Picture of Treasures of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Tour
5.0
1625 reviews

Treasures of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Tour

Safiye - The Fun&Friendly Local
Gülce - The Ambassador of Constantinople

Our locals for this tour

Safiye, Gülce & 13 other locals

You’ve probably heard that Istanbul is well-known for Hagia Sophia, but do you know the stories and origin behind it? Or how much influence it has on the locals daily life? On this private city tour, you are in for a cultural treat!

Experience details

  • Destination

    Istanbul

  • Category

    City highlight tours

  • Duration

    2.5 hours

  • Mode of transport

    Walking

  • Available languages

    English • Türkçe • Deutsch • Español

  • What's included

    Private Guide

Here’s an overview of your tour

Istanbul is full of culture and folklore, and on this private tour, your local host is going to take you to discover more about Hagia Sophia.

Through your local host’s storytelling skills and different stops, you’ll fully submerge yourself in the culture of Istanbul and dive into the subject of your tour, the Hagia Sophia. Discover cultural traits around Hagia Sophia and how they have shaped Istanbul, from past to the present. Because isn't culture what makes a city truly special?!

As you embrace the local culture, its traditions, beliefs, customs, stories, and legends, you’ll see Istanbul from a different perspective. Take your experience to the next level and follow your local host to Cankurtaran where you’ll check out spots relevant to the culture such as the German Fountain, Little Hagia Sophia, and of course Hagia Sophia. As you go from stop to stop, you’ll see how the culture of Istanbul is in every corner blending in perfectly with the local life.

The local hosts are natural storytellers, each with a different background ranging from history to art. They can't wait to share some of their unique stories and personal anecdotes with you! Feel like changing the route a bit? No problem, the hosts will be happy to personalize the tour to your wishes and make their Istanbul, your Istanbul!

Your itinerary

  • Meeting point

    In front of the German Fountain, next to cafe Sultan
  • Culture of the City

    On this private tour, you’ll experience and discover Istanbul through its culture. Whether it’s focused on a tradition, a special part of town with a story to tell, cultural beliefs, or around a cultural activity that shaped the city into what it is - this tour will be a cultural awakening you can’t miss!
  • Hagia Sophia in Istanbul

    Your tour will focus on Hagia Sophia, a very important cultural subject in Istanbul. Thanks to your local host, you’ll learn and see how Hagia Sophia made an impact in Istanbul, making you experience the city from a different perspective.
  • Cultural Highlights

    As you deep dive into the subject of your tour, you’ll make stops to visit unique spots that will give you a full picture of the city. Visit German Fountain, Little Hagia Sophia, Hagia Sophia, and more and see how these cultural highlights are part of the local life but have so much history behind them!
  • Storytelling Journey

    As you discover the cultural side of Istanbul, you’ll be able to embrace it thanks to the amazing stories and storytelling skills of your local host. Feel free to ask any questions and feel as if you are relieving history in the present time.
I have a teen daughter with us - is it possible to plan a drinks and bites tour with her?
Me13:42
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Of course! I can definitely tailor our tour for you and your daughter! :)
Local host Maria13:44
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Do you know all our tours are private & personalised?

Did you know that Withlocals tours are completely customisable to your needs? What you see here is a base itinerary that you can modify! Simply get in touch with your selected local and let them know what you would like!

Select your local guide

Explore the city with our diverse Withlocals hosts—passionate storytellers offering unique perspectives on every tour.

  • Safiye - The Fun&Friendly Local

    Safiye

    The Fun&Friendly Local

    Safiye
    5.0
    45 reviews
    I speak
    English • Español
  • Gülce - The Ambassador of Constantinople

    Gülce

    The Ambassador of Constantinople

    Gülce
    5.0
    60 reviews
    I speak
    English • Türkçe
  • Abdullah - The Wisdom Lover & Story Teller

    Abdullah

    The Wisdom Lover & Story Teller

    Abdullah
    4.9
    196 reviews
    I speak
    English • Español
  • Esra - The Smiling Local

    Esra

    The Smiling Local

    Esra
    4.9
    147 reviews
    I speak
    English • Türkçe
  • Neslihan  - The Intellectual Local

    Neslihan

    The Intellectual Local

    Neslihan
    4.9
    75 reviews
    I speak
    English • Türkçe
  • Ugur - The Istanbul Guide
    Emre - The Time Traveller
    +8

    Ugur, Emre & 8 other locals are available

Good to Know

  • Tips

    • Bring a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic
    • Be mindful of sharing the real secret spots - let's keep them a secret
    • Wear comfortable shoes for walking
  • Included

    • Private Guide
  • Cancellation

    • Receive a full refund for cancellations done 7 days before the experience date.
    • Your experience can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase.

Reviews

5.0
1625 reviews
  • Katrine picture
    Gülce picture
    About local Gülce
    5.0

    Sweet and knowledeable guide

    "Gülce lead my little group of three, me and two teenagers, with a steady hand through Hagia Sofia and surroundings, and then on a little food tour in Karaköy. She is a knowledgeable and patient tour ...

  • Rebecca picture
    Emre picture
    About local Emre
    5.0

    An enthralling tour of the Hagia Sophia!

    "My friend and I had an absolutely wonderful time with Emre. There is so much to see everywhere you turn that it's easy for everything to blur together, and so I am especially grateful for Emre's appr...

  • Michael picture
    Oguz picture
    About local Oguz
    5.0

    Highly recommendable tour with Oguz

    "My wife and I were on a short city trip in Istanbul, staying in a hotel with view on the Hagia Sofia. We decided to pick Oguz to show us around. It appeared to be a very nice tour. Oguz is very frien...

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Why should you book a Withlocals tour?

  • Customizable IllustrationMarker IllustrationSparkleSparkleIllustration Message Bubble SquareIllustration Message Bubble SquareIllustration Gear

    100% customizable

    Let your local host tailor the tour completely to your wishes.

  • Private IllustrationMessage Bubble IllustrationSparkleSparkleMan pointing illustratorWoman in dress Illustration

    Private guided tours

    No strangers on your tour. It’s just you and your local host.

  • Sustainable IllustrationSparkleSparkleIllustration right hand upIllustration Left Hand UpPlant Illustration

    Responsible

    Our tours are designed with people, places & the planet in mind.

Questions?

We are here to help!

  • What is the cancellation policy?

    When you make a booking you will receive a full refund when you cancel more than 7 days before the start of the booking.

    When you make a booking that starts within 7 days and cancel within 24 hours after purchase you will receive a full refund.

    When you make a booking that starts within 24 hours your booking is not refundable.

    Read more
  • What payment methods are available?
    During checkout you can choose from a number of different payment methods based on your location. We accept a variety of payment methods such as Credit Card, iDeal and many more.
  • Can I pay in any currency?
    Payment is always done in Euro but you can view the total amount in your local currency. Your bank might charge you a conversion rate fee from your local currency to Euro. No extra fees apply.
  • Is this tour always private?
    All our tours are 100% private, only you and your host.

Let's plan
your tour.

€37.86per person
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Ugur - The Istanbul Guide
Oğuz - The Travel Expert
Dilek - The Professional Guide

Our locals for this tour

Ugur, Oğuz & 13 other locals

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