Private & personalized tours - just for you!

Experience the best of
Istanbul with Withlocals

Whether you're a foodie, history lover, urban explorer or a traveling family. Enjoy Istanbul to the max with the best things to do in Istanbul with a local expert. The best thing? It's private & personalized - just for you!

Tours in Istanbul

Private guided tours
No strangers on your tour. It’s just you and your local host.
100% Customizable
Let your local host tailor the tour completely to your wishes.
Responsible
Our tours are designed with people, places & the planet in mind

Top 10 things to do in Istanbul

Make your stay in Istanbul complete with these things to do

Choose your local
1City Kickstart Tour: Istanbul
1.5 hours • city highlight tours
Book now
From €23.66 per person
Choose your local
2The 10 Tastings of Istanbul
3 hours • food tours
Book now
From €62.09 per person
Choose your local
3Highlights & Hidden Gems of Istanbul
3 hours • city highlight tours
Book now
From €40.51 per person
Choose your local
4A Magical Evening in Istanbul: City Tour
2.5 hours • city highlight tours
Book now
From €24.99 per person
With Ceren
5Hipster Kadikoy: Food, Hotspots & Beers!
3 hours • city highlight tours
Book now
From €65 per person
Choose your local
6Treasures of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Tour
2.5 hours • city highlight tours
Book now
From €37.86 per person
With Ibra
7All About Mezes: Private Cooking Workshop
3 hours • cooking classes
Book now
From €150 per person
With Diana
8The Antique Gems of Istanbul Tour
5 hours • city highlight tours
Book now
From €58.82 per person
With Ibra
9Turkish Hamam and Spa Private Experience
2 hours • sports & leisure
Book now
From €35 per person
Choose your local
10Explore Topkapi Palace & Surroundings with a Local
3 hours • art & culture tours
Book now
From €106 per person

Travelers love our locals

What other guests say about our tours and locals

5.0
Fab tour in Istanbul
"We had a great tour with Emer. He was superb, really informative, friendly and organised great tastings for us.He also gave us great advice on places to visit and good restaurants, even ringing one to ensure we got a great table. "
OrlaAbout local EmreIstanbul, October 31, 2024

5.0
Very Fun Tour with Excellent Guide!
"I have had the good fortune of travel but never took a foodie tour before. What a wonderful experience! Emre showed us Istanbul one dish at a time. He grew up in Istanbul so he not only helped us experience the culinary jewels of this beautiful city, he shared the social history of the neighborhoods we were visiting. Emre’s knowledge and bright personality made the entire experience incredibly fun! He made a foreign city feel welcoming and introduced us to the favorite sights and customs of the local residents. It’s a daunting task trying to pick a tour guide. You’re committing to spend your vacation time with a stranger! Emre erases that apprehension instantly and will give you a delightful experience in Istanbul that will forever be a favorite part of your vacation. Highly recommended!!"
AnnAbout local EmreIstanbul, October 31, 2024

5.0
Everything you need to know and eat
"Spent late afternoon, early evening with Ugur trawling the local and not so local areas of central Istanbul. Tasted traditional (kebab, pizza, shawarma) and local variations. More food than I could deal with (hah!) but mixed with local history and good conversation, this was an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in local flavours. Finished in the spice market which is alive with products and characters. Not to be missed. Thanks so much Ugur, (from the Kiwis who can't use a ticket machine :) "
SimonAbout local UgurIstanbul, October 29, 2024

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 guide that shares many good tips and insights about what to do in today’s Istanbul and all the history that is attached to the monuments we were seeing. She comes highly recommended! "
KatrineAbout local GülceIstanbul, October 29, 2024

5.0
Mine was our rock star!
"Mine did a great job with us. She was a wealth of information and insight. She enabled us to see the major sites we wanted to see and gave us so much background and historical information. She pointed us in the best position to get the clearest pictures. At the end, she provided us with a restaurant recommendation that we went to whose food and ambiance were truely outstanding. We would highly recommend Mine for anyone looking to hire a local guide."
CharlesAbout local Mine Istanbul, October 28, 2024

5.0
Brilliant experience
"Our family including our two sons aged 10 and 13 really enjoyed the tour. Kadir was knowledgable and made the information relatable. He was also v kind with toilet stops, crowds and giving me a scarf in line with mosque requirements. Would recommend. "
RenartaAbout local Kadir CelalIstanbul, October 26, 2024

5.0
Istanbul tour with Mine
"Mine was excellent. She was extremely knowledgeable about history and art, and was even great for shopping tips in the Grand Bazaar. She was energetic, kind, and fun. We highly recommend her. "
JohnAbout local Mine Istanbul, October 25, 2024

5.0
Exceptional Guide
"Emir was brilliant. Intelligent, informative and very good fun. He clearly loves Istanbul and justifiably so ! "
DavidAbout local EmirIstanbul, October 25, 2024

5.0
Excellent guide! Super knowledgeable
"Esra is an outstanding guide and has deep expertise "
GuyAbout local EsraIstanbul, October 24, 2024

5.0
Excellent Tour & Guide!
"Abdullah was amazing! He personalized my tour so I could get an excellent introduction to Istanbul in a short time! You can tell he is passionate about his city and its history and he is so happy to share. I can’t wait to come back to Istanbul and learn more about its history and culture on another tour with Abdullah!"
BetsyAbout local AbdullahIstanbul, October 23, 2024

Explore Istanbul with our incredible locals

Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Istanbul with locals

CerenThe Curious SociologistSee More
Faruk HostanblueSee More
Lorenaİstanbul in a Fun Way🎉See More
muhammedLegendary experience makerSee More
Mine The Art & History LoverSee More
Kadir CelalThe Passionate HistorianSee More
EmirTravel with me!See More
Kemal The Photo Journalist See More
Ahmet CanThe ProfessionalSee More
OğuzThe Travel ExpertSee More

Things to do in Istanbul

Our locals will give you the best experiences that Istanbul has to offer

Choose your local
City Kickstart Tour: Istanbul
4.9
2168 reviews
1.5 hours • city highlight tours
from €23.66 per person
Choose your local
The 10 Tastings of Istanbul
4.9
995 reviews
3 hours • food tours
from €62.09 per person
Choose your local
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Istanbul
4.9
646 reviews
3 hours • city highlight tours
from €40.51 per person
Choose your local
A Magical Evening in Istanbul: City Tour
4.9
232 reviews
2.5 hours • city highlight tours
from €24.99 per person
With Ceren
Hipster Kadikoy: Food, Hotspots & Beers!
5.0
90 reviews
3 hours • city highlight tours
from €65 per person
Choose your local
Treasures of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Tour
4.9
1625 reviews
2.5 hours • city highlight tours
from €37.86 per person
With Ibra
All About Mezes: Private Cooking Workshop
4.7
44 reviews
3 hours • cooking classes
from €150 per person
With Diana
The Antique Gems of Istanbul Tour
5.0
58 reviews
5 hours • city highlight tours
from €58.82 per person

See all experiences

Find experiences by category

Discover experiences based on your interest

Enjoy the Best of the Istanbul
Like a Local

Things to do in Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul, the city where the East meets the West! Within this bustling metropolis, you can experience so many different kinds of places, with each part of the city boasting its own unique vibe. But no matter what things you do in Istanbul, you are sure to be met with the hospitality and generosity that defines its local people. So, follow a friendly local and check out below the top things to do in Istanbul!

Take a stroll in Belgrad Ormani
Take a break from the bustling vibes of the city in a local’s favorite spot, the natural gem of Belgrade Forest. Located in the Sariyer district of Istanbul, this protected park includes a huge network of trails where you can explore old Ottoman dams, unwind in the shade next to a lake, or enjoy a lovely picnic (true to the local style). In the forest, you can also find very well maintained running tracks that take you through picturesque, shady woods.
To get to this lovely green space, you can ask your local host for directions. Your local friend can also arrange a relaxing “mangal” (cook-out) in the forest! Also, before you head into the forest or on your way out, be sure to check out the local flavors in the garden-style restaurants in and around Bahcekoy!
Get lost in (and above) the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is a place that is worth visiting! There are so many things to do and see in the Grand Bazaar: you can find spices and precious stones from all over the world, drink apple tea, and explore the twists and turns that lead through the sprawling marketplace.
But if you’re looking for a new, off-the-beaten-track perspective of this popular bazaar, you should definitely take a look at the city from the roof! Your local friend can help you find the entrance to the roof of the Grand Bazaar at the end of a long hallway and up a tiny staircase. From there, you can catch a stunning view of the old city that very few people get the opportunity to see; this is one of the most unique things to do in Istanbul!
Cool off near Rumeli Hisari
Rumeli Hisari is an Ottoman fort located next to the trendy neighborhood of Bebek. It’s located right along the Bosporus straight in the heart of the city. You can explore the old walls of the fort and fancy yourself an Ottoman lookout, or take a relaxing stroll on the wide sidewalks along the water.
This walkway is a favorite of locals. In the summer, many people like to jump right into the Bosporus along this stretch of the “sahil” (seaside). For the full local experience, feel free to jump right in!
Get a bird’s-eye view at Buyuk Camlica Tepesi
If you’re looking for a breathtaking view of Istanbul from above, then look no further! This is the place where locals go to watch the sun set over the metropolis; it’s also popular for taking photos in the soft evening light, and a must thing to do in Istanbul.
At the top of the hill, you can find lovely little tea houses and lush green areas for stretching out and enjoying a picnic. You can ask your local guide to take you there and to help you pick some local delicacies to enjoy once you reach the top. Don’t forget to take a selfie with your local friend!
Island time on Heybeliada
Heybeliada is an island in the chain of islands known as the Prince’s Islands. A trip to the Prince’s Islands is among the best things to do in Istanbul, and once you are there, you definitely shouldn’t bypass this little gem! It’s smaller and much less crowded than the other islands, even though it’s easily accessible by ferry from the city center.
On Heybeliada, you can find little coves that are perfect for swimming. You can also explore the island by bicycle, which is the way that most locals prefer. Plus, if you ask those who live on the island, they’ll be quick to tell you that ice cream on the island tastes better than ice cream anywhere else! Give it a try and compare yourself!
Cengelkoy and chill
Cengelkoy is a picturesque neighborhood on the Asian side of Istanbul where you can find old wooden houses along the Bosporus. There are also many cute parks and restaurants along the water. At these restaurants, you can enjoy the classic Turkish meal of “meze” (appetizers, both hot and cold), fish or other grilled meat, and “raki” (a licorice-tasting liquor, also called “lion’s milk” for its white color). Such meals often last for many enjoyable hours. Come to Cengelkoy on Mondays for their local “pazar” (market), where you can find the best produce and locally made clothing.
A little hike up to Anadolu Kavagi
Anadolu Kavagi is a fort at the top of a forested hill on the Asian side of Istanbul. Getting there involves a lovely ferry trip along the Bosporus; your local guide can help you find the correct timetable and directions, as they change according to the season.
From the ferry, you’ll enjoy a nice walk up to the fortress. From the top, you can look all the way down the Bosporus, from the Black Sea to the North, to the Sea of Marmara to the south. Along the trek to the top, you can find cozy cafes with excellent views of the surrounding forest and the city across the water. This is one of the more out-of-the-way things to do in Istanbul.
Exploring the colors of Balat
Balat is an up-and-coming neighborhood in Istanbul, best known for its colorfully painted wooden houses and its cozy cafes. There’s also a great street art scene in the back streets of the neighborhood that you should definitely check out.
Balat boasts several things to do in Istanbul, and is home to the Church of St. Stephen, also called the “Iron Church.” This is an old Bulgarian Orthodox Church that was pre-constructed from iron and re-built right in the heart of the city. You can ask your local host to guide you around the twisting streets of Balat, where you’re sure to come across some unexpected art and some much-expected cats!
Discover the old city at Sultanahmet Square
When people think of things to do in Istanbul, Sultanahmet is usually the picture that comes to mind: a square surrounded by an Ottoman mosque, a magnificent palace, and a Byzantine church (which was then a mosque, and is now a museum).
Sultanahmet Square is also home to the famous Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, as well as Topkapi Palace. While Sultanahmet Square is popular with tourists, there are some little details that only a local can point out. Ask your local host where to find the man “reading the izan” (making the call to prayer) outside the Hagia Sophia, and explore the backstreets in this district to find some of the best examples of Turkish cuisine, tea culture, and hospitality!
Tasting new worlds with Uyghur food
If you’re looking for a meal that wanders a bit from the staple Turkish cuisine, you have got to try Uyghur food! Uyghur cuisine originated in Central Asia and is popular in Istanbul. The dishes range from mild to spicy, with the excellent and rich blends of spices that you would expect from a place at the heart of the centuries-old spice trade. There are many great Uyghur restaurants in the Capa neighborhood, and your local host probably has a favorite Uyghur restaurant of her/his own!

Interesting things to do in Istanbul

Discover Istanbul like a true local! From strolling through ancient mosques to sipping Turkish coffee over a game of Backgammon, your local host will show you the amazing things to do in Istanbul on a private tour. With so much history in such a small space, you’ll be filling up your bucket list with unique activities in Istanbul. History buffs can walk through the many layers of Hagia Sophia with a local historian, explore the Blue Mosque and the ancient souks, or unwind in a 300-year old Turkish bath. Modern city slickers can ride the funicular at Galata, feast on kebabs and discover Istanbul’s vibrant night life. Simply let your local host know what your interests are, and they will show you where to go to discover the best things to see and do in Istanbul! Exploring Istanbul with a local who knows the city inside out is the best way to find the perfect things to do. They will know where to go to find the most interesting things to see in Istanbul. Whether you stroll through the bazaars shopping for bargains, take a day trip to Princes Islands or feast on tasty street food, your local host will be by your side to show you the best things to see on a personalized tour. If you’re deciding what to do in Istanbul, a Withlocals private tour that is fully customizable is the perfect choice. With a friendly local to show you where to go, you’ll discover the most interesting activities in Istanbul. Let them know what best suits you, and they will sort it all out locally for you!

Private guided tours

100% Customizable

Responsible

Top 10 things to do in Istanbul

1City Kickstart Tour: Istanbul

2The 10 Tastings of Istanbul

3Highlights & Hidden Gems of Istanbul

4A Magical Evening in Istanbul: City Tour

5Hipster Kadikoy: Food, Hotspots & Beers!

6Treasures of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Tour

7All About Mezes: Private Cooking Workshop

8The Antique Gems of Istanbul Tour

9Turkish Hamam and Spa Private Experience

10Explore Topkapi Palace & Surroundings with a Local

Travelers love our locals

Fab tour in Istanbul

Very Fun Tour with Excellent Guide!

Everything you need to know and eat

Sweet and knowledeable guide

Mine was our rock star!

Brilliant experience

Istanbul tour with Mine

Exceptional Guide

Excellent guide! Super knowledgeable

Excellent Tour & Guide!

Explore Istanbul with our incredible locals

Things to do in Istanbul

Find experiences by category

Enjoy the Best of the IstanbulLike a Local

Things to do in Istanbul

Take a stroll in Belgrad Ormani

Get lost in (and above) the Grand Bazaar

Cool off near Rumeli Hisari

Get a bird’s-eye view at Buyuk Camlica Tepesi

Island time on Heybeliada

Cengelkoy and chill

A little hike up to Anadolu Kavagi

Exploring the colors of Balat

Discover the old city at Sultanahmet Square

Tasting new worlds with Uyghur food

Interesting things to do in Istanbul

Related Istanbul pages

Enjoy the Best of the Istanbul
Like a Local