Istanbul Evening Walking Tour Hagia Sophia and Photo Stops
Description
Experience Istanbul in the peaceful hours of the evening, when the crowds are smaller and the city looks even more beautiful. This relaxed walking tour focuses on outdoor guiding, so you can see more landmarks without waiting in long ticket or security lines. The tour includes many photo stops, giving you great chances to capture unforgettable memories. From grand historic squares to charming streets like Sogukcesme, famous for its colorful wooden houses. Led by a licensed guide, you’ll hear engaging stories and discover over 1700 years of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history in an easy and enjoyable way. A traditional Turkish tea break in a historic setting makes the experience even more special.
Tour Options
Itinerary
German Fountain Start your evening at the elegant German Fountain, a historic gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II to the Ottoman Empire. Admire its striking green dome and detailed mosaics while your guide introduces the rich history of Istanbul. The perfect beginning to your walk through the Old City.
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) Visit the courtyard of the world-famous Blue Mosque and admire its impressive architecture and six minarets. Learn about its history and lasting importance to the city. If open at the time of the tour, guests may also step inside for a brief visit.
Obelisk of Theodosius (Egyptian Obelisk) See the remarkable 3500 years old Egyptian Obelisk, originally brought from Luxor and later erected here by the Romans. Your guide will explain its fascinating journey to Constantinople and the ancient hieroglyphs carved into its surface.
Serpent Column Discover the mysterious Serpent Column, one of the oldest monuments in the Hippodrome, dating back to ancient Greece. Learn how it was brought to Constantinople by Emperor Constantine and hear the legends surrounding this unique bronze monument.
Little Hagia Sophia Mosque Step inside the 1,500-year-old Little Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s oldest Byzantine landmarks. Admire its elegant architecture and peaceful atmosphere while your guide explains its journey from church to mosque. Enjoy a relaxing break here with a cup of traditional Turkish tea.
Arasta Bazaar Stroll through the charming Arasta Bazaar, a small historic market known for its authentic atmosphere and colorful shops. Discover traditional crafts and local products while experiencing the lively spirit of old Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia Square Arrive at the impressive Hagia Sophia Square and admire one of the world’s most iconic landmarks from outside. Hear the story of its three historical phases. Rebuilt twice, it has served as a church, a mosque, a museum, and today an active mosque. While learning about the major events that shaped its legacy.
Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III Admire the elegant Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III, a masterpiece of Ottoman Rococo style. Your guide will explain its artistic details and the importance of public fountains in Ottoman daily life.
Milion Stone Stand beside the legendary Milion Stone, once considered the zero milestone of the Byzantine Empire. From this very point, all distances across the empire were measured. Marking the symbolic center of Constantinople.
Column of Constantine (Cemberlitas Column) See the iconic Column of Constantine, erected in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine the Great to mark the new capital of the Roman Empire. Standing for nearly 1700 years, it remains one of Istanbul’s most important Roman monuments.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(5)
We had evening food tour and really Happy to book this tour. Ferdi was great. Explained every place we have seen and every food we ate. Thank you
Firstly, ı would like to thank to Mr. Ferdi . He made great job. We were lucky to enter the blue mosque. We drunk tea at the garden of Little Hagia Sophia Mosque. Such a nice athmospher. Highly recommended.
My girlfriend and I went for an evening walk. Our guide has excellent knowledge of history. He told it as if he were telling a story. I especially loved the hidden spots. My girlfriend loved the birdhouses.
After a fantastic food tour with this operator, my son and I booked the Istanbul Evening Walking Tour – Hagia Sophia and Photo Stops with Ferdi again — and it was just as impressive. This time, it was just the two of us, which made the experience feel even more special and personal. Exploring Istanbul in the evening was absolutely beautiful — fewer crowds, softer light, and a peaceful atmosphere around landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome. We were able to enter the Blue Mosque, which was a highlight. Seeing it in the calmer evening setting made it even more memorable. Although the itinerary was already rich, Ferdi went beyond it. He showed us additional spots that weren’t even listed — places that truly caught my interest. He clearly extended his service beyond expectations, making sure we saw and understood more than what was promised. What stands out about Ferdi is not only his deep knowledge of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history, but how engaging and clear he is. His English is excellent, he welcomes questions, and he explains history in a way that connects the dots rather than just listing dates. The entire evening felt relaxed and stress-free. No navigating, no rushing — just walking, learning, and appreciating Istanbul at its most beautiful hour. After joining two tours with this operator and guide, I can confidently say they are professional, passionate, and truly dedicated to giving guests a meaningful experience. Highly recommended — especially if you get Ferdi as your guide
I joined this evening tour and truly loved it. Seeing the Sultanahmet Mosque, Hagia Sophia Mosque, and Topkapı Palace from outside under the evening lights was wonderful, and the guide’s stories helped me look at these places from a completely new perspective. The tea treat at Little Hagia Sophia Mosque at the end was a very thoughtful touch and added a warm, friendly atmosphere to the experience. It was both enjoyable and informative—a beautiful way to feel the spirit of Istanbul. I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed seeing these historic landmarks under the evening lights and discovering them from a new perspective. We are also pleased that the tea break added a warm and memorable touch to your experience. Creating evenings that are both informative and atmospheric is always our aim. Thank you for your recommendation. We hope to welcome you again in Istanbul.
