Istanbul's Old Town Through Time: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Duration1h 30m - 2h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Immerse yourself in Istanbul's rich history on this self-guided audio tour that bridges the gap between Asia and Europe, where centuries of trade, culture, and social exchanges have shaped this remarkable city. Walk through the heart of the old city starting at Sultan Ahmet Park, exploring well-preserved structures from multiple eras including the Roman Hippodrome, the controversial Blue Mosque, and the world-famous Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. This 90-minute journey reveals Istanbul's dramatic past as you marvel at the 3,500-year-old Egyptian Obelisk, learn about Ottoman rulers like Grand Vizier İbrahim Paşa, and discover charming Soğukçeşme Street with its preserved wooden houses. With fascinating insights into Turkish terminology and architectural significance, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for this elegant city where continents and civilizations have met for millennia.

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink
Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

What to expect

Pass by

This verdant oasis sits at the heart of Istanbul's historic district, surrounded by magnificent monuments from different eras. Stroll through this peaceful park where Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans once walked, offering perfect views of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
German Fountain
Pass by

The ornate octagonal German Fountain glistens with golden mosaics and intricate Byzantine-inspired designs. Pause at this unique gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II, commemorating his 1898 visit and symbolizing German-Ottoman friendship.
Sultanahmet Square
Pass by

Once the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, this expansive square features monuments spanning millennia of history. Walk across this historical arena where chariot races thrilled crowds and public events shaped the Byzantine Empire.
Obelisk of Theodosius
Pass by

This perfectly preserved 3,500-year-old Egyptian obelisk towers above Sultanahmet Square, covered in ancient hieroglyphics. Marvel at this remarkable monument brought to Constantinople by Roman emperors, withstanding centuries of earthquakes and conquests.
Serpent Column
Pass by

The twisted bronze Serpent Column stands as one of antiquity's oldest surviving pieces, created to celebrate a Greek victory over Persians. Examine this ancient relic originally topped with three serpent heads, testament to Byzantine emperors' desire to collect the world's treasures.
Pass by

This elegant stone palace once belonged to the Ottoman Empire's most powerful Grand Vizier, Ibrahim Pasha. Explore the magnificent home-turned-museum where this influential statesman lived before his dramatic fall from grace.
Blue Mosque
Pass by

Six slender minarets and cascading domes define this breathtaking Ottoman masterpiece with its blue-tiled interior. Discover how Sultan Ahmed's bold architectural vision sparked controversy that changed the skyline of Islam's holiest site in Mecca.
Sultan Ahmet Tomb
Pass by

The ornate mausoleum houses Sultan Ahmed I and his family beneath exquisite tile work and intricate decorations. Step inside this peaceful resting place of the young sultan who built the Blue Mosque but died at just 27 years old.
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Istanbul
Pass by

The massive dome of Hagia Sophia seems to float above a symphony of arches, columns, and golden mosaics. Witness the incredible transformation of this architectural marvel from Byzantine church to Ottoman mosque to museum and back to mosque.
Fountain of Ahmet III
Pass by

This elaborate rococo fountain features ornate calligraphy, intricate carvings, and colorful floral designs. Admire this elegant Ottoman water source that once provided refreshment to worshippers and marked the entrance to Topkapı Palace.
Sogukcesme Sokak
Pass by

This charming narrow street lined with restored Ottoman-era wooden houses offers a glimpse into historical Istanbul. Wander through this picturesque lane whose name "Cold Fountain Street" comes from a fountain that once provided cool water to passersby.
Milion Stone
Pass by

This unassuming marble remnant once marked the center of the Byzantine world, the zero point from which all distances in the Empire were measured. Stand at this ancient milestone where all roads truly began, connecting Constantinople to the farthest reaches of the Byzantine realm.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The tour begins by the big pool in the middle of Sultanahmet Park, between Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and Blue Mosque. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

This tour ends at the Milion Stone, the only surviving piece of a very important structure of Constantinopolis, called the Milion.

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You can navigate most areas with a stroller, but expect to lift it over occasional steps, curbs, and uneven terrain. Some narrow streets like Soğuk Çeşme Sokak may be challenging with larger strollers.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

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From

$11.99 per person

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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours · Booked through Viator

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