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Istanbul: Must See Highlights Sightseeing and Walking Route

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Istanbul, Turkey

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4 to 5 hours (approx.)
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Overview

Discover Istanbul’s Must-See Icons—Step by Step
On this essential walking route, you'll journey through the heart of Istanbul’s Old City, where empires rose and fell, and where sacred domes meet bustling bazaars. Begin at the majestic Hagia Sophia, once a church, mosque, and now a symbol of Istanbul’s layered past. Continue to the stunning Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and blue İznik tiles. Step into history at the Roman Hippodrome, where chariot races once thrilled Byzantine crowds. End your walk at the legendary Grand Bazaar, a vibrant maze of thousands of shops filled with local crafts, textiles, and delights.

Explore Istanbul’s top sights in one seamless route

Stories of empires, sultans, and timeless architecture

A curated experience blending Istanbul’s highlights with historical depth

A relaxed pace with expert guidance

Great for first-timers and lovers of culture, history, and local life

What's Included

  • Insider tips on where to eat, shop, and explore during your stay
  • Historical and cultural storytelling throughout the route
  • Find one of the best (and little-known) panaromas in Istanbul
  • Pickup/drop-off
  • Food&drinks
  • Entrance fee: Hagia Sophia-25€ (optional)
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Caferiye Sokak
Cankurtaran, Soğukkuyu Çıkmazı, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Beyazıt
34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

The tour concludes at Istanbul’s iconic and historic Grand Bazaar.Participants can enjoy free time for shopping or easily access other parts of the city using public transportation from this central location.

What To Expect

Caferaga Medresesi

Hidden in the shadow of Hagia Sophia, this 16th-century Ottoman medrese welcomes us into the artistic soul of the old city. Designed by Mimar Sinan, it once served as a religious school. Today, its peaceful courtyard is home to traditional crafts and local artists. A calm and authentic place to begin our journey into Istanbul’s past.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ayasofya

Where East meets West, and heaven meets stone. Once a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again—Hagia Sophia is not just architecture, it’s transformation carved into marble. You’ll hear the legends, see the shimmering mosaics, and feel the weight of empires under its massive dome.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

Standing tall with its six minarets and blue-tiled elegance, the Blue Mosque is the Ottoman answer to Byzantine grandeur. We’ll step inside this 17th-century wonder to admire the light, symmetry, and silence—each a lesson in sacred geometry. It’s where art and devotion blend seamlessly.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hippodrome (Pass By)

Step into history at the Roman Hippodrome, where chariot races once thrilled Byzantine crowds.
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Grand Bazaar

A city within the city, with 4,000 shops and centuries of commerce echoing through its lanes. The Grand Bazaar is more than a market—it's a cultural maze where spices, silks, jewels, and stories are traded alike. We'll explore the quieter corners, meet local artisans, and get lost in Istanbul's heartbeat.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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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
  • Not recommended for travelers with leg or knee problems
  • Older travelers should exercise caution
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul: Must See Highlights Sightseeing and Walking Route?

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-5512166P1

Reviews

5.00
1 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1
4 stars
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3 stars
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1 star
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On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Insider tips on where to eat, shop, and explore during your stay
  • Historical and cultural storytelling throughout the route
  • Find one of the best (and little-known) panaromas in Istanbul
  • Visits to key landmarks: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar
  • Join Local English-speaking guide and stroll around Old City
  • Pickup/drop-off
  • Food&drinks
  • Entrance fee: Hagia Sophia-25€ (optional)
  • Tips/gratuities for your guide

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
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for travelers with leg or knee problems
  • Older travelers should exercise caution
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

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Free Cancellation

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100% refund
No refund

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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