Top 4 Old Town and Historic Centre Walks in Istanbul

1.Full Day Historical Walking Tour of Istanbul Old City from Hagia Sophia

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 114 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $43Our pick

Start at Hagia Sophia at 10 a.m. and spend 6 to 8 hours with an English-speaking guide and no more than nine people. Visit the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapı Palace, and Hagia Irene, with the Basilica Cistern replacing Topkapı on Tuesdays. Expect a lot of walking, extra admission fees, and possible shopping stops.

“The buildings were beautiful the guide was very knowledgeable. Even with the rain it was a good experience. Sad that the Blue Mosque is under renovation until sometime in 2023.”

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2.Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour w/ 10 Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 63 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $107Top rated

Spend four hours eating your way from the Egyptian Bazaar across the Galata Bridge to Karakoy. Your English-speaking guide, including guides such as Nusret, leads a group of up to 12 through spice stalls, family-run food spots, a rooftop dining room, and local restaurants. Ten tastings, drinks, and dietary options are included.

“Nusret was a great guide. Took me to great places and we had a blast. I would recommend this to anyone visiting Istanbul.”

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3.Istanbul : Historical Turkish Bath Experience in Old City

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $30Best value

At Acemoglu Historical Turkish Bath in Istanbul’s Old City, you receive a clay mask, kese body scrub, warm-water rinse, foam wash, and optional 30-minute massage. Choose a public bath or semi-private setting. Female attendants provide the treatments, with towels, slippers, tea, and coffee included.

“The bath was amazing, with a salt scrub on a warm marble slab. Lots of warm water rinse on your front and back. Also a soapy foam wash. A head wash with a scalp massage. Then we had tea and water break before an amazing deep massage.”

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4.2-Day Private Istanbul: Old City + Food Tour (Tickets+Tastings)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $590

Spend two private days with a guide such as Furkan or Derya exploring Istanbul’s Old City and food scene. See Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, then eat your way from Karakoy to Kadikoy with Turkish breakfast, baklava, mussels, kokorec, and local dishes. Tickets and public transport are included.

“We had an incredible two-day tour in Istanbul with our guide, Furkhan, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. On the first day, we visited the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. Furkhan brought each place to life with his deep knowledge of history and culture. He was very flexible with timing and always made sure we were comfortable and enjoying every moment. All entrance fees were included, so there were absolutely no hidden costs, which made the experience even more relaxed and enjoyable. The second day was the “Taste of Istanbul” food tour, starting with a traditional Turkish breakfast. This was definitely the…”

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