Istanbul Tour: Discover Byzantine and Ottoman History

Discover Istanbul’s old city in 2 hours. Explore Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, and the Egyptian Bazaar. Savor local flavors and history.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Hippodrome - The Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the bustling heart of Byzantine political and social life, is now a historic site in Istanbul, Turkey, marked by remnants of its ancient grandeur, including the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpent Column.
  • Hagia Sophia - Then, we will take you to Hagia Sophia, a marvel of Byzantine architecture,…
What's Included
  • Guiding
Additional Information

Experience a slice of Istanbul in just two hours, immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant history, from Byzantine to Ottoman times, while also savoring local flavors offered to you (yes, it is free), through various miniatures depicted in old Ottoman manuscripts.
Step into the enchanting world of Istanbul’s old city with our captivating tour, where…

Location
German Fountain
At Meydanı Caddesi
I will be at German Fountain with my yellow umbrella.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(18 Ratings)
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1 star
Stephanie_b
Jul 10, 2025
Tour of Old Istanbul - Halil was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and made us feel very welcome. I highly recommend. Thank you
Review provided by Viator
479rashaa
Jun 29, 2025
Istanbul Walking tour - We had the best experience discovering the historical sites of old Istanbul. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and funny. He convert the messages in storytelling thing. He asko gave us some guides where to eat and what to buy from the Egypt Bazar. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tina_k
Apr 17, 2025
The tour was great - very... - The tour was great - very informative. Recommended. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and helpful.
Review provided by Viator
X7403arpetraa
Nov 19, 2024
Istanbul walking tour with guide - We had a very nice 2 hour visit of Istanbul highlights. Our guide Halil was ver knowledgeable and added some “free extra’s” to the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rilwan
Nov 16, 2024
Mustafa is AWESOME. - Mustafa was a friendly, generous, and knowledgeable tour guide who showed me around all the major tourist sites in Old City Istanbul and effectively explained their history. He then went above and beyond in showing me good places to buy clothes for family, demonstrating excellent patience. He event taught me how to bargain at the Bazar. Thanks alot man!!! Great memories.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mvh1952
Sep 21, 2024
Listen very carefully! - Very knowledgeable guide who could answer our questions! Would definitely recommend this tour on early upon your arrival to Istanbul
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Conors41
Sep 3, 2024
Very enjoyable experience - Really enjoyed this tour. Halil was very knowledgeable and friendly and covered a lot of the history of Istanbul in two hours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andreamc4732ns
Jul 29, 2024
A great way to start to know the city - Our guide Abdullah was super handsome and friendly, a great starting point for our visit to the city. Not only he explained the history but also told us intersting lore about it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samf87
Jul 5, 2024
Best Ever Walking Tour! - The best walking tour I have ever been on (whether paid or tip based). Halil has so much knowledge but also a great sense of humour. So much insight about the history of what was being seen and not just the normal this is this this is that. Totally personal tour, with a number of recommendations and included a wonderful walk through the park to the cistern which was an excellent bonus seeing the ottoman water network and the modern art which is now know in there as in instillation. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Istanbul
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anonymous
Apr 12, 2025
Very informative walking tour! - Very informative and conversational small group walk around Sultanahmet. I recommend this tour for anyone interested in learning about the history of the Old City.
Review provided by Viator
From $16
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).