Ayfer

The Explorer of History and Lifestyle

Responds quickly
  • I live in Istanbul
  • I speak English, Türkçe
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 14 hours

Hi there! Nice to meet you

Ayfer

Hello travelers!

I'm Ayfer, I am a licensed professional tour guide, a yogi, an artist and a passionate traveler. I love life and everything that makes it fun and joyful!

History, food and travel are passions of mine, I love travel and witnessing history, tasting different food & beverages and exploring local life and neighborhoods. Different tastes mean indulging in the new cultures for me and helping you experience this is a joy. I love Istanbul and meeting new people from all over the world; Istanbul has never let me down in that matter!

I currently host number of tours at Withlocals that you may review on my profile. If you are looking for something else or different timing, just send me a message about your preferences and I'll create an experience that is tailored just for you.

Looking forward to meeting you!

  • I live in Istanbul
  • I speak English, Türkçe
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 14 hours

Book one of my offers in Istanbul

Let's explore Istanbul together! As your local guide, I'll show you the best of Istanbul on a private & personalized tour for you.

Did you know that I can personalize your experience?

All Withlocals tours are completely customisable to your needs. Just let me know your preferences for a private and personalized experience!

Responds quickly

Reviews

Sylvia
3 June 2025
We booked Ayfer for a 3 hour walking tour of the main sights and insights into historic and modern Istanbul. She was great company, really easy to talk to and a lot of fun. She explained the fascinating history of the country, and the history of the beautiful buildings in the old town and then took us on a magical journey across the Bosporus to a vibrant enclave full of foodie shops and trendy cafes. A really interesting morning With a superb guide. We cannot recommend her enough. A comprehensive insight into Istanbul
John
21 May 2025
Ayfer met us at the pier and gave us a great walking tour of Kadikoy, stopping at some wonderful spots for food. She was able to accommodate our dislike of seafood and was very pleasant to talk with as she shared interesting info about the area and Istanbul as we walked. She also gave us a great recommendation for a hamman and restaurants. Great walk through Kadikoy
Ben
18 May 2025
Ayfer took us on a morning tour of Istanbul - we were 4 friends visiting the city for the first time. Ayfer’s knowledge and interest of the city old and new was exceptional, taking us from its beginnings to the present day. All delivered with great communication and enthusiasm. Engaging and knowledgeable guide
Ebba
8 May 2025
We had the pleasure of spending two half-days in Istanbul with Ayfer as our guide, and she made our visit truly special. A proud local with fluent English, Ayfer has that rare ability to weave together history, culture, and everyday life in a way that’s both insightful and engaging. On our first half-day, she led us through the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, bringing centuries of history to life with fascinating stories and context we would have completely missed on our own. Her knowledge isn’t just academic — she adds a personal touch, sharing local customs, traditions, and anecdotes that gave us a real sense of the city’s soul. The second half-day was spent exploring Topkapi Palace, where again Ayfer’s storytelling added depth to everything we saw. From sultans’ intrigues to the treasures of the palace kitchens, she painted a vivid picture of Ottoman life. Beyond the main sites, Ayfer also shared local habits, customs, and fantastic restaurant recommendations that made the rest of our stay even better. She’s personable, professional, and passionate about her city — everything you’d want in a guide. Istanbul is an extraordinary place, and with Ayfer, it felt even more alive. Highly recommended if you want a guide who goes beyond the guidebooks.Amazing days in Istanbul
Cassie
6 May 2025
We had a wonderful morning with Ayfer. I explained this was at the end of our 5 day stay in Turkey so not to keen on eating more kebabs or baclava etc. She understood and made sure we tried new foods. My 12- and 14- yo kids both enjoyed the tour. She had lots of background and stories to share that helped provide context to the area and foods we were trying. Highly recommend!Delicious food after delicious food!
Unknown
22 April 2025
Ayfer was a fantastic guide for our family of 5 (children ages 5-12). Her knowledge of the city, both historical and present, was invaluable to us to kick off our stay in Istanbul. The we learned so much in our 3 hour tour together…and on top she provided us with some excellent local restaurant and transportation recommendations that we used later in the trip. And important for us - she made things fun for our younger children, and was very patient and freindly to them. We would definitely recommend Ayfer as a guide to anyone.Great experience with Ayfer!
Brooke
11 April 2025
We had a great afternoon with Ayfer. She was very knowledgeable and introduced us to some lovely places we would have never found on our own. She gave us some great tips for places to eat and see. She was very patient with our younger children. We would highly recommend this tour with Ayfer. It was a great way to see the main attractions of Istanbul.Great tour
Richard
5 April 2025
Ayfer led our mixed group with various food no-go items on a delightful, informative food tour of Istanbul. She was good humoured, knowledgeable, and entertaining. She adapted her program successfully to our delight. We loved talking with her, and enjoyed sharing our reactions and stories with her. Ayfer went beyond our expectations. We were saddened to reach the end of our time with her. Eat first with Ayfer
Catherine
6 July 2024
Ayfer was so informative and a brilliant guide! She made it all so interesting and easy to understand! I would highly recommend her! Istanbul with Ayfer
Christian
25 February 2024
We spent a great day together with Ayfer. A very knowledgable and down to earth guide with charming personality, humour and vast knowledge of the history of Istanbul, Konstantinopel and Byzanz in perfect english. We also got to see a few hidden gems and it really felt like a day together with a good local friend. A strong recommendationAn amazing day with a local guide

This is Withlocals

Play now

Connect with locals whenever and wherever!

Get the app to become part of the fastest growing local travel community. Ask your local guide to personalize your experience to your needs. Keep all your bookings at hand. Sounds cool, right?

  1. Turkey›
  2. Istanbul›
  3. Ayfer, The Explorer of History and Lifestyle