To fully experience Istanbul, you have to do it as a local! Step into the Asian side of the city, and see how the locals like to unwind, shop and have fun at some of the hippest neighborhoods in Istanbul. Join me on this private tour & enjoy becoming a local for a day!
Magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace & Maiden's Tower Tour
133 reviews
4 hours | city highlight tours | Istanbul
The palaces in Istanbul are full of splendor but nothing like the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace! Join me on a private tour full of cultural gems and history. Visit the palace, learn about the last Ottoman empire, and cross the Bosphorus where you can find the imposing Maiden's Tower.
More of Istanbul: Chora Museum, Tekfur Palace, Balat & Fener
302 reviews
5 hours | day trips | Istanbul
Discover the first steps of Christianity in the mosaics and frescoes of the Chora Mosque. Visit the last palace of the Byzantine. Get ready to explore the cultural tapestry of old Istanbul's Muslim, Armenian, Jewish, and Greek Orthodox neighborhoods.
Oguz took us to several mosques and he took the time to explain a lot of history. We walked through Fener and Balat. Very interesting.
We walked through the market and had lunch in a very local place, which was very nice!
We had a great day!
Seven Hills of Istanbul ( City Walls-Balat and Fener )
Adnan
About local
Get the real feel of the city!
Oğuz has charted an excellent walking route through the city. It takes you through the inner streets. You see the rich history, culture and real day to day life of this vibrant city. He's very knowledgeable and engaging. Highly recommended.
Seven Hills of Istanbul ( City Walls-Balat and Fener )
Alan
About local
Highly Recommended
Diana was a terrific guide, she covered exactly what we had asked for.
We were keen to get a feel for the various neighbourhoods away from the big attractions and Diana got our tour just right. Highly recommend.
The Golden Horn Route
Leanne
About local
The best of Istanbul
Such a Great day with Oguz getting away from the packed tourist places and into the more interesting (and just as beautiful) back streets. Oguz is packed with knowledge about the city, historical and recent history that the day just flew by. Highly recommend this tour!
Seven Hills of Istanbul ( City Walls-Balat and Fener )
Adam
About local
Excellent tour of historical sites
Oguz was an excellent guide. He provided a lot of insightful information on Turkish and Islamic history and other useful tips. He was great with the kids too and very accomodating with our pace and wishes.
Seven Hills of Istanbul ( City Walls-Balat and Fener )
Jane
About local
A gentleman who loves his city
What a perfect time we spent. Kadir was kind and understanding as a few of us had health issues Kadir really is a local with lots of people waving and saying hello. He helped a local elderly shop keeper unload his lorry of sacks vegetables. I can say from the bottom of my heart it was a great tour, taking us off the beaten track. With so much knowledge of history of this great city
More of Istanbul: Chora Museum, Tekfur Palace, Balat & Fener
Wilfredo
About local
Diffeeent side
Ayfer gave us a look at how a local live n a weekend. (from the East side) She’s very knowledgeable and fluent in English. She’s flexible, she can arrange the tour in accordance to your needs. Will definitely look for her when I return to Turkey.
Istanbul Like a Local: Kadikoy & Local Hotspots
Daniel & Nikki
About local
6 June 2025
Top guide
Oğuz is an engaging guide who has the knowledge and expertise to help you understand and experience different areas of Istanbul.
His curated Seven Hills of Istanbul ( City Walls-Balat and Fener ) itinerary is superb.
We truly enjoyed every moment.
A heartfelt thank you to Oğuz for making our Istanbul visit special!
We highly recommend him as a guide.
Seven Hills of Istanbul ( City Walls-Balat and Fener )
Mary
About local
Excellent local tour
Diana is an excellent source of local information, how to use the tram and subways. She is very friendly and the tour is the right length not to long or short. She knows all the best shops
I enjoyed my field trip with her.
The Golden Horn Route
Rafael
About local
Great guide and experience!
Ayfer is a super person to spend time with and have her show you around. She knows all of the interesting spots and is very educated on the history of Turkey and it’s neighborhoods. When I return I will definitely join another of her tours. Highly recommend
