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Istanbul Grand Bestseller City Tour

New To The Site! Istanbul, Turkey

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10 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover Istanbul through the eyes of a local — a passionate architect, born and raised in the city. This bestseller tour is led by a licensed guide who blends deep knowledge, heartfelt stories, and a true love for Istanbul. From hidden gems to iconic views, you’ll experience history, culture, and daily life in a way that’s personal, rich, and unforgettable.

What's Included

  • Guiding service and time of a professional licensed guide
  • Lunch
  • Public transportation
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

I will meet you at your hotel at 10:00 AM, as long as your hotel is located on the European side of Istanbul. Once your booking is confirmed, please send me the name and address of your hotel so I can plan your pickup smoothly.

What To Expect

Taksim Square

What to ExpectThis one-of-a-kind tour unfolds as a continuous and engaging conversation. We talk about the history of each location and dive into modern-day Istanbul — its family life, work culture, salaries, housing, and leisure. We share local tips and are open to any questions you may have.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Istiklal Caddesi

Taksim Square, Istiklal Street & Russian ConstantinopleOur walk begins in Taksim Square, where the history of the Turkish Republic was shaped. We’ll discuss Atatürk’s life and legacy before strolling down the vibrant Istiklal Street. Behind the busy façade lie elegant 19th-century arcades, cozy courtyards, gothic churches, and stories of Russian émigrés.
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Pera Palace Hotel

Pera Palace, Murder on the Orient Express & Bohemian BackstreetsA highlight of the Beyoğlu district is the iconic Pera Palace Hotel, where Agatha Christie wrote her famous mystery novel. We’ll enjoy coffee in its lavish interiors before exploring the bohemian neighborhood of Cihangir — vintage boutiques, hidden gems, and more coffee under a vineyard canopy.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Beylerbeyi Palace

Bosphorus Ferry Ride to Beylerbeyi PalaceWe descend past the Galata Tower to the Golden Horn and board a public ferry to cross over to Istanbul’s Asian side via the Bosphorus. Bring a simit to feed the seagulls! Along the way, admire the bridges connecting two continents and the famous Dolmabahçe Palace — but we’ll visit another one: the stunning yet peaceful Beylerbeyi Palace. You’ll explore its ornate halls with a free audio guide, and together we’ll enjoy its lush gardens.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Golden Horn

Lunch: seafood with a glass of Chardonnay or a traditional family-style meat restaurantWe’ll return to the European side of Istanbul by metro — taking the Marmaray line that runs beneath the Bosphorus. By then, it will be time for a hearty lunch. One option is a seafood restaurant with stunning views of the Golden Horn and the Süleymaniye Mosque. The menu features chilled local wine, traditional meze with roasted eggplant and crisp bread, olives with sun-dried tomatoes, golden spiced shrimp, and of course, juicy grilled fish.If you prefer meat, we can instead enjoy lunch at a cozy, authentic restaurant in the Nişantaşı neighborhood — known for its warm atmosphere and flavorful dishes.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Balat

Colorful Balat DistrictGet your camera ready — welcome to Istanbul’s most photogenic and colorful neighborhood! Balat is a historic Jewish quarter full of rainbow houses, antique shops, and laid-back cafés. We’ll sip tea with cheesecake and observe local life. If it’s summer, we’ll also pass through the Spice Bazaar and visit the grand Süleymaniye Mosque on our way.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Istanbul Sapphire

Sapphire Tower: Istanbul at Your FeetAs the sun sets, the city lights begin to twinkle like embers in a fireplace. From the open-air observation deck on the 56th floor of the Sapphire skyscraper, you’ll witness a breathtaking view of Istanbul by night.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Taksim Square

Perfect Ending: Dinner & ChampagneThe day ends in style with a traditional Turkish dinner and a glass of chilled champagne in a restaurant we’ll recommend and guide you to. Don’t forget to make a wish — to return to this magical city once again!
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Note: Due to some technical issue, the current pricing is dedicated for a group of 1-4 person.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Grand Bestseller City Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-5591404P1


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What's Included

Activity name

  • Guiding service and time of a professional licensed guide
  • Lunch
  • Public transportation

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Note: Due to some technical issue, the current pricing is dedicated for a group of 1-4 person.

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Free Cancellation

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100% refund
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).

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