Tours/Istanbul/Old Town Of Istanbul - Orientation Walking Tour
Viator · group up to 25 pax

Old Town Of Istanbul - Orientation Walking Tour

4.9(280)Istanbul1 hour
VIATOR4.9(8)TRIPADVISOR4.9(272)

Description

Kickstart your Istanbul adventure with this insightful 2.5-hour orientation walking tour. Led by an official tour guide, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the city's history, Islam, and its most essential landmarks, helping you plan the rest of your trip more effectively. Your guide will also share local tips on where to eat, experience a traditional Turkish bath, and much more. This is an orientation tour and does not include interior visits to major sites. However, depending on the line, we will make an effort to go inside the Blue Mosque or an alternative mosque.

Tour Options

2.5 Hrs - Walking Tour
  • Booking Fee + Minimum Tipping

Itinerary

15 min

We will begin our tour at the German Fountain, a gift symbolizing the friendship between the Turks and Germans, which later led to their alliance in World War I. Through this monument, we will explore Turkey's history and its connections to the past.

25 min

During our tours, we aim to visit a mosque to discuss Islam. If the line at the Blue Mosque is manageable, we will go inside. However, since our tours last 2.5 hours, we want to make the most of our time rather than waiting in a long line. If the wait is too long, we will visit another mosque instead. Please note that the Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays, but we will still make an effort to enter a different mosque.

Admission not included15 min

We'll admire the Hagia Sophia from the outside, as entry requires a fee of 25 Euros per person. Our local guide will share insights into its significance, enriching your understanding. If you choose to visit later, you'll appreciate the Hagia Sophia even more with the knowledge gained from our tour.

10 min

We will visit a cemetery where members of the royal family and other significant figures are buried. This will give you insight into Turkish burial traditions and how they have evolved since the establishment of the Republic.

10 min

Our guide will introduce the Column of Constantine the Great, highlighting its historical significance. We will also explore the city's rich trade history, as this site once marked the end of major trade routes in ancient times.

15 min

If the line at the Blue Mosque is too long, our guide may take you to an alternative mosque to explain Islam. Since most mosques share common architectural and cultural features, the knowledge you gain will help you better understand other mosques you may visit during your free time.

15 min

We will visit the Grand Bazaar by exploring the areas frequented by locals before moving on to the more tourist-oriented sections. After a brief tour inside, we will step outside, where your guide will share tips on haggling and recommend alternative bazaars to explore. ( Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays ) At this point, you may choose to leave or continue with your guide for a short five-minute walk to enjoy a complimentary sampling of Turkish Delight with fruit tea. This is not a shopping stop—no one will try to sell you anything. Instead, you'll experience a peaceful atmosphere with access to a free rooftop view. Your guide will also share recommendations for local restaurants to consider for lunch after the tour.

Highlights

Booking fee.
Guiding Fee
Sampling Turkish Delights with fruit tea.

What's included

Included
Booking fee.
Guiding Fee
Sampling Turkish Delights with fruit tea.
Not included
Tipping Tour Guide

Traveller Ratings

4.9
280 reviews
5
264
4
14
3
2
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(280)

A
ALISON C
June 29, 2026
Perfect introduction to the city

Great introduction to the city. Visit to Blue Mosque was fantastic along with explanation of the significance of key aspects of the building and Islam. Good recommendations for eating, drinking and shopping with no sense of pressure.

S
Seaside57483046057
June 26, 2026
This is a great tour!!

Yunis was a really excellent tour guide! I highly recommend this tour. I’ve previously taken two Istanbul tours, and Yunis was by far the best guide. He shared a lot of insights into the Turkish culture, took care of the group, and didn’t try to talk us into buying anything. What a great tour!

L
lovrob887
June 26, 2026
Great first day in Istanbul

The tour was interesting and not too long. Yunus guided us and explained everything we saw and were interested in. Highly recommended. 10/10

9
950hamsas
June 26, 2026
Well worth the introduction tour

Yunus was excellent. Very patient and knowledgeable, encouraged questions. Offered local perspectives and honest viewpoints. Great historical context. Family learned a lot.

P
Paul B
June 26, 2026
Fun, interesting, insightful.

The guide was really friendly, knowledgeable and made the trip interesting.

8
82justinr
June 21, 2026
Great intro to Istanbul

Great experience and orientation of the Old Town. Excellent recommendations for local restaurants as well. Well worthwhile.

H
H M
June 20, 2026
Enjoyable and informative tour.

We enjoyed our tour and our guide was friendly and informative.

D
Daydream63566396335
June 20, 2026
Excellent guide

Booked a tour with Yunus, he was a very good guide, English was very good with detailed and rich explanations/history given. Couldn’t ask for anything more

3
394vidular
June 19, 2026
Enjoyed the Old Town of Istanbul

Had a great time discovering the history , the food, the shops

R
R9597RYjuliana
June 18, 2026
Great way to see the Old City

Younis provided an amazing tour of the Old City -— it's a great way to see some of the main tourist attractions from a local perspective and learn about the history of the city.

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