Welcome to Istanbul! Want to know the best places to eat? Cool events in town? Which places to go to and which to avoid? Or simply get some help to navigate the city? Book this private tour with a local and get the perfect introduction to Istanbul to start your city trip on the right foot.
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!
Kadikoy is the place to be! Explore one of the hippest neighborhoods in Istanbul and discover it bite by bite. Go to up & coming places and try one of the best Turkish dürüm kebap (wraps), street food in a hipster little pop-up restaurant, and a nice beer or cocktail in a local hip bar.
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!
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.
Deniz is a great human being who knows so much about Istanbul. We went through all sorts of areas ending up in the Asian side enjoying a very different part of this vibrant and friendly city. We had a great tea/coffee break. Deniz answered all sorts of questions and as others said made lots of great suggestions.
Withlocals City Kickstart Tour: Istanbul
Brooke
About local
11 April 2025
Great tour
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.
The Best of Istanbul: Half Day Tour
Mingyu
About local
1 April 2025
Awesome guide in Istanbul
Ayşenur is an amazing guide who knows Istanbul inside out. She is very well versed in arts and history, and could really provide deep and authentic perspectives on many aspects of Istanbul beyond what a typical tour guide could offer. Highly recommended!
When Europe Meets Asia: Full Day Tour
Michele
About local
27 February 2025
The best guide ever!
Hands down, Ayşenur is the best guide I have ever had! She customized my tour perfectly. Her friendly, fun and engaging approach made her extensive knowledge range even more palatable. Thank you so much for an amazing tour and I look forward to next. (There will absolutely be a next time!)
A Magical Evening in Istanbul: City Tour
Rachel
About local
A Magical Evening indeed!
I recently joined Faruk for a Magical Evening in Istanbul City Tour.
Faruk was a wonderful guide. He is engaging, knowledgeable and accommodating.
He was great company and his love for his city was obvious and infectious.
Thank you Faruk for a great evening and and a splendid introduction to your magnificent city.
A Magical Evening in Istanbul: City Tour
Sleiman
About local
Emere is excellent
Emere is very knowledgeable and was very pleasant throughout the two days he was with us. He took us to the places that we wanted to go to, and also to off the beaten path streets and places to visit and eat. I highly recommend him.
When Europe Meets Asia: Full Day Tour
Andrew
About local
Great guide
We could not have been happier to have Abdullah as our guide. He has a great depth of knowledge of the history of Istanbul and of Turkish culture, and is charming and witty. He was the perfect person to lead us on our exploration. Plus he helped us navigate the tram system!
The Marvels of Hagia Sophia Private Tour
Danielle
About local
Quality
Diana was a fabulous guide. The whole tour was all about quality. Quality goods, quality vendors and a very knowledgeable quality guide in Diana. I would highly recommend Diana as she made a potential chaotic day into an easy relaxing enjoyable day!!!
The Antique Gems of Istanbul Tour
Florence and Andrew
About local
Wealth of knowledge.
Emir was the best I could want.
I ask a lot of questions and he knew the answer or quickly found it.
He was able to tie in our previous knowledge and experience and incorporate into the tour.
When I go back to Istanbul, I'll 💯 go with Emir and I'd recommend him to anyone.
Withlocals City Kickstart Tour: Istanbul
Alexis
About local
Wonderful Day
We had the best day with Kadir. He was extremely knowledgable and explained everything in understandable terms. Kadir knew everybody in town - it was like getting a tour by the mayor! I highly recommend tours with Kadir.
