Find the perfect private tour
Select one of our local experts
Let our local experts guide you through a handpicked selection of things to do on a private tour. Think hidden gems, insider stories, and all the local vibes. Ready to find your private tour of Istanbul? Your adventure-packed day is just one click away!
Make your stay in Istanbul complete with these things to do
Our locals will give you the best experiences that Istanbul has to offer
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Istanbul with locals
Discover experiences based on your interest
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"We enjoyed the tour with Emir. He was a great guy with a lot of historical information and interesting historical perspectives. Our walking experience was perfect and the links he gave us after to other sights and restaurants added to our trip! We would definitely contact him again if we were to return to Istanbul. "
"We booked an all day outing with Oguz and were not disappointed. Oguz was right on time at our planned meeting spot. All along the way he was informative and accommodating. Oguz kept a casual pace and we never felt rushed, although we packed in a lot. We toured the Hagia Sophia Mosque, strolled through the old Hippodrome, skipped the crowded Basilica Cistern and instead had an exclusive intro to the 2nd largest Birbindirek, the Grand Bazaar with a rest stop for tea, Suleymaniye Mosque, Spice Bazaar with a Turkish Delight tasting, the tram to Balat neighborhood with a hike up the hill, and finally a ferry ride across the Bosphorus! It was a fantastic day. Highly recommended Oguz as a guide."
"Choosing Emre to take us on an evening food tour of Istanbul was one of the best decisions ever. In spite of my mess up of not checking my emails and never answering any of the messages he sent me, he still was waiting for us at the tour starting spot with a smile .\n The hours we spent walking and tasting were also filled with cultural facfs and fascinating information. If you are going to Istanbul you need to start your visit with Emre as your guide."
When you hit the road and land in a new city like Istanbul, there's an exciting way to dive into its soul: personalized local tours. Forget the typical touristy routes – these tours are like having a local friend show you around all the cool spots.
Imagine having someone who lives and breathes Istanbul spill its secrets. That's what local guides bring to the table. They know the hidden alleys, the best bites, and stories that never made it to the guidebooks. Whether you're into munching through food tours, wandering the city's streets, or going off the beaten path, a local guide hooks you up with a private tour that's authentically Istanbul.
The best part? These tours are all about you. No herding in big groups or rushing through places you're not interested in. With private tours, you're the boss. Whether it's snapping pics at iconic landmarks, diving into history, or checking out the art scene, the tour is tuned to your vibes at your tempo.
But it doesn't stop at city limits. Day trips let you escape the urban jungle and explore nearby wonders. And if you're just setting foot in Istanbul, kickstart tours give you a taste of everything. Think of it as a crash course in Istanbul awesomeness, guided by a local who knows the city like the back of their hand.
So, next time you're in Istanbul, ditch the ordinary. Grab a local tour and unlock the city's real magic – the stories, flavors, and places that make it uniquely Istanbul. Get ready to explore like a local!
You might be interested in these
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.
"My family - husband, 2 adult kids, and I - spent the best 2 days with Emre seeing and learning about many of the highlights of Istanbul along with some wonderful hidden gems. We also did a food tour on both the European and Asian parts of the city. \nEmre was knowledgeable, informative, funny, and so very generous with his time. We learned so much about the beautiful city and its history, and sampled a variety of delicious foods. \nEmre went above and beyond. We felt he was a part of the family. Felt like being with a true local "
"Emre is the best. Not only is he super knowledgeable, he knows the best spots for local cuisine, he finds the out-of-the-way places, he also knows everyone and everyone knows him! We learned a lot of history, local culture, and felt the warmth of Turkish hospitality with him. Excellent tour. Highly recommend. "
"Cengiz was our guide at the Hagia Sophia and he was wonderful. He knew his history, taught us many new details, and was exceptionally helpful. I would take a tour from him again. Nothing but good things to say about our experience."
"Spent a perfect morning with Ayse seeing the historical sites of Istanbul exactly as we wanted to with just the right balance of context, insight and detail. \n\nAyse is professional, friendly and knowledgable and was an excellent host for us. Her English is faultless and she answered all our questions and was good company throughout. \n\nWould 100% recommend Ayse as a tour guide and really enjoyed our day. "
"We had a brilliant time with the knowledgeable and friendly O\u011Fuz exploring and learning. Highly recommended. "
"With her depth of historical knowledge and engaging manner, Nihal brought to life the riches of the Hagia Sophia and old Constantinople. She welcomed our questions and through her answers deepened our knowledge and understanding of Istanbul's past and present. I would thoroughly recommend a tour with her. \nOne thing to note - it was not clear at the time of booking that the entry price to the Hagia Sophia was not included, hence the price-value rating."
"Hi\nHaving Ogus to guide us was amazing, he explained all the history and other architectural points of the places we visited in a such a way that was fun and easy going \nHighly recommend him\nRegards Darren "
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.