Istanbul Old City, Historic Bazaars & Local Markets

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as we take you on a journey through Istanbul's iconic landmarks and vibrant markets in historic bazaars! In this tour, we will start exploring the rich history of Istanbul by uncovering the most important landmarks, such as Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and later proceed to the bustling Ottoman bazaars and immerse ourselves in local commerce culture. 

Highlights of this walking tour include:

• Hippodrome (Ancient Roman chariot racing arena) - inside
• Arasta Bazaar (colorful Ottoman bazaar with beautiful local crafts and textiles) - inside
• Blue Mosque (Turkey's most famous mosque, 17th century Ottoman architectural marvel, UNESCO site) - outside
• Hagia Sophia (world's largest cathedral for 1000 years, an incredible historical landmark with immense importance to Byzantine and Ottoman history, UNESCO site) - outside
• Grand Bazaar (World's oldest shopping mall and Turkey's busiest marketplace! An incredible maze of 3600+ shops!) - inside if open. Closed on SUNDAYS and national holidays. Alternative route if closed. Info down below.
• Mahmutpasa Street & Tahtakale (Lively local markets buzzing with authentic Turkish commerce culture, cheap goods and rich variety) - inside if open. Closed on SUNDAYS and national holidays. Alternative route if closed. Info down below.
• Spice Bazaar (historic bazaar famous for aromatic spices, teas, and Turkish sweets) - inside if open. Outside if closed.
• Yeni Mosque (One of the most stunning Ottoman mosques from 17th century next to Golden Horn & Bosphorus) - outside

Alternative Route on Sundays:
- Hippodrome
- Arasta Bazaar
- Blue Mosque (outside)
- Hagia Sophia (outside)
- Gülhane Park (inside) royal gardens of the palace
- Hocapaşa (traditional local food street)
- Eminönü
- Spice Bazaar (inside if open)
- Yeni Mosque (outside)

Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Istanbul! You'll not only learn about the history of Istanbul, but also get a highlight of how to explore and how to maximize your city experience in Istanbul. We will go through some of the busiest and most historical marketplaces in all of Istanbul, and you'll see where both tourists and locals shop and make the contrast for yourself. We'll even teach you how to haggle like a local! :)

Whether you're a history lover, a culture enthusiast, or just curious to explore, this tour is perfect for all! Learn fascinating stories, discover hidden gems, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of Istanbul. Don't miss out on this unique and enriching experience - book your tour today and let's go on an unforgettable journey together!

Please note #1:

The tour is designed for solo travellers, couples and small groups. Please consider booking a private tour if your group is bigger than 6 people as this tour will not be suitable for large groups.

Please note #2:

Guiding is a full time profession in Turkey that requires years of studying in university. Our team consists of passionate and professional tour guides that do this for a living and have many years of experience. There is also a group size limit for your comfort. Taking these into consideration, we recommend contributing a minimum 10€ per person.