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
2297 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!
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
1505 reviews
3 hours | art & culture 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.
Alternative Istanbul: Street Art Tour on the Asian Side
287 reviews
3 hours | art & culture tours | Istanbul
Want to escape the touristy crowds and mingle with the locals? Follow me to Yeldeğirmeni neighborhood! Step into Istanbul's Asian side to discover this hip district and get ready to walk among the cool street art. On this private tour, you can absorb all the artistic vibes of Istanbul!
"Our 3 hour tour with Neslihan was amazing: we laughed a lot, seen a lot, learnt a lot and ended up with a list of recommendations for the rest of our trip. Neslihan loves the city and it’s infectious! She knows it’s history and culture and shares her knowledge in a light and engaging way: surprised just how much we’ve learnt whilst having fun! Could not recommend Neslihan highly enough."
MarinaAbout local Neslihan Istanbul, February 16, 2025
5.0
Art, life, language & eats: perfection!
"Alp was clear, concise and timely with communications. He allowed our group of two to ask many questions and make requests.
We toured during February’s 1st snow and Alp graciously continued to guide us stopping a few extra times for hot beverages and warmth.
He was quite knowledgeable about Turkey’s broad history, current events, Europe & Asian sides as well as extensive details on the who:what:why:when of the STREET ART.
The community jewels (restaurants, stores, architecture, etc.) were welcome additions to our journey.
We enjoyed this modern glimpse into the heartbeat of Turkey. "
"We were looking for a reason to explore the Asian side of Istanbul, and found this tour. We're so glad we did it! We had a wonderful afternoon with Alp - his tour is more than just street art, we went to a couple of local cafes, learned about culture and history, and even got some great shopping tips. Alp is a friendly, knowledgeable guy, and adjusted the pace where we wanted to stay a bit longer & take photos, or move on to the next things. I can't recommend this tour highly enough!!"
"I honestly don’t know where to start. Dilek was amazing and it was like I was learning about the city from a friend. Her communication, from the moment I set up the tour until the moment I met her was fabulous. We chatted and got to know each other. She arranged for me to have transportation and it was the best decision! Dilek’s in depth knowledge of Istanbul is second to none, and we had wonderful conversations wandering the cobblestone streets lined with cafes and restaurants. We were able to see the Hagia Sofia, Cisterns, Spice Market, old city, new city, galata port, and so much more! I fell in love with Istanbul in large part because of Dilek. I didn’t just have a tour. I explored an amazing city with a friend, and made memories that will last me forever. "
"My experience has been seamless and customised according to my requirements. I had a long transit between my flights and booked this experience to see the main sites around Istanbul. Gülce organised the best transfer.
Gülce was very friendly and kind which made my experience enjoyable. She even showed me some extra places like the Grand Bazaar and we had dinner at a nice restaurant by the Bosphorus which had the most delicious dishes. She knew how to time the visits well and advised on the best way to navigate through Istanbul traffic. Unfortunately the weather was really cold and windy, but I will be back again and enjoy Istanbul better next time. Thanks a lot Gülce for everything. "
Melina About local GülceIstanbul, January 19, 2025
5.0
Loved our tour, interesting and fun.
"We all loved our tour with Apo? Our kids (9yrs and 13yrs) enjoyed the way Apo explained information as well as showed us interesting sights. He was authentic and fun to spend the time with. With us not being 'group tour people', this experience was perfect as it guided us through some major attractions with ease but not in a typical tour type manner. It suited us perfectly.
Thanks for a great few hours Apo!"
JodieAbout local AbdullahIstanbul, January 10, 2025
5.0
Great tour in Istanbul
"We had a great day in Istanbul with Kadir as our guide. Kadir worked with me to customize the tour for myself and 5 friends. We visited the hippodrome, the blue mosque, the Hagia Sophie and the grand bazaar. Kadir was friendly, courteous, and knowledgeable and he helped us navigate through the crowds and picked out several places to eat along the way.
I highly recommend a tour in Istanbul with Kadir!"
MarkAbout local Kadir CelalIstanbul, January 4, 2025
5.0
Excellent Guide!
"We had the pleasure of touring with Dilek who truly made our experience unforgettable. Our group consisted of myself, my partner, our child, and my father, who is a native of the area. She was remarkably personable, effortlessly connecting with each of us and tailoring the tour to suit our diverse interests.
What stood out the most was how she engaged everyone, from our curious child to my father, who had a deep connection to the area. She shared local stories and history with such enthusiasm that we were all captivated. The highlight of the day was the Turkish coffee cup reading—a unique and fun experience we won’t soon forget! It was a perfect way to tie in local culture and offer something special beyond the usual sightseeing.
Her warmth, knowledge, and ability to cater to every member of our family made this tour truly exceptional. Highly recommend for anyone looking to explore the area in a meaningful and personal way!"
"Emre is so much more than a food tour guide. He is passionate about his country, culture, and cuisine. The food selections were 10/10. We were so happy and soooo full. Emre just oozed information about what we were seeing and experiencing as we walked through Istanbul neighborhoods. Literally EVERYONE knew him. We couldn't turn a corner without someone acknowledging him. We talked about everything from food to architecture to history to politics. Best tour we have ever taken. "
"I recently joined Faruk for a Magical Evening in Istanbul City Tour.
Faruk was a wonderful guide. He is engaging, knowledgeable and accommodating.
He was great company and his love for his city was obvious and infectious.
Thank you Faruk for a great evening and and a splendid introduction to your magnificent city."
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!