City: Istanbul
Top Things to do in Istanbul
The 10 Best Day Trips from in Istanbul, Turkey
The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip: an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there. Kick your trip off at the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.
Restaurants in Istanbul
1. Istanbul Two Continents and Backstreets
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
The tour takes you off the beaten track of Istanbul. While discovering local markets, bazaars, and backstreets, you will also gain an overview of Turkish history, culture and the unique architecture of Istanbul on a 6-hour insider walking tour with a local guide.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Public transportation
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By lancek319
Quality of tours is often influenced by the tour guide. Of all the tour guides we have had, Furkan stood atop of the list. He was so knowledgeable & pleasant & kind. Every minute we spent together was absolutely precious. When we return to Istanbul in the future, I would definitely seek out Furkan.
2. Private and guided Istanbul food tour - Taste of Istanbul
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 64 reviews
From kebabs to baklava to Turkish delight, Turkish food is famous the world over. While many people have enjoyed more than the odd kebab in their time, there is so much more to Turkish food than just kebabs as you will discover on the 6-hour Istanbul Food Tour. The tour takes you off the beaten track so you can sample the real tastes of Istanbul and experience delicious Turkish delicacies you may not have known existed. While discovering local markets you will also gain an overview of Turkish history and culture while appreciating the unique architecture of Istanbul. Whether you are a food expert or just love food the Istanbul Food Tour will fulfill your eating dreams.
Inclusions: Beverages, Breakfast, Food tasting, Professional guide, Private tour
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities, Transportation to/from attractions
Reviewed By GlobeExpress
I did a tour with Furkan some years back. I emailed what I wanted to do and he made it happen perfectly. Met me at my hotel, moved me between a series of places I chose and was patient and knowledgeable. I wandered solo through Grand Bazaar with his tips in mind. He took me for coffee with some of his friends - we had mind bending Turkish coffee and Apple tea in an alley off Taksim Square. Quite special. Hopped into cabs, trams, boats and a Sky way. And he finished the day with a gift for my daughter which she has. I will contact him when I next visit Istanbul. Very highly recommend!
3. Bosphorus Cruise, Golden Horn & Beylerbeyi Palace Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This tour offers a unique full-day experience at both sides of Istanbul. First, enjoy a colorful sightseeing along the Golden Horn; followed by a visit to the world-renowned Spice Bazaar in the heart of the Historical Peninsula. Take memorable photos during the 90-minute cruise through the Bosphorus and arrive in Asia to visit Beylerbeyi Palace, which was used to be the summer residence of the Sultan in the late Ottoman era, famous for its marble exterior facade and mixture of European and Ottoman baroque interior decorations. Afterwards, enjoy a splendid panoramic view of Istanbul city from Çamlica Hill, widely referred to as the Lovers' Hill.
Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pick up and drop off services , Museum fees
Exclusions: Drinks, Personal expenses, Gratuities
Reviewed By travelandsharks
Another fantastic experience with this company. Waiting outside exit door 8 with a greeter who took me straight to my car. I will use them again and again :)
4. Troya Tour - Daily
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Discover the ancient history of Troy on a full-day sightseeing tour from Istanbul. Travel by comfortable coach through the European side of Turkey to Gallipoli. Cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to reach Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guide shows you highlights including a replica of the Trojan Horse, ancient ruins from nine different epochs, the Roman Temple (Bouleuterion) and more. Includes lunch, entrance fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Full-day tour to Troy from Istanbul Learn about the history of Troy and the civilizations that once flourished there See a replica of the Trojan Horse Visit the Roman Temple (Bouleuterion) and museum Walk around ancient ruins from a number of civilizations Ride through the scenic Turkish countryside in a comfortable coach
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Lunch, Professional Tour Guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Exclusions:
Reviewed By olgaoY8493SV
Thank you all for the services of a high quality and pleasant atmosphere! Everyone from this agency was friendly and benevolent. Highly recommend this place for people, who like comfort, excellent organization and kind-hearted attitude!
5. Princess Islands and Bosphorus Tour(Heybeli and Buyukada)With Lunch and Guide
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Full day trip from Eminonu to Heybeli and Big Island by boat. Discover the biggest island of Istanbul with a professional tour guide. Heybeli and Big Island are the most fascinating summer resorts with lots of wooden mansions and a fantastic sea
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Tour Guide, Lunch will be served on boat (chicken sish kebap or meatball) with rice and cold soft drink
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Soda/Pop
Reviewed By shehryaragha
The guide (Faheem) was a very friendly and nice person, he explained details about all the attractions throughout the trip and was well informed about the history and facts of all these places.
6. Off The Beaten Path Istanbul
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
This is a special tour including some of the unique places in the city but also which are difficult to visit on your own. The tour will take you to the roots of historic Istanbul with a visit to the monuments of Byzantine and Ottoman cultural heritage. As the places of visit are all located out of the touristic centers, you will also have the chance to visit the current daily local life.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance fee
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By benethy
My mother and I enjoy so much to try different cuisines and learn about the culinary culture and local recipes to cook at home. While we were in Istanbul we had the Turkish Food experience and absolutely loved it. Derya not only passionate and knowledgeable about Turkish food but also she is knowledgeable about Istanbul's culture, and history. It makes the day more pleasant knowing what was behind each taste and stop and it was especially nice to try her favorite tastes. She shares her favorite places with true generosity. I can really recommend Derya and her private food tours. Truly a remarkable experience.
7. Cruise Around Princes' Islands by Private Yacht (6 or 9 Hours)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Chill and relax in one of the most naturally rich bays in Istanbul. Do not miss the chance to get tan while peacefully enjoying your day at Lotus Yacht.
Inclusions: Cheese & Fruit Platter, snacks (not allowed until 1st of June, 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions), All Taxes, Fuel Surcharges and Service Fees Included, Insurance
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Additional Drinks Available at Lotus Yacht Menu
Reviewed By pedtravel
I booked 2h sunset private tour over whatsapp and drive to yacht port it's quite far from Istanbul old city. We had very tasty snacks and water and get well explained the monuments and enjoy the sun set ! It's a very comfortable,spacy, professional and worth tour we recommend
8. Private Day Trip from Istanbul to Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 16 reviews
A Private Day Trip to 'must' to visit places: Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary. Enjoy this excellent tour and receive a Red Carpet Treatment by a Private Tour Guide and luxurious Mercedes-Benz Vehicles.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Internal / Domestic Flight Tickets
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By Explore766817
We booked a 7- hours tour which was very well organized and very informative. Our bus was very comfortable and it was on time. Our guide Mehmet spoke very good English and his Russian was quite good too, which was important to me because my younger daughter is not fluent enough to understand everything. Unfortunately some places are closed due to the pandemic but nevertheless we were lucky to see and learn a lot and hope to come again
9. Ephesus Trip from Istanbul
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 54 reviews
This full-day excursion covers the most exciting sites of the region, including the House of Virgin Mary, where the Blessed Virgin is reputed to have spent the last years of her life. And the Ancient City of Ephesus, the most important archaeological site in Turkey. You will also see the Artemis Temple and İsabey Mosque, as well as having a chance to explore local handicrafts of the region... • Starts with picking up from your Istanbul Hotel and ends with dropping off to your Istanbul Hotel • Return Flights, Airport Transfers, Entrance Fees, Lunch, and Licensed Tour Guide Included • Even you have a chance to explore local handicrafts besides visiting historical & cultural destinations • Small-group tour limited to 15 people ensures a more personalized experience • Explore the Local Life not the touristic designed places
Inclusions: All Airport Transfers, Licensed Tour Guide, Transportation during your Tour, Lunch, Return flight ticket from/to Istanbul
Exclusions: Gratuities, Drinks during Lunch (if preferred)
Reviewed By Ameima
I have been in many countries but never with tours, this time because of COVID my best friend and I decided to do it this way. Hire a local agency and it was AMAZING! We had the fortune to do Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, and Myra with Ismail and it was such an experience that I wish he could do all my trips from now on. It was like having a private concierge 24/7! He knows every detail in history, best places to buy, best places to eat! In Capadoccia we were received by his partners and they were also super accommodating and super nice people and the hotel he book us was the must incredible place ever! I can just say that I recommend it 100%, you have to do it! Thank you very much Ismail!
10. Istanbul Full Day Old City Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 40 reviews
Let’s start to explore Istanbul. First visit is Hippodrome. It was the center of sport activities of Constantinople. Haghia Sophia, is the most famous museum in Turkey and one of the greatest marvels of architecture. Haghia Sophia was built as a church in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. (Closed on Monday) Blue Mosque, as known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, this breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman Mosques in all of Turkey. (Closed on Friday) Topkapi Palace, which has been home to the Ottoman dynasty for many years, was used for educational administrative and as the art center of the state. (Closed on Tuesday) Grand Bazaar, is the biggest market and the most attractive shopping center of Istanbul which has lots of shopping opportunities. (Closed on Sunday) Hagia Irene also called as “St. Eirene” Church. It is one of the oldest Byzantium churches in Istanbul, was the 2nd largest church of the Eastern Roman Empire after Hagia Sophia. (Closed on Tuesday)
Inclusions: Entrance Fees, Professional Licensed Tour Guide, Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off, A/C Mercedes Sprinter
Exclusions: Food & Drinks, Personal Expenses, Driver & Guide Tips – Gratitue, Topkapi Palace Harem Entrance Fee
Reviewed By freddyp463
That was an excellent trip from the beginning till end. Every step of the tour was unique and perfect. Not only guide but also driver were respectful and funny people. We love it! Highly recommended! Trip was beyond my expectations. Thanks for the team they helped us much. Superb!
