The Must See Old City Tour in Istanbul

5.0 (18 reviews) 4–6 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

18 reviews

5.0

The Must See Old City Tour in Istanbul — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

The Must See Old City Tour in Istanbul, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience Istanbul’s Old City through a refined and fully private journey crafted for travelers who appreciate depth, elegance, and expert insight.

Stroll through the storied streets of Sultanahmet as your guide unveils the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, and other timeless landmarks with rich, immersive storytelling.

This curated experience adapts seamlessly to your interests—whether architecture, culture, culinary heritage, or photography—ensuring every moment feels personal and meaningful.

Along the way, you’ll discover hidden courtyards, artisan details, and quiet corners that most visitors never encounter, gaining a deeper, more elevated understanding of Istanbul’s imperial past and vibrant present.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Culture Excellent Quality

At a glance

Duration: 4–6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: The Kebab Guide

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–11 years) · Youth (12–19 years) · Adults (20–59 years) · Seniors (60–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Guide Fees

Not included

Not included: Lunch
Not included: Tickets

Itinerary

German Fountain

15 min

This is the German Fountain at the start of the Hipodrome (Sultanahmet) Square
Obelisk of Theodosius

15 min

The two obelisks at the heart and end of the square date back to Ancient Egypt, and Eastern Roman Empire. These are the witnesses to the history of this city.
Serpent Column

15 min

The Column of Delphi, this column was a sacrificial altar for the God Apollo. Now the myths it contain live with us.
Blue Mosque

20 min

Also known as the Sultanahmed Mosque, this mosque is known for its magnificient tiles and art. Being one of the Sultan Mosque's of İstanbul it is a must see.
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

45 min Admission not included

The crown jewel of Istanbul, most unique place you can see in all Turkey is the Hagia Sophia. This beatiful structre is culturally significant to all the cultures who shared this city. A symbol of cultural acceptance and understanding, this is something you have to see when you come to this city. (The line to enter to Hagia sophia usually takes around an hour, because of this Hagia sophia may be our last stop as the lines get shorter during evening)
TopkapI Palace

2 hours Admission not included

This is the heart of the Ottoman Empire, this is where the Ottoman family lived at, this is where the court politics and intrigue lies at. See the old treasury housing on of the biggest diamonds of the world, and the biggest emerald in the world. The holy relics room where you can see the belongings of the prophets. And the Harem, where everything happened.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

This is the Starbucks near the Sultanahmet Tram station it is really easy to find and we can get a refreshing coffee at the start of the tour!

End point

This is the Starbucks near the Sultanahmet Tram station it is really easy to find and we can get a refreshing coffee at the start of the tour!

Pickup points

Atlantis Royal Hotel
Imagine Istanbul - Sultanahmet
Valeria Antique 1892
Han 1772 Hotel
Xenia Hotel Istanbul
AHC Ayasofya Hotel - Special Class
Meddusa Hotel
Old City Konstantinei Apartments
Gulhane Corner Hotel
Akdeniz Hotel
Faros Hotel Old City
Kupeli Hotel

and 703 more pickup points

We will come to you at the meeting time and we will travel to the tour area together either using mass transportation or taxi.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please be aware that 2 hours are extra time in case there are lengthy lines or extended travel times.