Explore Topkapi Palace & Surroundings with a Local
1876 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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
Live like a local in Istanbul for 48 hours! Whether you love massages, markets, or mosques; finding fun things to do in Istanbul for 2 days is easy. Looking for exactly what to do in Istanbul for 2 days? Look no further! Day 1: Visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque and Hagia Sophia Two of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul are the beautiful Hagia Sophia and the atmospheric Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque). These historic mosques are located right across each other and have plenty of unique features both inside and outside. Stick around to hear the call to prayer which just adds to the wonderful atmosphere of the area. Day 1: Try a traditional Turkish Hamam This old Ottoman bathing ritual is a must-try if you’re spending 2 days in Istanbul! Head to one of the many local Turkish baths and you’ll be able to enjoy a sauna and steam room followed by a full body wash and a massage. Prepare for some of the most relaxing hours of your life! Day 2: Enjoy an authentic Turkish breakfast A traditional Turkish breakfast is a perfect way to start the day! It comes with a number of sharing dishes from Beyaz peynir cheese and olives to Bal honey and kaymak clotted cream, there are lots of local treats to indulge in. Egg lovers, make sure you try the delicious Menemen! Day 2: Explore the Grand Bazaar Spend your second day in Istanbul shopping your way through the bustling and lively Grand Bazaar, also known as the oldest shopping mall in the world! With more than 4,000 shops and stalls to explore, start early!
What other travelers love about our local experts
Tara
About local
24 July 2025
Prince's Islands Exploration
My mom and I had the pleasure of spending the day with Alp while he guided us around Büyükada (the largest of the Prince's Islands). Alp was fantastic in every way. He was responsive and kept in close contact with us leading up to our tour, and on the day of our tour was prompt and enthusiastic. He was fun and knowledgeable and went out of his way to ensure we were having a good time. He was also flexible and adjusted the tour to accommodate our needs. At the end of the tour, he made extra efforts to ensure we got on the correct ferry back to our hotel. This tour was a highlight of our trip. Thank you for a wonderful day, Alp!
Private Day Trip to Princes' Islands
Andy
About local
8 July 2025
An excellent family day with Emre
We're a family of four (two boys aged 9 and 11) who did an eight hour Istanbul tour with Emre on a hot July day. Emre was excellent, very flexible with what we went and getting tailor the tour to keep everyone engaged and refreshed in the heat.
Emre is very knowledgeable about all things Istanbul and provided some tips for the rest of our trip in Turkiye.
Highly recommended, we had a great day.
Full Coverage Istanbul City Tour
Juniper
About local
2 July 2025
Incredible value added to our trip!
Oguz was very friendly, knowledgeable, responsive, and accommodating! He took us to incredible places off the beaten path and knew all of the history. Having him there to navigate made it so we didn't waste any time, and we would have missed a ton of context and symbolism without him. He helped us to feel safe and confident in going out on our own the next day.
Full Coverage Istanbul City Tour
Molly
About local
2 July 2025
We had a nice time!
We had a nice time on our tour with Alp! He made the logistics super easy and brought us to a stunning luch vista. He's easy to get along with and knows a lot about IStanbul. Fun experience!
