Tour
7,4 km
3h
22 audios
Text version
The city of Istanbul unfolds before you. Everywhere you look, domes and minarets pierce the hazy sky. That’s the very first image that springs to mind when one thinks of this mythical destination. Few cities can boast of carrying the dreams, civilizations, and names of three empires. Once known as the legendary city of Byzantium, founded by the Greeks nearly 3,000 years ago, it rose to become the shining capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, the great Constantinople of the Byzantine Empire. From there, it went on to serve as the capital of the Ottoman Empire for another 400 years. It may have lost its capital status in the 20th century, but it’s still a thrilling, bustling metropolis. Straddling two continents, Istanbul bridges the East and the West. This city, long desired by many, boasts a past as rich as it is turbulent, that surfaces on every street corner. So brace yourselves for a journey full of stories, legends, colors and flavors. Off we go to explore Istanbul’s rich history and culture!
This long public square, now called Sultan-Ahmed Square, was once the Hippodrome of Constantinople, back in Roman times! It used to be a colossal arena for chariot races; construction began under Emperor Septimius Severus Read more
Cisterns were a common sight in Constantinople, aka the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Since there were no rivers nearby, the city relied on a system of aqueducts to meet its water needs. And as Constantinople was much- Read more
On your right you've got yet another Roman relic: the Column of Constantine. It's the last one still standing, but know that it was once part of a massive Roman forum, built right next to the Wall of Severus; this forum was Read more
That little mosque on your right is the Ottoman Sinan Pasha Mosque. It dates from the 16th century and was built by Mimar Sinan, chief architect who designed over 300 buildings for Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Read more
It's finally here! The moment you've probably been waiting for ever since you planned your trip to Istanbul: welcome to the Grand Bazaar! For centuries, goods from the East – spices, wheat, silk and honey – met goods from Read more
Near the Grand Bazaar, you'll find the Nuruosmaniye Mosque. You'll notice that it looks nothing like the other mosques you've seen so far – it's built in the Ottoman Baroque style, the very first of its kind in Istanbul! Read more
On your left, you'll find the entrance to the Büyük valide han, one of the many scattered around Istanbul. Back in the day, these were roadside inns for camel-riding merchants from the East, who would come to sell their Read more
This is the mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent. It may not be on most tourist guides, but trust us, it's incredible and quite easy to get to. The best part? The mosque is perched on a hill, so the views are to die for! Read more
Welcome to the Süleymaniye Mosque courtyard. Here, you'll find a colonnade crowned with 28 domes resting on 24 antique columns. Right in the center, there's a small white marble structure. It's a sadirvan, a special Read more
As you stroll through the gardens behind the mosque, it all clicks into place. No wonder Suleiman chose this hilltop location! This sea of grey domes with slender chimneys stretches all the way down to the Bosporus. Read more
This is the entrance to the Egyptian Bazaar, Istanbul's famous spice market. It's a must-see on any trip to Turkey! Here, you can sample the country's spices, nuts and sweets – it's a real feast for the senses. Read more
This is yet another of Istanbul's emblematic mosques. This so-called New Mosque was actually built in 1663. Yes, I know, with a name like this, you'd expect it to be a little more recent. But hey, it's a bit like the Pont Read more
Life at its liveliest. Fishermen are reeling in their catches, people are dodging between musicians and caricature artists, restaurants are packed grilling fresh fish with lemon and coriander, and seagulls are squawking Read more
From here, you have a breathtaking view of the Bosporus. This waterway has been a coveted passage for ages, playing a key role in Istanbul's history. As a matter of fact, the Bosporus and Dardanelles, on the other side of Read more
Just ahead on your right is the tomb of Sultan Abdul Hamid I. He was the 27th sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Inside the mausoleum, you'll find a total of 20 sarcophagi, including that of his assassinated son, Sultan Mustafa Read more
For a total of 400 years, from the 15th century all the way to the early 19th century, the Topkapi Palace was the beating heart of the Ottoman Empire. Built at the tip of the Seraglio Point overlooking the Golden Horn Read more
Check out this beauty! This isn't just any station – it's the former terminus of the Orient Express! It was built in 1890 by a Prussian architect, commissioned by the Sultan to work for the Ottoman Empire. Read more
Let's talk a bit about the famous Hagia Sophia that's right in front of you. The building alone sums up the city's complex history and turbulent past. Today, it's yet again a mosque, but as its Christian name suggests Read more
You're now in front of the entrance to the mythical and mystical Basilica Cistern. Surely the most mysterious and fascinating spot in all of Istanbul. It's a water reservoir built for the Byzantine emperor Justinian I Read more
Here you are at the heart of Sultanahmet, Istanbul's most touristic district. This is where you'll find most of the city's tourist attractions. This district is dripping with history! Believe it or not, almost 3,000 years Read more
Introducing Istanbul's most famous mosque, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, or "Sultanahmet Camii" in Turkish. You probably know it as the Blue Mosque, as its interior’s covered in blue and white ceramic tiles, reminiscent of Read more
This is the German Fountain! This exquisite structure, topped by a neo-Byzantine gazebo, was a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II, the last German Emperor and King of Prussia. It was built in 1898 to commemorate the second Read more
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An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
22 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
Enjoy an exclusive dinner cruise on the Bosphorus, accompanied by an unforgettable show
Istanbul is a very big city. With a population of over ten million, it is one of the world’s great megalopolises. It covers an area of almost 5,000 square meters. So, as you can imagine, there’s a lot to do, see and experience!
This tour has just focused on the historic center, but there are many other neighborhoods that are well worth a visit!
Here’s a short, non-exhaustive list of districts to explore as you continue to explore Istanbul:
Starting with Taskim. This lively, modern district is best known for its namesake square, and Istiklal Avenue, the busiest pedestrian street in Turkey! Here you’ll find cafés, restaurants and
boutiques by the hundreds, as well as hidden passageways and Istanbul’s notorious secret shopping arcades.
Next, there’s Galata. This artsy district, overlooked by the Galata Tower, is another of the city’s must-sees. Here, you’ll find the city’s signature narrow streets, lined with art galleries and artists’ boutiques. It’s also the expat quarter, ideal for a stroll and an evening drink. But beware, prices are higher than elsewhere. Right next to Galata is the trendy port district of Karakoy, perfect for an evening out.
You can also visit the popular and cosmopolitan Balat district. Istanbul’s former Jewish quarter has been home to Greeks, Armenians and Muslims. Its pretty cobbled streets and colorful wooden houses, nestled along the Golden Horn, offer a glimpse into Istanbul’s architectural heritage. Having been recently restored, it may well be Istanbul’s most beautiful neighborhood.
o get a taste of the city’s youthful spirit, head for Besiktas, right on the banks of the Bosporus on the European side. Here, you can stroll through the open-air market, eat delicious fresh fish or enjoy an evening beer. This is also where you’ll find the Besiktas football stadium and the mythical Dolmabahçe Palace overlooking the water. Right after Besiktas is the Ortaköy district. Here, you’ll find the famous Buyuk Mecidiye mosque and lots of cosy cafés and restaurants.
You can also explore Bomonti. Many young working people have settled here to enjoy the calm, convivial neighborhood life. Here, the bars are very laid-back. You’ll also come across Bomontiada, the arts and culture center housed in a former beer factory. Every evening, hundreds of people flock here to have a drink, grab a bite to eat or listen their favorite artist perform at Babylon, the legendary music venue.
A little further afield, you’ll find the Princes’ Islands. They’re definitely worth the detour for their enchanting natural beauty. Nestled at the heart of the Marmara Sea, along the pier on the Asian side, they’re best reached by boat. Don’t miss the much renowned seafood restaurants while you’re there.
Last but not least, you can climb to the top of Çamlıca Hill for a panoramic view of Istanbul. It’s Istanbul’s highest hill, rising to 268 meters on the Asian side of the city.
As you can see, there’s more to Istanbul than meets the eye – it’s a city that begs to be explored. Two final tips before you set off to explore it for yourself! Don’t miss out on the city’s rooftop terraces, each more beautiful than the last! Here, you can sip a cup of tea with a breathtaking view of the domes and minarets, and hundreds of birds soaring above. It’s an unforgettable experience, and the photos won’t disappoint.
You can also unwind all while enjoying the sights from the water on a Bosporus cruise. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see the city in a new light, and admire the Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi palaces, and even the Leander Tower. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a few dolphins.
Now you’re all set!
Enjoy an exclusive dinner cruise on the Bosphorus, featuring an unforgettable show.
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The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, more commonly known as the “Blue Mosque” due to the color of the Iznik tiles inside its domes, is a perfect architectural blend of Byzantine Christian and Ottoman Islamic styles. You won’t find any other monument like it anywhere in the world. Built over several years, from 1609 to 1616, it is easily recognizable by its six distinctive minarets. With its luxurious carpets and stained glass windows filled with…
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Ready for the crème de la crème? Just by looking at the photos, you can tell this is a five-star establishment.
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Highlights
– Free high-speed internet
– Breakfast/Buffet
– Free stay for children (yes, you read that right)
– Fitness center/Gym
– Pool/Sauna
– Spa
– Bar/Lounge
– Airport shuttle
Things to Consider
– Paid private parking
Location: Ebusuud Caddesi Mehmet Murat Sok. No:4, 34110, Istanbul, Turkey
Our rating
Budget
Prices and Availability
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Budget
Prices and Availability
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