Benoit

The Intellectual Traveler

  • I live in Istanbul
  • I speak English, Français, Español
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 7 hours

Hi there! Nice to meet you

Benoit

Originally from Belgium, I have been living in Turkey and Istanbul for more than 20 years. After a career of 15 years in the textile business, I decided to change the course of my life and dedicate myself to what I had always wanted to do, ie guiding in Turkey. My realms of expertise are the following: backstreets gastronomy, trekking (I walked most of the important trails of Turkey), byzantine, roman and ottoman history, micro neighbourhood history and visit of the hidden gems of this amazing city. My education is History (Soas, London) with a speciality on Turkish Greek relations and Journalism (Liege, Belgium)

  • I live in Istanbul
  • I speak English, Français, Español
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 7 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!

Reviews

Juliana
3 January 2024
We had a wonderful tour with Benoit, who not only knows all about the various facets of Istanbul’s rich history but also what seems like the entire population! 😉 We saw artisans and artists and many other hidden treasures that we surely would have missed otherwise. Plus, we had a chance to sample many local delicacies. The tour lasted approximately 6 hours, but even our 14 and 17 year old teenagers enjoyed it till the end. We would recommend Benoit to anyone without hesitation. Thank you!Simply awesome
Birgit
2 September 2023
Benoît hat uns die geheimen Ecken Istanbuls gezeigt. Sehr authentisch, sehr erfahren, flexible Gestaltung und auf unsere Bedürfnisse eingegangen. Dabei super nett und sympathisch! Ein tolles Erlebnis….herzlichen Dank an Benoît!Outstanding experience with local touch
Christian
17 November 2022
Notre guide nous a fait visiter des lieux insolites à Istanbul hors des sentiers touristiques. Une journée très instructive et divertissante grâce à la générosité de notre guide. Bravo et Merci H !Une journée extraordinaire
Ming
27 October 2022
Benoit was knowledgeable about the non touristy areas we went to, is clearly curious and fascinated with architecture, the local culture, and history. It was fun and relaxing to share a less touristic type of walk around tour of Istanbul. We thoroughly enjoyed our day. Knowledgeable with a Nice Manner
Donna
21 October 2022
Benoit was an amazing tour guide. He totally caters the tour to what you like and has so many relationships with the locals that you really felt like you get to see the “real” Istanbul as well as understand the culture. We saw so much of Istanbul and can’t wait to come back! We would highly recommend Benoit!Amazing Tour Through Isranbul
Ricardo
14 October 2022
Benoit es un excelente guía que comprende las necesidades del viajeroMaravilloso
Jaime
13 October 2022
Recorrer Estambul con Benoit ha sido maravilloso, una experiencia fuera de lo común. Ama la ciudad y conoce como nadie el circuito turístico, haciéndolo muy ameno con su profundo sentido de la historia y sus divertidas anécdotas. Pero lo que realmente lo hace único es su pasión por la parte oculta de la ciudad, la que no suelen visitar los turistas, y su gusto y su conocimiento de la gastronomía turca. Nos llevó a visitar pequeños restaurantes que son verdaderos tesoros, frecuentados casi exclusivamente por los estambulíes, entre otros rincones de gran importancia e interés por su historia secreta. No se lo pierdan.Una experiencia maravillosa
Randall
9 October 2022
Benoit was a true joy to spend the day with. He is like traveling with a knowledgeable friend that finds joy in exploring and experiencing new things with you along the way. And he is as curious as a cat! As your guide and newly found friend Benoit finds his way off the path to help you enjoy a day of mutual discovery. Our day with him was full and fulfilling. We would highly recommend Benoit. A fine day of mutual discovery
Mike
6 October 2022
We enjoyed our day immensely. We had previously enjoyed a food tour with Benoit and this encore was equally wonderful. He is professional, experienced and seems to know every back street and the people who occupy them in Istanbul. Very personable, speaks English well and easily connects with people. You won’t be disappointed if you can secure an appointment with him.Benoit is the best
Unknown
3 October 2022

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. Benoit, The Intellectual Traveler