Night Experiences • 4 hours 5.0 (6)

A night in Istanbul with a local

Jewel-hued lanterns, billowing shisha smoke, and Lion’s Milk.

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

  • Join your host as you spend 4 hours immersed in Istanbul nightlife and the famous streets and markets.
  • Get what you want from your experience, browse and sample from the incredible food scene
  • Enjoy a few drinks and mezze in a bar that suits your vibe
  • Get the scoop on tips and tricks for the best markets to grab a bargain and find the best places for souvenirs to take home with you at local prices
  • Speak to your host about what other exciting nightlife offerings Istanbul has in store

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
2 drinks recommended for you by 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 additional to the ones included in the experience
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

Picture glowing coals under sizzling kebabs and shisha smoke billowing into the black sky. Imagine the vibe as there’s a shift in the air as the sun goes down. The sound of ice clinking in glasses at bars overlooking the Bosphorus Strait.

You could dive into bazaars and find colorful walkways crammed with clothes, leather handbags, silk scarves, and jewelry - with their jewel-colored lanterns, the city’s markets are even more exciting by night. Or maybe you’d like to explore a neighborhood known for its arts and live music scene.

Feel like watching the sunset behind the city’s domes and sip orange juice and vodka or a cocktail as you watch lights twinkling over the Bosphorus? Or what about ducking into a mayhene tavern to feast on mezze and sip Lion’s Milk, the local liqueur, before things are kicked up a notch and you find yourself amongst traditional dancing (it happens to the best of us)?

Just let us know your pace and your style, and your host will lead you to the spots which they’re sure you’ll love.

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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recommended by 99% of travelers on google
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What travelers think of this experience

Swati, 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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Luis Fernando, Apr 2024

Best tour ever. Ferruza made us love Istanbul and Turkey. Even though it was only one day, the tour was incredible. Thank you

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DJOURDEM, Jan 2024

All Istanbul

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Gail, Jul 2022

Attila took the time to ask questions to understand fully what would be ideal for me to see. The actual tour was very personalised, and I felt so comfortable with him. Taking me to Kadiköy was the best place to go for the experience of local life that I was looking for. A very good tour guide, I would highly recommend.

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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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