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!
Top 10 tours in Istanbul
Make your stay in Istanbul complete with these things to do
1
Choose your favorite local
City Kickstart Tour: Istanbul
2464 reviews
1.5 hours | city highlight tours | Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul! Want to know the best places to eat? Cool events in town? Which places to go to and which to avoid? Or simply get some help to navigate the city? Book this private tour with a local and get the perfect introduction to Istanbul to start your city trip on the right foot.
Ready to taste the best food in Istanbul? Satisfy your cravings for local food and culture with highlights along the way, together with a foodie host. Enjoy 10 delicious and typical tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in Istanbul.
Want to see the best of Istanbul? We got you covered. But as you can expect from a Withlocals experience, the real excitement is its hidden gems. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour that has it all, so you can say: I experienced the real Istanbul!
As the sun sets, Istanbul lights up, the heat of the day fades, and the tourist crowds start to thin out. This is the time to enjoy the city at its atmospheric best on a private tour with a local! Take in glittering highlights and the local ambiance that only the evening brings out in Istanbul.
Kadikoy is the place to be! Explore one of the hippest neighborhoods in Istanbul and discover it bite by bite. Go to up & coming places and try one of the best Turkish dürüm kebap (wraps), street food in a hipster little pop-up restaurant, and a nice beer or cocktail in a local hip bar.
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!
Get away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul and explore the peaceful island life on a bicycle adventure through beautiful pine forests and 19th-century historic mansions. Together with your local insider, you can discover the best gems outside the city, while getting local insights!
Go off the beaten path on a journey full of hidden gems! Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and discover tranquil green spaces, local neighborhoods with a lively atmosphere, and a bazaar filled with interesting handicrafts, Turkish products, and textiles.
Explore Topkapi Palace & Surroundings with a Local
1802 reviews
3 hours | skip the line tours | Istanbul
A quick visit to the Topkapi Palace is not enough. There are other spots worth checking out outside this attraction, and your local host knows exactly where. Combine your visit to the Topkapi Palace with a touch of hidden gems and an easy access to this famous attraction, and you are set for a good time!
Ready for a jam-packed tour, full of history, culture, stories, and sights? Checkmark from your travel bucket list all your must-sees of Istanbul, because if there’s a Withlocals tour that shows you all the city's ins and outs, it’s this complete and personalized tour of Istanbul.
"Dilek is an amazing guide. She took us to several amazing spots on the Asian side of Istanbul. Dilek accommodated our special requests and also took us to spots to find some unusual foods. We made some spur of the moment stops which she was totally fine with. I can’t recommend Dilek enough. Tasting our way through her neighborhood is exactly the kind of authentic experience we hoped to have. "
"We had the pleasure of a wonderful tour of Hagia Sophia and surrounding area with Gülce. She knew all the history which made the experience for all of us so much better. She even got us into the “tour” line for the Bassillica Cistern which saved us a lot of waiting around (and she also hard great knowledge on the Cistern as well). Thank you, Gülce, for making our trip so enjoyable!"
"We spent a lovely day with Gulce touring the most famous sights in the Old City of Istanbul. She is extremely knowledgeable about the history and is able to present it in an approachable manner. Without her, we never would have appreciated was we were seeing. I am now a convert to taking a private tour! "
"We had the pleasure of experiencing the 10 tastings tour with Kemal. He was very flexible in the meeting place, which made the tour start on a very good note. We traveled on the subway (2nd oldest I understand in the world) and enjoyed several stops, including coffee of course and quince dessert and wonderful wine stop. He gave excellent advice on shopping along the way itself and made us feel safe the entire tour through the busy streets. Would recommend indeed for future tours... "
"Nihal was well versed in the history and gave us so much information. It totally enhanced our experience in Istanbul. She was obviously passionate about her city and infused us with her passion. She was also so personable and related with each of us on an individual level. I just can’t come up with enough to express our appreciation for such an incredible experience. "
"Esra is a lovely person. She is very knowledgeable about Istanbul and the culture and history of Turkey. She went out of her way to come to the port to meet us and took us on the tram to the centre. I would not hesitate to recommend her. "
"We truly enjoyed our time with Kadir Celal. He is very friendly and knowledgeable. Kadir helped us experience Istanbul in a way we could never have done on our own. We highly recommend him and would definitely book a tour with him again. "
SabineAbout local Kadir CelalIstanbul, May 30, 2025
5.0
Mine is super knowledgable and kind!
"We had a great custom tour with Mine! She is very accommodating and pleasant to work with. She shared a lot of history and stories with us. We appreciate her expertise! It was our first time in Istanbul and she provided very helpful recommendations for us too. I strongly recommend doing a tour with Mine! It will be fun and educational. "
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.
Tailored to your wishes
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.
Chat before you book
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.
Travel that supports locals
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.
Feel good about where your money goes
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.
Trusted by millions
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.
Secure & flexible booking
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.
Private & Personal
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.
Tailored to your wishes
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.
Chat before you book
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.
Travel that supports locals
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.
Feel good about where your money goes
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.
Trusted by millions
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.
Secure & flexible booking
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.
Private & Personalized Tours in Istanbul with a Local
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!
Choose your favorite local
Choose your favorite local
Choose your favorite local
Choose your favorite local
237 reviewsEnglish・Español
154 reviewsEnglish・Türkçe
291 reviewsEnglish・Türkçe
56 reviewsEnglish・Español・Türkçe
33 reviewsEnglish・Türkçe
216 reviewsEnglish
22 reviewsEnglish・Türkçe・中文
