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Let our local experts guide you through a handpicked selection of things to do on a private tour. Your personalized escapade in Istanbul tomorrow is just a click away - don't miss out!
Make your stay in Istanbul complete with these things to do









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





Our locals will give you the best experiences that Istanbul has to offer
Discover experiences based on your interest
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"Oguz is a knowledgeable and skilled guide, who shaped the guided tour fully according to my desires."
" Our 4+ hour food tour with Emre was absolutely fantastic! He expertly guided us through Istanbul's incredible food scene, combining delicious tastings with fascinating historical insights. We experienced an amazing variety of authentic Turkish cuisine: started with local cheeses paired with tomato and pesto, followed by delicate almond biscuits and flavorful Kisir (bulgur wheat with spices). Between stops, Emre shared rich historical context about the architectural landmarks we passed. The tour continued with traditional Turkish Pide and creamy rice pudding, then Turkish delights at the legendary Ali Muhiddin Haci Bekir (Istanbul's oldest confectionery!). We savored succulent doner at Durumzade, indulged in superb halvas, and finished with melt-in-your-mouth baklava. Emre's knowledge, enthusiasm, and carefully curated selections made this tour outstanding. It's a perfect way to discover Istanbul's culinary treasures while learning about the city's heritage. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Istanbul!"
"Very competent,in 1 day we check a most important places in Istanbul"
"Our tour with Emre as our guide far exceeded any expectations! He has extensive knowledge of history and details, and a gift for story-telling. My husband and I were entranced throughout our tour of the Tokapti Palace and the Basilica Cistern. Emre brought history alive! His joyous personality made our tour so fun and memorable. He also graciously treated us to a hidden gem where we enjoyed refreshment. If you are looking for a very professional tour guide who is outstanding, be sure to book Emre! "
As the promise of a new day dawns upon us, the question arises - how best to uncover the treasures of Istanbul? Look no further than the expertise of local guides. Amidst the myriad things to do, a guided tour led by those who call Istanbul home offers an unrivaled experience.
While guidebooks provide insights, a local's perspective unveils hidden gems and tales that breathe life into the streets. From historical anecdotes to culinary delights, local guides curate authentic experiences tailored to your interests. Beyond mainstream attractions, they lead you to charming cafes, serene alleys, and the pulse of the city.
With a private tour, your adventure unfolds at your pace. No bustling crowds, no missed opportunities. Solo explorers, couples, or families - all can relish Istanbul through the eyes of a local. As the sun sets on today, let a local-led tour illuminate your tomorrow, revealing the heart and soul of Istanbul unlike ever before.
Enjoy Istanbul like a local

Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
"Cengiz was a wonderful guide during our time in Istanbul. He chose the sights with a lot of care, especially since we were a hard to manage crowd of ppl, and shared just the right amount of background to make everything come alive. It was amazing to visit e.g. Basilica Cistern and the blue mosque with his knowledge and background information. His food/ bar recommendations were a real highlight — some of those places are very hard to access without pre-booking, and thanks to his local connections we experienced spots we never would have found on our own. What stayed with us most, though, was his warm and genuine way of taking care of us. Spending the day with him felt easy, personal, and welcoming. Very happy to recommend him!"
"Emre is historical knowledge, supreme organizational skills, and caring warmth all wrapped up in an energetic smile. He was amazing in his ability to personalize our touring such that every moment supported what we had hoped to see, do and experience. His English language skills were amazing and he eagerly supported our own interest for learning some basics of the Turkish language. Our food experiences were tasty ventures into out of the way nooks that only a local would know. Our historical site visits were massively informative. Together we navigated the public transit system with precision. This was a superbly delivered tour experience. Simply - in our opinion - Emre is the best of the best. "
"An incredible, authentic day in Istanbul! Lorena showed me both the local side and the city’s rich history — from ferry rides to markets, amazing food, and heartfelt stories. I made a very last-minute booking with Lorena, and she still created the most wonderful day for me. She picked me up from my hotel and we caught a taxi to the ferry, where she explained the fascinating history between the Asian and European sides of Turkey as we cruised across the Bosphorus. We explored stunning mosques, wandered through the lively Bazaar, and visited local markets where I truly felt like a local. Lorena also took me to a hidden lunch spot that served incredible traditional food — followed by Turkish coffee and baklava that I even got to take home! What made the day unforgettable was Lorena herself — warm, interesting, and so passionate about her city. She continuously shared stories and insights that brought Istanbul’s culture to life. I absolutely loved every minute and will definitely reach out to Lorena again when I return!"
"Emre took my husband and I on a food and historical adventure in the old town of Instanbul. Without his knowledge of the area and his navigation skills we never could have tried local dishes like we did. Emre was so nice and thoughtful and was mindful of my food preferences. And, for us older folks, he set his pace to accommodate. We recommend that you choose Emre if you are interested in trying local Turkish food and having a pleasant experience."
"Esra knows really a lot - starting in the past and ends in the now. Time (3 hours) was running very fast. Thank you very much for this great experience!"
"Faruk was a fantastic guide and host, very knowledgeable, willing to share and go the extra miles (literally) to accommodate us. We scheduled our tour for the night of our arrival thinking it would be a great introduction and that’s exactly what we got. Faruk met us near our hotel in the Old City on a rainy eve of Republic Day and we soaked all it in. I only wish we weren’t as tired from our journey, would have loved to stop for tea, ice cream or a quick bite with Faruk. Next trip!"
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.