Overview
The former capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul is a vibrant city filled with magnificent architecture and a rich history as the bridge between east and west. Perfect for first-time visitors, this in-depth guided walking tour covers the main attractions while also venturing to hard-to-find secret spots. Leave the navigation to your guide, who also provides illuminating commentary.
After meeting your guide at Sultanahmet Square, head off on a scenic stroll through one of the world’s most spectacular cities. Your guide will tell stories from the heyday of Byzantine and Ottoman rule as you wander the picturesque streets. This tour aims to give you an overview of the city, its historic attractions, museums, local arts and traditions etc.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Professional Guide
Small Group
Gratuities (Recommended)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
In front (outside) of FOODIE-IST CAFE AND BRASSERIE. It is approximately 2 minutes walking distance from (T1) Sultanahmet tram stop. Your guide will wear a tour guide badge and will be easy to spot.
End point
Our tour concludes after visiting Spice Market in Eminönü and leaving you free to continue your Istanbul sightseeing
Good to know
This tour aims to give you an overview of the city, its attractions, museums, local arts and traditions etc. Museums are seen from outside.
PLEASE ARRIVE AT LEAST 10 MINUTES BEFORE THE ACTIVITY STARTS: If you are going to be late, please contact the tour provider in advance. The guide will wait for you if you are the only participant or they will advise you how to catch up with your group later.
What to expect
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Basilica Cistern
10 min
This spacious Roman built cistern shows off impressive Roman engineering was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. The largest surviving Byzantine cistern in İstanbul has been backdrop for many movies over time. Its cavernous depths make a great retreat on hot summer days.
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Sogukcesme Sokak
10 min
This is a small street with beautiful historic houses which are leaning against the wall of Topkapi Palace.
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Caferaga Medresesi
10 min
The Caferağa Medresseh is a former medrese and now recognised as an important centre of Turkish classical arts where traditional Turkish handicrafts such as calligraphy, ceramics, jewelry and so forth are taught, made and sold.
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Hagia Sophia Mosque
10 min
Began its life as a church in 532 AD, converted into a mosque after the Turkish conquest of Constantinople in 1453 and now a museum since 1935. By general consensus, it is the most important Byzantine structure and one of the world’s great monuments built under the direction of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Istanbul and famous for its lofty interior, stunning surviving mosaics and the massive dome...
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TopkapI Palace
10 min
Imperial residence of Ottoman sultans is the subject of more colorful stories than most of the world's museums put together. Libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines and scheming eunuchs lived and worked here between the 15th and 19th centuries when it was the court of the Ottoman empire. About 24 sultans ruled from the Topkapı Palace for nearly four centuries during the Ottoman Empire's 600-year reign
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Sultanahmet District
10 min
"Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled
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Walled Obelisk
10 min
The Walled Obelisk or Masonry Obelisk (Turkish: Örme Dikilitaş) is a Roman monument in the form of an obelisk. It is situated at the southern end of the ancient chariot-racing track of Constantinople's central barrier, beside the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column.
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German Fountain
10 min
Constructed as a present from German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1898, it represents one of the most beautiful monuments in Istanbul.
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Hippodrome
10 min
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus that was the sporting and social center of Constantinople. Today it is a square with a few fragments of the original structure surviving. Monuments decorating the Hippodrome include the 3500-year-old Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column...
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Blue Mosque
10 min
Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque by many tourists because of its bluish interior decoration( blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design), is the most important mosque of Istanbul standing next to the Byzantine Hippodrome in the old city center..
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Serpent Column
10 min
Also known as the Serpentine Column, Plataean Tripod or Delphi Tripod, is an ancient bronze column at the Hippodrome of Constantinople (known as Atmeydanı "Horse Square" in the Ottoman period). It is part of an ancient Greek sacrificial tripod, originally in Delphi and relocated to Constantinople by Constantine the Great in 324.
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Sultanahmet Square
10 min
This beautiful square and a great place to make a stop, relax and take photos of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
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Tahtakale District
10 min
"Shop till you drop" in Tahtakale, a sub-district of Istanbul's Eminönü, where you can find anything and everything you are looking for, all for resonable prices.
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Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)
10 min
No visit to Istanbul is complete without stopping by the atmospheric Spice Bazaar with roots dating back to 1660, this is one Istanbul's most famous bazaars. Vividly coloured spices are displayed alongside jewel-like lokum (Turkish delight) at this Ottoman-era marketplace, providing eye candy for the thousands of tourists and locals who make their way here every day. Stalls also sell caviar, dried herbs, honey, nuts and dried fruits.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Istanbul).
Additional Information
- It is a walking tour, so there is a moderate amount of walking involved
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Istanbul Small-Group City and Secret Streets Tour with Guide
Can I cancel Istanbul Small-Group City and Secret Streets Tour with Guide for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 4 hours.
Where does it start?
In front (outside) of FOODIE-IST CAFE AND BRASSERIE. It is approximately 2 minutes walking distance from (T1) Sultanahmet tram stop.
What's included?
- Professional Guide
- Small Group
What's not included?
- Gratuities (Recommended)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Which places does it visit?
It visits Basilica Cistern, Sogukcesme Sokak, Caferaga Medresesi, Hagia Sophia Mosque, TopkapI Palace, Sultanahmet District, Walled Obelisk, German Fountain.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Tematique Tours
