Essentials of Istanbul Tour For a First Timer

Overview of the tour in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar... These are some of the places you had definitely heard of once you started researching Istanbul. Those legendary places definitely deserve their reputation. However, there are several other sights in Istanbul that will shock you with their history and architecture or just because of their unique story.

This "Essentials of Istanbul For A First Timer" walking route will provide you the opportunity to discover such amazing places, including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, ancient Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, and Grand Bazaar. This route, which can be fully personalized, also contains several delightful food stops.

Turkish delights, baklavas, and Lahmacun- the so-called Turkish pizza- are just a few possibilities you can taste and enjoy. As a serious amateur photographer, I will also provide you with the best spots for taking a photograph to immortalize your visit.

On arrival

The meeting point is "Merhaba Pastaneleri Sirkeci," a small cafe/pastry shop. It is a very central location and easy to access thanks to good public transportation connections. It is possible to use the "T1 Kabataş-Bağcılar Tram Line" and exit at the "Sirkeci" station if you are staying in Galata/Pera, Taksim, Sultanahmet, or Laleli areas. It is possible to use "Marmaray" and exit at "Sirkeci" underground station and follow gate number "1" to come closest. Marmaray is good if you are staying on the Asian side of Istanbul. I will be waiting for you in front of the "Merhaba Pastaneleri" with my official tourist guidance license hanging on my neck. Please don't hesitate to call me or write me via WhatsApp, in case you cannot find the meeting point.

Things to note

- While this is not a hard route, it still requires a certain level of fitness. It is not suitable for visitors with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
- This route is not wheelchair accessible.
- Tickets for Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern are not included in the price, which will cost around 40 USD in total.
- Modest clothing is required for mosque visits. Headscarves are available at the entrances of mosques.
- A small bag (like a shopping bag) is recommended to keep your shoes with you while visiting the interior of mosques.
- As the Grand Bazaar is closed on sundays, we will visit another major sight.

Free Cancellation

Free Cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. Late cancellation or your non-arrival is not refundable.