires once ruled! But if it’s been a while since you were in town or this is your first visit, joining one of our local Istanbul hosts to help you find your feet is the perfect way to get your trip off to a good start. Get oriented in the city streets and find your feet as you learn how to get around the city (there are tons of transport options available - from the metro to trams, taxis, and buses).

Spot some landmarks along the way, like the Blue Mosque, and soak up Istanbul’s beauty and history. From the bustling alleys of the Grand Bazaar to the vibrant Taksim district, there’s not a second to waste! And luckily, with a host to show you the ropes, not a second will be. You will be feeling right at home once they’ve shared their tips for where to eat, how to get around, and spilled a local secret or two. 

Real Stories, Real Connections

Beautiful memory

Beautiful memory

Beautiful memory

Beautiful memory

Tugba_Kurti_Istanbul_BR-1267458343

Tugba_Kurti_Istanbul_BR-1267458343

Echoes of History: A Memorable Encounter

Echoes of History: A Memorable Encounter

Capturing Smiles and Adventures

Capturing Smiles and Adventures

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Embracing Adventure in Istanbul's Heart