Istanbul Haunted Night Tour
Description
“Shadows of Istanbul: The Haunted Night Tour” Step into the shadows of history with Istanbul’s original and only haunted night experience. Guided by expert storytellers, you’ll explore eleven chilling locations, each with its own eerie tale researched and rooted in historical fact. As we wander through the ancient heart of the city, ghost-hunting equipment and some visual aids bring the stories to life. Follow the flicker of lanterns through forgotten alleys, Roman ruins, and the dark corners of the Hippodrome—where empires once rose, and spirits may still linger. Walk where sultans, soldiers, and lost souls once did, and hear their untold stories echo through the night. This immersive two-hour experience includes plenty of time to rest, reflect, and investigate at each haunted stop. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this tour will leave you questioning what you thought you knew about Istanbul. Dare to discover the haunted side of history?
Tour Options
Itinerary
In the year 330, Constantine moved that Capital of the Roman Empire and it started here at this location. The Column of Constantine holds dark secrets from the past and the forum that surrounded it bared witness to the terror that took place here.
We enter a graveyard of a Sultan and his advisors from the 19th Century. Here the tales of betrayal and assassination.
We will make our way to the side of the Sphendone which is the vaulted remnants of the south side of the Hippodrome. Here we will visit the outside of an ancient prison which once housed wild animals for the circus. We will also discuss torture methods of these prisons and how disfiguration was a common practice during this time.
The Hippodrome was the sporting and social center of Constantinople. It was the center of the Roman world for over 1000 years and was second only to the Cirucs Maximus. This was host to the famous chariot races from the grandest city of the medieval world. The Hippodrome was not only a place for chariot racing and its rival factions, but it held public executions and was the place to see the emperor face to face for the citizens of Constantinople. It was also the scene for one of the most horrific massacres in human history.
This church was once called the Church of Saints Sergius and Baccus and later rename under Ottoman rule the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque. Before it was a church, the area was a palace home to Justinian before he became Emperor in the 6th century. During the 16th century a high-ranking eunuch was embezzling money and evading taxes. Here he was found and executed losing something very personal for him.
We make our way to the back side of the Sphendone where we will hear about the "best seats in the house" and how a great deal of death was compiled here over many centuries. We will hear of a Coup De Tat that was successful in dethroning a powerful Emperor and the fate that him and his sons endured above these walls.
Here we will talk about the Haunted Serpent Column from the spoils of war to the brutal execution of a Byzantine Emperor that took place here.
We will briefly discuss the German Fountain and how the same location was the starting gates for the chariot races in the Hippodrome. In the 17th century Ottoman soldiers were returning home from war and they were not being paid. This led to a deadly event that happened at this location where a very old tree once stood.
In the Ottoman Empire the law of Fratricide allowed these Sultans to kill their brothers and children who threatened their throne. Brothers killing brothers and now they haunt the Mausoleum where their bodies lay.
In the early 17th Century coffee was banned for public drinking and the consequences were literally deadly.
The main gate to the Imperial Palace is grand, but it was also meant to scare and intimidate all those who entered. The head gardener of the palace gardens also had a special race that was literally a matter of life and death.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(64)
We have travelled to many countries over 50 years and have used the services of many guides. Sare was by far the best. She was well spoken, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, passionate about our tour, ensured we were comfortable in terms of pace, and had an excellent rapport with local people. Our highlight was a tour of a place that made silk rugs and tapestries. That was once in a lifetime experience where the owner showed how his spectacular works of art were made. She showed genuine interest in our life experiences and where we have lived. After the tour Sare made sure we found our way back to where we were staying. We cannot thank Sare enough.
We had a great time with Sare on this tour! Sare was very accommodating and kind, and provided us with so much interesting unknown facts about Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire. Cannot recommend this tour enough
This was a great nighttime tour full of interesting, although tragic, stories of historical figures and events in Istanbul. Although we went in some commonly visited areas we focused on “hidden” areas which was a unique experience! Sare was our guide and she did an excellent job with storytelling and entertainment.
My husband and I did the haunted night tour with Sare, who was amazing! she provided us so much information and was also very insightful on different off the beaten path recommendations. We had a great time overall, thank you Sare!
Sare is an extraordinary tour guide who brings the rich history, vibrant culture, and hidden secrets of Istanbul to life. Her deep knowledge, warmth, and seamless organization turn a standard sightseeing trip into an unforgettable journey through time. She connects ancient Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman histories into a captivating, easy-to-follow narrative. Her engaging personality makes you feel like you are exploring the city with a knowledgeable local friend. If you want to truly understand and feel the magic of Istanbul rather than just check off landmarks, booking Sare is the best decision you can make. She turns a vacation into a deeply enriching life experience. Highly recommended!
Wow. Thank you for this lovely review.
Sare is the best guide! She’s so knowledgeable and fun. The group anppreciated energy even though she had a long day. This was a great experience overall. Definitely added more history that doesn’t always get shared with your standard tour experience.
It was the best haunted tour we had. We gave the best decision joining this tour as a couple who loves the dark and bloody stories. Our tour guide, Sare, was amazing, funny and shared the really interesting sides of Istanbul that we normally would skip while we walked. This tour with her is highly recommended.
Thank you so much for your review!
Amazing tour! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We had taken a self guided approach to the other major sites, but her knowledge of history and landmarks was exceptional- definitely the highlight of our trip. I would recommend this tour to everyone. It's particular good if you are looking for an evening activity.
Attended this with my husband and daughter. It was so much fun. Sare is an excellent guide and ambassador for her city!
Sare is an excellent tour guide. This was the hughlight of our visit ro Istanbul. We had a great time and learned very interesting history. I would higjly recommend this tour to anyone.
