City Essentials: First Day • 3 hours
5.0
(45)
Kickstart your trip to Istanbul
This is the one where your host spills all their local secrets, and you ask all your questions!
What makes this experience special
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 to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
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 not included
Food and drinks
Transport costs
Gratuities
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
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.
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
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Echoes of History: A Memorable Encounter
25,583+ 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.
Sarah
Nov 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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Kate
Nov 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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Chris
Nov 2025
Our guide Ipek was wonderful and we learned so much!
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Elisabeth
Nov 2025
Excellent!!
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Hiba
Oct 2025
Ipech was so respectful and knowledgable. Highly recommend!
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Lori
Oct 2025
Loved that at could puck time of day and length of touring time and also cater to just the sites we wanted to see in that timeframe. Emir was friendly, personal and accommodating for our tote of the Toptaki palace, visit to Blue Mosc and to a local ceramics shop - was a bit of a hard sell to visit this spot so make note if you go. Quality and service of ceramics were high but pricey.
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