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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
We had an excellent tour around Istanbul with Esra, the tour was entirely tailored to what we wanted, visiting many of the amazing sights, and the knowledge we gained was invaluable and every question answered.
If we had of had more time we would have booked onto one of the culinary tours too as that sounds great also!
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Istanbul
Steve
About local
28 August 2025
Amazing tour of Istanbul must see sites!
We had the absolute pleasure of spending the day exploring Istanbul with Ayse as our guide, and it was truly an unforgettable experience! From the moment we met her, her warmth, enthusiasm, and deep love for her city shone through. Ayse brought Istanbul’s rich history to life with incredible detail, weaving fascinating stories and cultural insights that only someone with her local experience and passion could share.
Her knowledge of both the well-known landmarks and the hidden gems made us feel like we were seeing the city through the eyes of a true insider. Beyond her expertise, Ayse made the day so enjoyable with her friendly personality, patience, and genuine care to ensure we had the best experience possible.
We walked away not only with a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s history and culture, but also with the sense that we had made a wonderful new friend. If you are visiting Istanbul, do yourself a favor and book a tour with Ayse—you will not be disappointed!
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Istanbul
Ellie Hart and Caryl Loevy
About local
28 August 2025
5 hours that turned into 9 hours
Kadir was a lovely man. He knew local vendors and we sampled several local specialties. He knew a great deal about the Jewish history of turkey. Very happy that he was our guide. highly recommend his services.
Istanbul’s Jewish Heritage: A Private Tour
Anne
About local
27 August 2025
Night tour was a great experience
Ayse was a lovely tour guide. She showed us some great streets and buildings, including good spots to take photos. She has extensive knowledge, which was extremely informative but most of all, it was her passion about Istanbul that made the tour enjoyable. Thanks Ayse 😃
