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.
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!
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!
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!
Alternative Istanbul: Street Art Tour on the Asian Side
107 reviews
3 hours | art & culture tours | Istanbul
Want to escape the touristy crowds and mingle with the locals? Follow me to Yeldeğirmeni neighborhood of Kadıköy! 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!
The best local things to do in Istanbul for 3 days! The extraordinary Blue Mosque, incredible Hagia Sophia and vibrant Grand Bazaar; you’ll be able to explore all the highlights of Istanbul in 72 hours. Use the list below to find exactly what to do in Istanbul for 3 days. Day 1: Mosques & museums The perfect introduction! Istanbul is home to some of the most famous mosques and monuments in the world. With stunning cultural and religious gems to enjoy all over the city, you’d be a fool to miss out! Discover the amazing sites Istanbul has to offer with the amazing Blue Mosque, incredible Hagia Sophia and historic Topkapi Palace. Something a little different! Visit Little Hagia Sophia, a small, non-touristy working mosque where you can catch a glimpse of a traditional space where the locals go to practice their religion. You’ll never forget your first day in Istanbul! Day 2: Markets & bazaars Brace yourself for shopping! There’s something for everyone to buy in Istanbul. Immerse yourself into the local culture as you go shopping in Istanbul’s impressive Grand Bazaar. Or head for the nearby smaller Arasta Bazaar to shop like a local! Discover gorgeous Turkish treasures in the French Passage, a shopping arcade that was once a historical port. Time for musicians and artists! Head to the vibrant Galata Tower and search for traditional Turkish souvenirs to take home. Or look for musical favorites in an old-school music shop and record store! Day 3: Food & drink Turkish delights! There’s no better way to explore Istanbul’s food and drink than with a trip to the bustling local food markets. Stroll through a colorful street market looking at stalls piled high with spices, fruits, and vegetables. It’s an amazing way to count down the last of your 72 hours in Istanbul. Time for lunch! Discover the local and authentic tastes of Istanbul with some delicious Turkish street food. Try yummy houmous and tasty falafel, meaty shish kebab, and delicious traditional desserts. You can even relax with a soda and some roasted chickpeas to snack on. A delicious end to your time in Istanbul!
What other travelers love about our local experts
Gordon
About local
27 July 2025
Excellent historical detail
Despite a delay to our start as we could not find the German fountain! Ahmet was a perfect guide, his knowledge of the history of Istanbul went beyond dates and details but provided relevant information that linked and overlapped. Despite the heat, the time went quickly.
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Istanbul
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
lance & lily
About local
22 July 2025
Esra was great!
Esra was in contact with us before our tour. She introduced us to a friend the day before our tour who helped us shop in the grand bizarre. She made it easy to connect and was able to move our tour up a bit to accommodate our hectic schedule. Her knowledge of Istanbul and her professionalism were both outstanding. I highly recommend her.
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Istanbul
Hans
About local
21 July 2025
My Family from Utah Loved Ugur!
Ugur gave us a very informative and wonderful tour of the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Ugur was full of knowledge of the historical sites, the Turkish history and provided us detailed information. Ugur was passionate about Turkey and shared his love of his country with us, including Turkish basketball. We had a great time with him! Thank you.
