Istanbul Essentials For First Timers

5.0 (27 reviews) 6–9 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

27 reviews

5.0

Istanbul Essentials For First Timers — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Istanbul Essentials For First Timers, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

If you are going to visit Istanbul for the first time, this cultural and culinary walking tour in Istanbul will provide you a detailed information of what I can call "Essentials of Istanbul Experience". We will visit some of the most famous landmarks of Istanbul, understand their historical, architectural and social importance. We will also try some local foods, including (everyone's favourite) Turkish desserts. I will be explaining my guests some of the less-known and little-noticed details for each site.

The experience can be tailored with the consensus of all participants.

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours City Tours Public Transportation Tours Small Group Additional fees

At a glance

Duration: 6–9 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 5 people
People per booking: 1–5
Guide: English
Operated by: Unsal Koslu

Ages: Adults (18–70 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Professional Licenced Tourist Guidance Service

Not included

Not included: Entry Tickets To Museums
Not included: Lunch
Not included: Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.): Public transportation

Itinerary

Gulhane Park

20 min

Once part of Topkapi Palace, this relaxing and beautiful public park is more than a recreational area. This area played a very crucuial role in the history of Istanbul, but also of Turkish Republic. In April, it is full of tulips. In May, roses replace tulips. Every seasons, it looks amazing in its own way.
Stop 2

10 min

The first-of-its-kind, Sultan Ahmed Fountain in front of Topkapi Palace is an elegant monument in itself. Surrounded by Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, this Fountain rarely gets the attention that it deserves. We will examine its Tulip Period ornaments with a special attention and understand its impact to the city.
Stop 3

one hour Admission not included

Yerebatan (Basilica) Cistern is a 6th-century Roman water structure and the largest of its kind in Istanbul. With endless rows of columns, its has a unique appearance. It is considered as a top sight in Istanbul. There may be a 30-minute waiting time on busy days.
Blue Mosque

one hour

This 17th-century masterpiece of Ottoman architecture is one of the top sights in Istanbul. Its interior provides one of the most glamorous examples of Ottoman mosques. It is decorated with thousands of tiles and extensive penwork. Starting from its outer courtyard to the inner corners, this mosque provides several elegant examples of the Turkish artistic taste of the 17th century.
Sultanahmet Square

one hour

Sultanahmet Square is the ancient Roman Hippodrome and contains some of Istanbul's oldest and most important sights. The Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, Masonary Obelisk and German Fountain are among those sights. Each of them has its own fascinating stories and not-easy-to-notice aspects, which I will happily share during our visit.
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

one hour Admission not included

The Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul is one of the masterpieces of world architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 6th-century building contains artistic items and architectural features from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations. It is a must-see in Istanbul, but for that reason, there are long queues which may result with 1-2 hours of waiting time. (If my guests prefer to see the building only from outside in order not to wait in a long queue, an alternative destination can be added)
Grand Bazaar

one hour

As a key city of the Silk Road and the Spice Road, Istanbul boasts the presence of some of the best medieval bazaars in the world. The Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar are still some of most lively commercial buildings in Istanbul. Depending on the personal preference of my guests, we can visit one or both of them. Grand Bazaar is closed on sunday.
Beyazit Mosque

one hour

Although Blue Mosque is the most visited Ottoman mosque in Istanbul because of its location at the heart of Old City, several other mosques are worth visiting because of their historical significance and architectural aspects. Beyazit Mosque in particular contains very interesting features that are unique in Istanbul. We will take a look at its colorful decoration dated 1505.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Use "T1 Kabataş-Bağcılar Tram Line" and exit at "Sirkeci" station if you are staying in Galata/Pera, Taksim, Sultanahmet or Laleli areas. Use "Marmaray" and exit at "Sirkeci" underground station and follow gate number "1", if you are staying on Asian side. For help, contact with me via Whatsapp.

End point

Use "T1 Kabataş-Bağcılar Tram Line" and exit at "Sirkeci" station if you are staying in Galata/Pera, Taksim, Sultanahmet or Laleli areas. Use "Marmaray" and exit at "Sirkeci" underground station and follow gate number "1", if you are staying on Asian side. For help, contact with me via Whatsapp.

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.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important Note: The guide will only provide “tourist guidance service” in accordance with the legal guidelines in Türkiye.