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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
Ouzo was a great guide. He brought us to some areas less crowded. Explained the Tram to us which we used several more times while in the city. We had had a wonderful day with our new friend.
Thank you Oz.
The Best of Istanbul: Half Day Tour
Jessica
About local
2 June 2025
Crash course in the history of Istanbul
We spent a lovely day with Gulce touring the most famous sights in the Old City of Istanbul. She is extremely knowledgeable about the history and is able to present it in an approachable manner. Without her, we never would have appreciated was we were seeing. I am now a convert to taking a private tour!
When Europe Meets Asia: Full Day Tour
Ben
About local
2 June 2025
Full day tour
Thank you Kadir for an excellent full day tour. We covered a lot and we greatly appreciated your expertise and knowledge.
When Europe Meets Asia: Full Day Tour
Graeme
About local
1 June 2025
The highlight of our holiday.
Kadir treated us to an informative, personal, engaging and thoroughly enjoyable tour of Jewish Istanbul. His knowledge was exemplary and his personable nature put us at ease from the moment we met. We would highly recommend him.
Istanbul's Jewish Heritage Tour
Karen
About local
1 June 2025
Extremely informative
Nihal was well versed in the history and gave us so much information. It totally enhanced our experience in Istanbul. She was obviously passionate about her city and infused us with her passion. She was also so personable and related with each of us on an individual level. I just can’t come up with enough to express our appreciation for such an incredible experience.
The Best of Istanbul: Half Day Tour
Karen
About local
1 June 2025
A very interesting tour and lovely guide
Esra is a lovely person. She is very knowledgeable about Istanbul and the culture and history of Turkey. She went out of her way to come to the port to meet us and took us on the tram to the centre. I would not hesitate to recommend her.
The Best of Istanbul: Half Day Tour
Sabine
About local
30 May 2025
A wonderful introduction to Istanbul
We truly enjoyed our time with Kadir Celal. He is very friendly and knowledgeable. Kadir helped us experience Istanbul in a way we could never have done on our own. We highly recommend him and would definitely book a tour with him again.
The Best of Istanbul: Half Day Tour
Kate
About local
29 May 2025
Mine is super knowledgable and kind!
We had a great custom tour with Mine! She is very accommodating and pleasant to work with. She shared a lot of history and stories with us. We appreciate her expertise! It was our first time in Istanbul and she provided very helpful recommendations for us too. I strongly recommend doing a tour with Mine! It will be fun and educational.
The Best of Istanbul: Half Day Tour
Ashante
About local
26 May 2025
Alp, you were amazing!
Alp, was a great guide. We arrived in Istanbul and met with Alp after dropping our bags at the hotel. Alp, showed us the city area, shared the history all around us, suggested places to eat, enjoy and visit. We would suggest that anyone spend time with Alp he is great!
Withlocals City Kickstart Tour: Istanbul
Richard and Garrett
About local
20 May 2025
Incredible
Ahmet was a phenomenal guide; cheerful, personable, knowledgeable and kind. Highly recommend Ahmet, you will not be disappointed.
