Where are you going?
  • Sign up

Experience the best of
Istanbul with Withlocals

  1. Find the perfect private tour

  2. Select one of our local experts

  3. Enjoy Istanbul like a local

Explore Istanbul

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. 1Experience image
    Portrait from local Lorena - İstanbul in a Fun Way🎉
    Portrait from local Taci - The Bookworm & Family Man
    Choose your favorite local

    City Kickstart Tour: Istanbul

    144 reviews
    1.5 hours | City highlights 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.

    €29.91 per person
    Explore
  2. 2Experience image
    Portrait from local Ugur - The Istanbul Guide
    Portrait from local Safiye - The Fun&Friendly Local
    Choose your favorite local

    The 10 Tastings of Istanbul

    675 reviews
    3 hours | Food tours | Istanbul

    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.

    €72.43 per person
    Explore
  3. 3Experience image
    Portrait from local Oguz - The Local Legend
    Portrait from local Abdullah - History & Story Teller
    Choose your favorite local

    Highlights & Hidden Gems of Istanbul

    870 reviews
    3 hours | City highlights tours | 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!

    €48.90 per person
    Explore
  4. 4Experience image
    Portrait from local Tolga - History Buff & Wine Lover & Foodie
    Portrait from local Cengiz - Lost in Baklava
    Choose your favorite local

    A Magical Evening in Istanbul: City Tour

    258 reviews
    2.5 hours | City highlights tours | 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.

    €34.38 per person
    Explore
  5. 5Experience image
    Portrait from local Ceren - The Curious Sociologist & Actor
    With Ceren

    Hipster Kadikoy: Food, Hotspots & Beers!

    105 reviews
    3 hours | City highlights tours | 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.

    €72.35 per person
    Explore
  6. 6Experience image
    Portrait from local Oguz - The Local Legend
    Portrait from local Abdullah - History & Story Teller
    Choose your favorite local

    Treasures of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Tour

    131 reviews
    2.5 hours | City highlights tours | Istanbul

    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!

    €43.75 per person
    Explore
  7. 7Experience image
    Portrait from local Diana - The Personal Shopper.
    With Diana

    The Antique Gems of Istanbul Tour

    87 reviews
    7 hours | City highlights tours | Istanbul

    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.

    €87 per person
    Explore
  8. 8Experience image
    Portrait from local Hakan - The Historian
    Portrait from local Ugur - The Istanbul Guide
    Choose your favorite local

    Explore Topkapi Palace & Surroundings with a Local

    1,555 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!

    €125 per person
    Explore
  9. 9Experience image
    Portrait from local Ayse -     Talkative Guide, History Nerd, Food Lover, Your Local in Istanbul
    Portrait from local Oguz - The Local Legend
    Choose your favorite local

    Full Coverage Istanbul City Tour

    290 reviews
    8 hours | City highlights tours | Istanbul

    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.

    €74.27 per person
    Explore
  10. 10Experience image
    Portrait from local Alp - The Foodie Musician
    With Alp

    Alternative Istanbul: Street Art Tour on the Asian Side

    122 reviews
    3 hours | art-&-culture-tours | Istanbul

    Want to step away from the touristy areas and explore a more local side of Istanbul? Join me in Yeldeğirmeni, a creative neighbourhood in Kadıköy on the Asian side of Istanbul. Known for its street art, cosy cafés, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a great introduction to the city’s urban culture.

    €59 per person
    Explore
  • Feel confident in booking

    Cancel and get a refund up to 7 days before

  • Change of plans?

    Easily reschedule your booking

  • Pay your way

    Fast, secure checkout in your currency

Real People. Real Stories. Really Good Travel.

  • Feel like a local, not a tourist

    Always private. It's just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.

  • More you, less checklist

    Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.

  • Travel that feels good

    Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.

Private tours with locals in Istanbul

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

  • City Kickstart Tour: Istanbul
    Lorena - İstanbul in a Fun Way🎉
    Taci - The Bookworm & Family Man
    Choose your local

    City Kickstart Tour: Istanbul

    4.9
    144 reviews
    1.5 hours • City highlights tours
    from €29.91 per person
  • The 10 Tastings of Istanbul
    Ugur - The Istanbul Guide
    Safiye - The Fun&Friendly Local
    Choose your local

    The 10 Tastings of Istanbul

    4.9
    675 reviews
    3 hours • Food tours
    from €72.43 per person
  • Highlights & Hidden Gems of Istanbul
    Oguz - The Local Legend
    Abdullah - History & Story Teller
    Choose your local

    Highlights & Hidden Gems of Istanbul

    4.9
    870 reviews
    3 hours • City highlights tours
    from €48.90 per person
  • A Magical Evening in Istanbul: City Tour
    Tolga - History Buff & Wine Lover & Foodie
    Cengiz - Lost in Baklava
    Choose your local

    A Magical Evening in Istanbul: City Tour

    4.9
    258 reviews
    2.5 hours • City highlights tours
    from €34.38 per person
  • Hipster Kadikoy: Food, Hotspots & Beers!
    Ceren - The Curious Sociologist & Actor
    With Ceren

    Hipster Kadikoy: Food, Hotspots & Beers!

    5.0
    105 reviews
    3 hours • City highlights tours
    from €72.35 per person
  • Treasures of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Tour
    Oguz - The Local Legend
    Abdullah - History & Story Teller
    Choose your local

    Treasures of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Tour

    4.9
    131 reviews
    2.5 hours • City highlights tours
    from €43.75 per person
  • The Antique Gems of Istanbul Tour
    Diana - The Personal Shopper.
    With Diana

    The Antique Gems of Istanbul Tour

    4.9
    87 reviews
    7 hours • City highlights tours
    from €87 per person
  • Explore Topkapi Palace & Surroundings with a Local
    Hakan - The Historian
    Ugur - The Istanbul Guide
    Choose your local

    Explore Topkapi Palace & Surroundings with a Local

    4.9
    1,555 reviews
    3 hours • Skip the line tours
    from €125 per person


Explore Istanbul with our incredible locals

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

  • Muhammed

    The History Buff & Foodie Guide

    86 reviews
    English・Türkçe
  • Abdullah

    History & Story Teller

    308 reviews
    English・Español
  • Alp

    The Foodie Musician

    387 reviews
    English・Türkçe
  • Oguz

    The Local Legend

    50 reviews
    English
  • Faruk

    Hostanblue

    77 reviews
    English・Türkçe
  • Esra

    The Smiling Local

    213 reviews
    English・Türkçe
  • Oğuz

    The Travel Expert

    125 reviews
    English
  • Ceren

    The Curious Sociologist & Actor

    105 reviews
    English・Türkçe
  • BULENT

    Extraordinary Tour Guide

    6 reviews
    English・Türkçe
  • Mine

    The Art & History Lover

    263 reviews
    English
See all locals


  • Full Coverage Istanbul City Tour
    Ayse -     Talkative Guide, History Nerd, Food Lover, Your Local in Istanbul
    Oguz - The Local Legend
    Choose your local

    Full Coverage Istanbul City Tour

    4.9
    290 reviews
    8 hours • City highlights tours
    from €74.27 per person
  • Alternative Istanbul: Street Art Tour on the Asian Side
    Alp - The Foodie Musician
    With Alp

    Alternative Istanbul: Street Art Tour on the Asian Side

    5.0
    122 reviews
    3 hours • art-&-culture-tours
    from €59 per person
  • Istanbul’s Jewish Heritage: A Private Tour
    Kadir Celal - The Passionate Historian
    With Kadir Celal

    Istanbul’s Jewish Heritage: A Private Tour

    5.0
    347 reviews
    5 hours • City highlights tours
    from €90.44 per person
  • Kadikoy Food Tour: Explore Different Tastes of Turkey
    Ayfer - The Explorer of History and Lifestyle
    With Ayfer

    Kadikoy Food Tour: Explore Different Tastes of Turkey

    5.0
    185 reviews
    3 hours • Food tours
    from €90 per person
  • Istanbul Like a Local: Kadikoy & Local Hotspots
    Ayfer - The Explorer of History and Lifestyle
    With Ayfer

    Istanbul Like a Local: Kadikoy & Local Hotspots

    5.0
    185 reviews
    3 hours • City highlights tours
    from €90 per person
  • More of Istanbul: Chora Museum, Tekfur Palace, Balat & Fener
    Kadir Celal - The Passionate Historian
    With Kadir Celal

    More of Istanbul: Chora Museum, Tekfur Palace, Balat & Fener

    5.0
    347 reviews
    5 hours • Day trips
    from €66.18 per person
  • Withlocals Your Way! - Istanbul City Tour
    Neslihan  - The Intellectual Local
    Oğuz - The Travel Expert
    Choose your local

    Withlocals Your Way! - Istanbul City Tour

    4.9
    2,294 reviews
    3 hours • City highlights tours
    from €43.75 per person
  • Bosphorus by Public Ferry, Two Continents with a Local
    Gülce - The Ambassador of Constantinople
    Emre - The Time Traveller
    Choose your local

    Bosphorus by Public Ferry, Two Continents with a Local

    5.0
    292 reviews
    3 hours • city-discovery
    from €45.96 per person
See all experiences


Find experiences by category

Discover experiences based on your interest

  • City highlights tours 13
  • Art & Culture tours 3
  • Food tours 3
  • Wine & Beer tours 2
  • Day trips 1
  • Photo tours 1
  • Skip the line tours 1

Enjoy the Best of Istanbul
Like a Local

Private Tours in Istanbul

Istanbul offers something for everyone, and the best way to explore for yourself this huge city is by touring according to your interests.  Whether you’re into art, food, history, or all of the above, there is a tour in Istanbul for you!

  • Cruise along the Bosporus

    This is the most popular and comprehensive way to get the overview tour of Istanbul.  From the decks of a ferry cruising along the Bosporus, you can see all of the major landmarks of the city.  Your local guide can point out and explain the significance of each site, and you’ll get a great understanding of the layout of the city.  

    You can opt for the most basic trip, which is a normal ferry ride from point A to point B with your IstanbulKart, or let your local guide know what direction you want to take and what you want to see. There are plenty of options if you want to cruise along the Bosporus, some boat tours even offer dinner, drinks, and dancing! Whether you go big or for something quick, you’ll get an unparalleled view of the city!

  • Step back in time in the Old City

    Once you know exactly what you’re looking for, the Old City is easy enough to spot, because it was once surrounded by a wall.  While the typical Old City of Istanbul tours include famous sites such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Gulhane Park, you can expand your tour of ancient Istanbul by simply following the old city walls.  

    With your local friend, you can trace the outline of the Old City outside of the normal tourist hubs.  The most well preserved example of the ancient walls can be found at Vezneciler, where you’ll also find a lovely park and square with a statue that remembers the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople.  Just follow the old wall to get out of the tour center and go on a unique tour of Istanbul in ages past!

  • Eat your way through Istanbul

    Eat your way through Istanbul

    One great way to experience the different parts of Istanbul is by tasting the unique food of each neighborhood.  You can start your Istanbul food tour in the morning in Besiktas’s “breakfast street” with a proper Turkish breakfast, enjoyed with countless cups of tea over the course of a few hours.  Then, you can try waffles in Kadikoy, fresh grilled fish sandwiches in Eminonu, famous meatballs in Sultanahmet, Uyghur food in Capa or Yusufpasa, or “kumpir” (loaded baked potatoes) in Ortakoy.  Throughout the city, you’ll find the staples of Turkish street food: “simit” (a round bread with sesame seeds), grilled corn on the cob, roasted chestnuts, and of course, “doner” (beef or chicken roasted on a spit).  

    Food is pretty easy to find at all hours, as most places stay open late into the night, so your food tour in Istanbul won’t get cut short!  If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, just tell your local friend and they’ll advise you on what to eat.

  • Street art in the backstreets

    Another great way to really get to know a place is by the art you can find in the everyday spaces.  Neighborhoods like Karakoy on the European side and Moda on the Asian side are full of street art and galleries that are open to the public. Just by wandering around the streets, you can get a whole artistic tour of Istanbul.  You’ll see pictures, slogans, political messages, and jokes painted all over the walls of the neighborhoods you wander. For the full effect, you should bring your local guide along so that you can get good translations of the messages the artists are trying to send.

    Most of the neighborhoods in the city center have some great street art, and most of the street art has a message or deeper meaning. The best way to unravel these messages and meanings is to ask your local friend. They probably have some connection to the art, as well, simply because they are locals to Istanbul, too! This is an amazing Istanbul tour to get a glimpse into the local perspective.

  • Museum hopping: the every-weather tour

    Museum hopping: the every-weather tour

    If you haven’t heard already, it’s time you heard now: the weather in Istanbul can be unpredictable, so it’s best to have a back-up tour in place if the weather becomes too unbearable.  However, such a tour is not difficult to plan in Istanbul, because the city is full of museums! Many of them are accessible with a museum pass, which you can purchase at many tourist information sites and which are valid for different lengths of time, or just ask your local hosts, they can help plan a unique museum-hopping tour in Istanbul!

Why is Withlocals the best place to book a tour?

  • 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 & 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!



Related Istanbul pages

You might be interested in these

  • Guides in Istanbul
  • City Highlight Tours in Istanbul
  • Art & Culture Tours in Istanbul
  • Food Tours in Istanbul
  • Wine Beer Tours in Istanbul
  • Day Trips in Istanbul
  • Photo Tours in Istanbul
  • Skip The Line Tours in Istanbul
  • Walking Tours in Istanbul
  • Car Tours in Istanbul
  • Short Tours in Istanbul
  • Half day Tours in Istanbul
  • Full day Tours in Istanbul
  • Multi day Tours in Istanbul
  • Cheap Tours in Istanbul
  • Luxury Tours in Istanbul
  • Topkapi Palace in Istanbul
  • Hagia Sophia Tour in Istanbul
  • Things To Do Tomorrow in Istanbul
  1. Turkey
  2. Istanbul
  3. Tours in Istanbul

About Withlocals

  • Our Story
  • Jobs
  • Sustainability
  • Destinations
  • Gift vouchers
  • Partner up

Guests

  • Guest help center
  • Guest cancelation policy
  • Guest terms & conditions

Hosts

  • Host help center
  • Host cancelation policy
  • Host terms & conditions
  • Become a host

Download our app

  • App Store
  • Google Play Store

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

We accept

Mastercard, Visa, Amex, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Link, PayPal, Klarna, iDEAL, BancontactAvailability varies by destination
© 2026 Withlocals.com | Privacy Policy | Cookies | Sitemap
Trustpilot
B Corp certified logo

Travelers love our locals

Reviews from guests about our tours and locals

  • 5.0

    Istanbul @ Night

    "Ugar was great! He was informative and knowledgeable and he adjusted the tour to fit our needs. I would recommend him for a tour guide anytime. We all had a great time time "

    local Ugur
    guest Grace
    GraceAbout local UgurIstanbul, September 10, 2026
  • 5.0

    Amazing food tour in an amazing food city!

    "My group of friends and I had a fantastic day with Ayse as she showed us around the city and taught us so much about Turkish food. She was personable and fun, and matched the vibe of our group so flawlessly! I highly recommend her as your local guide, she'll give you so much information and make sure you have fun along the way."

    local Ayse
    guest Talia
    TaliaAbout local AyseIstanbul, September 8, 2026
  • 5.0

    Wonderful tour.

    "Emre was so caring and informative. He took us were we wanted to go and was very accommodating. He was the best!"

    local Emre
    guest Milly
    MillyAbout local EmreIstanbul, September 8, 2026
  • 5.0

    Great guideb!

    "We had a beautiful morning with our guides. She was very knowledgeable and funny. Our morning flew by. We learnt so much , about this beautiful old city . "

    local Safiye
    guest John
    JohnAbout local SafiyeIstanbul, September 6, 2026
  • 5.0

    Friendly, knowledgeable and entertaining

    "We had a great day with Esra. She gave us good information and context about the places we visited and great recommendations for eating and shopping. She was also very kind helping us to sort other arrangements. Totally recommend Esra when visiting Turkey."

    local Esra
    guest clara
    claraAbout local EsraIstanbul, September 6, 2026
  • 5.0

    Historical and Adventurous

    "Mine offered a wealth of historical knowledge on every site we visited. She did a great job explaining the background history and and provided stories to give us the full picture. She also offered advice on local restaurants, shops and exhibits to see on our own. It was a full history lesson! "

    local Mine
    guest Natalie
    NatalieAbout local Mine Istanbul, September 3, 2026
  • 5.0

    Review about Ayse

    "My family and I took the 10 tastes of Instanbul tour with Ayse and she was awesome. She was knowledgeable, kind, and gave off very positive energy. She knew all of the local spots to go throughout the city. I would highly recommend Ayse as a guide in Istanbul!"

    local Ayse
    guest Jon
    JonAbout local AyseIstanbul, August 31, 2026
  • 5.0

    Review about Esra

    "My family and I spent a full day for a guided tour with Esra. She was absolutely amazing! It was a fantastic day and she is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Instanbul. She knew all of the history about all of the sites and catered the tour to the sites that were important to us. Esra knew the locals, she was extremely professional, genuine and kind, and I would absolutely recommend spending some time with her if you have the opportunity. "

    local Esra
    guest Jon
    JonAbout local EsraIstanbul, August 29, 2026
  • 5.0

    Fantastic guide for Istanbul

    "Gülce led a fantastic tour. Her knowledge of Istanbul's history, the sites, and local culture was excellent, and she brought all of it to life. We left with a much deeper understanding of the city. Highly recommend."

    local Gülce
    guest Steven
    StevenAbout local GülceIstanbul, August 28, 2026
  • 5.0

    Top Guide of Istanbul!

    "We have just spent two days with Ayse visiting Istanbul, both the old city and the Asian side. She is so knowledgeable and engaging, our heads are buzzing with information, in a good way!! Nothing was too much trouble, she was full of advice and offers of assistence and gave us experiences we know we would not have had without her. She is also such a lovely person that it was a real pleasure to spend this time with her. I can really recommend having Ayse as your guide for a memorable experience in Istanbul 😊"

    local Ayse
    guest Ali
    AliAbout local AyseIstanbul, August 25, 2026