Istanbul Uncovered Discovery

About this experience

Istanbul is a beautiful city, but it pays to know where to look. Join this Istanbul tour to be shown the unmistakable icons as well as the hard-to-find secret spots that make Istanbul so captivating.

Highlights

• Stop of an authentic coffee or tea on the way
• Wander through the Sahaflar Carsisi (book bazaar), one of the oldest markets in Istanbul
• Discover the secret haunts of locals in Sultanahmet and explore the backstreets and hidden gems
• Be stunned by stellar views of Istanbul and hear tales of both Byzantine and Ottoman drama and intrigue
• Optional Full-Day Discovery Upgrade: Enjoy a local lunch and guided visits to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia
• Explore the labyrinth that is the Grand Bazaar
• Explore the Blue Mosque with a local and gain insight into Islam

What's included

• Half‑Day Sultanahmet Walking Tour (3.5 hours) – Inclusions
• Local English‑speaking guide
• Guided walking tour through the Sultanahmet district
• Visit to the historic Sahaflar Book Bazaar
• Visit to the Grand Bazaar (Sunday: Spice Bazaar instead of Grand Bazaar)
• Visit to the Ancient Hippodrome
• Visit to the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)
• Traditional Turkish tea at a local tea house
• Full‑Day Discovery Tour (8.5 hours) – Inclusions
• Everything included in the Half‑Day Sultanahmet Walking Tour
• Sit‑down lunch at a trusted local restaurant (lokanta)
• Entrance and guided visit to Topkapı Palace
• Entrance and guided visit to Hagia Sophia

How to use

1. Show Mobile Ticket
2. At Meeting Point
3. Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the tour

What to expect

Get the most out of Istanbul in the company of an expert local guide. As we tour Istanbul, your guide will point out places to get the best local snacks and coffee, as well as show you the main points of interest along the way. Your Istanbul walking tour will begin at the meeting point, where you’ll set off with your expert local guide straight into the city’s rich history and daily life. The first stops will be the atmospheric Sahaflar (Book Bazaar- a hidden gem where the first printed book in Turkey was sold in 1729), and the legendary Grand Bazaar, where your guide will help you navigate the historic lanes, explain the bazaar’s origins, and point out interesting details. Along the route, you’ll pause at a local tea house to enjoy traditional Turkish tea, offering a relaxing break and a chance to soak in the atmosphere of the city from a local perspective. From there, the tour continues toward Sultanahmet, taking you to the Ancient Hippodrome, once the center of public life in Byzantine Constantinople. Just steps away, you’ll visit the iconic Blue Mosque, renowned for its harmonious proportions and stunning blue Iznik tiles, while your guide shares insights into Ottoman architecture and Islamic culture. The tour concludes in Sultanahmet, leaving you well oriented and full of tips and recommendations from your guide to help you make the most of the rest of your stay in Istanbul. The tour will end at the same place where it begins. Go beyond the basics and immerse yourself in Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Upgrade to the full-day discovery option and enjoy a complete cultural experience: after a relaxing lunch at a lokante (small trusted local restaurant) step inside the opulent Topkapi Palace and wander through the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia. All entrance fees are included, and your expert guide will bring centuries of history to life with stories and insights you won’t find in any guidebook. This is the ultimate way to truly understand Istanbul’s rich heritage in one unforgettable day. ⚠️ Note: Grand Bazaar is closed on official public holidays. On these dates, it will be replaced by the Spice Bazaar. - 2026: 1 May, 19 May, 26–30 May, 15 July, 30 August, 29 October. - 2027: 8–11 March, 23 April, 1 May, 15–19 May, 15 July, 30 August, 29 October.

Things to note

• 4 km
• Full-day itinerary: The total walking distance is 3
• 5 km
• Half-day tour: The walking distance is 2

Terms & conditions

Urban Adventures Day Tours - Special Booking Conditions: No deposit is required; full payment is due at booking for standard tours, while private tours require payment upon itinerary confirmation
Child rates apply at travel time, not booking time - proof of age must be shown on the tour day or the difference between adult and child rates is payable
Standard tours: cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a refund or credit
Custom (Create Your Own) trips: refund minus unrecoverable costs up to 48 hours prior; within 48 hours, 100% credit only
Multi-City Pass: a no-show without 24-hour cancellation notice may void the pass and cancel future tours without refund
Cancellations by the company (Force Majeure): refund minus unrecoverable costs
Amendments: customers must cancel and rebook at the new price; custom itinerary changes require 14 days' notice plus a $75 USD administrative fee per change
Prices exclude tips, personal items, and local taxes/fees