Esra

The Smiling Local

Responds quickly
  • I live in Istanbul
  • I speak English, Türkçe
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 16 hours

Hi there! Nice to meet you

Esra

Great flexibility in choosing what to see and how to best enjoy each site in wonderful city in every moment.

While you learn lots of things ( History,culture,social life,idioms,stories,arts,Turkish cuisine,habits of turkish people......) about my wonderful l city/country you enjoy a lot with stories of historical site and fullday fun as local do.

  • I live in Istanbul
  • I speak English, Türkçe
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 16 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.

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

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Reviews

Ted
9 September 2025
With only a short time in Istanbul, Esra provided us with a very thorough and thoughtful day exploring the major sites of the old city and helping us to understand the Turkish culture in a more meaningful way. Seeing the carpet coop sponsored by the government in action (spinning silk and weaving a carpet) was a particular highlight of the day. She was awesome and helped with other thoughts for the rest of our trip. Bravo, Esra. Awesome Day in the Old City
Tricia
6 September 2025
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! Perfect tour
Laurie
24 August 2025
Esra was so much fun to experience a few sites of the old city with. She was knowledgeable and personable and she engaged with every member of the family, speaking directly to my 14 year old nephew and 8 year old daughter, bringing the tour to each of their levels which was wonderful to experience! And if you’re interested in Turkish rugs, she knows where to take you! I highly recommend Esra - she will make sure everyone learns and has a great time! Esra is great with the whole family
Sara
22 August 2025
Esra is a pleasure to be with. We spent 2 days together in Istanbul. She took us to a lovely local restaurant for lunch. We spent both days shopping. She is very knowledgeable. Would not have had the great experience in the Grand Bazaar without her. She knew just where to go so we worked with reputable vendors. She haggled for me and was helpful stylist. Her English is excellent and her demeanor is endearing. I felt like we were old friends. Couldn’t recommend her more highly!2 Super Fun Days
Matthew
17 August 2025
From the moment we met Esra we knew we were going to have a great day. Her passion and knowledge of Istanbul was incredible… and her manner was so relaxed and engaging. We just clicked! Thank you 🙏 for showing us YOUR hidden gems especially at The Grand bazaar … We highly recommend Esra as your guide and we hope to meet again ❤️❤️Capricorn sisters ❤️❤️
Joel
13 August 2025
Esra did a stunning job leading me on a two day tour. I have never had a better, more knowledgable, congenial guide. Esra not only know the landmarks but also a remarkable number of people in the city. I highly recommend her and will use her again for sure. JoelThe Best of All
simon
6 August 2025
Esra meet us with a hug And a huge smile just like catching up with old friends We walked towards the Sophia chatting And she introduced facts into the conversation so it didn’t feel like a lesson Once inside you could tell she was passionate about what we were looking at and shared a lot of information You can tell that she is well respected in there as the people working there all chatted with us and Esra When then strolled to the bazar and she then shared her inside knowledge to make it an enjoyable experience When we come back we will be in contact before we arrive Would recommend Ezra in a heart beat Just like old friends
lance & lily
22 July 2025
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. Esra was great!
Boris
22 July 2025
The tour was very interesting and informing and Esra is a great guide with lots of stories and knowledge. We would highly recommend herGreat tour with a great lady
Anakaren
20 July 2025
We have an awesome time touring the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Grand Bazaar. Esra is super knowledgeable and informative. We unfortunately could not attend the Blue Mosque cause it is closed on Fridays until 2:30 pm so instead Esra took us to the Grand Bazaar and we were able to make purchases with her help. It was comforting to know she was taking us to shops she shops at and we weren’t being scammed. She even helped finding some souvenir gifts for us. Esra is great

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