Ready to get creative? Be part of a fun jewelry workshop taught by a friendly local “usta”. Step into his studio for a perfect hands-on experience that will teach you how to create and design your own accessories through different techniques.
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
1565 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 to capture Istanbul's true soul? No matter your experience, this photo tour will teach you the best tips and tricks to capture that picture perfect of Istanbul. Your private host, a former National Geographic editor & photographer, can't wait to share his secrets with you!
No trip to Istanbul is complete without a cruise along the Bosphorus! Hop on private yacht and experience the perfect combination of nature, history, culture and luxury, all of this while you enjoy a glass of wine and relax. There is no better way to see Istanbul!
Our tour of Topkapi Palace was the highlight of our four day stay in Istanbul in April, 2025. Emre's passion, knowledge and experience of the palace was immediately evident from the moment we met him. He was friendly, funny and so patient with all of our questions. He helped us to skip in front of large groups while in the palace, found spots to keep us mostly out of the rain and wind (it was raining all day) and constantly checked in with us to see if we wanted to visit certain aspect of the palace or skip them. This was an outstanding experience and we learned so much. He even gave us restaurant and book recommendations to supplement our Turkish experience. We absolutely adore him and you should not hesitate to book any tour with Emre.
Explore Topkapi Palace & Surroundings with a Local
Danielle
About local
Quality
Diana was a fabulous guide. The whole tour was all about quality. Quality goods, quality vendors and a very knowledgeable quality guide in Diana. I would highly recommend Diana as she made a potential chaotic day into an easy relaxing enjoyable day!!!
The Antique Gems of Istanbul Tour
Alexis
About local
Wonderful Day
We had the best day with Kadir. He was extremely knowledgable and explained everything in understandable terms. Kadir knew everybody in town - it was like getting a tour by the mayor! I highly recommend tours with Kadir.
Istanbul’s Jewish Heritage: A Private Tour
Sharan
About local
Diana: Curation with Care & Comfort.
This tour with Diana isn't about she wants to show us, instead it is centred around what we had wished to do.
As a personal shopper with several decades of experience, having treaded across the multifarious shops in Istanbul's back alleys and the labyrinthine market streets, Diana presented to us true value. Nestled among the sea of fakes and counterfeited products which are in abundance, especially at the Grand Bazaar, Diana's selection of outlets showcased the depth of Turkiye's artistic beauty. From Ceramics to Bathware and from Carpets to Fabrics, Diana guided us to find products of the highest quality, based on our requirements to suit our budget.
To simply put it, we would've been lost both literally and figuratively, in the multitude of stores, unable to spot fake from original and not knowing where to go, if not for Diana's presence.
But this alone isn't what sets her apart. Irrespective of rains and inclement weather, Diana chose to meet us at the hotel instead of a designated pickup spot, explained to us in detail the essence of this tour and that she wasn't bound by any timelines since shopping didn't and couldn't work with the stresses of deadlines and irrespective of it becoming late and well past her your time, chose to walk us to our Hamam in Sultanahmet more than a mile away from our shopping zone, even holding our arms to ensure that we didn't slip and arms.
On a cold windy rainy day in Istanbul, Diana's tour was filled with warmth and it was perfect icing on the last day of our ten day trip.
