Istanbul Off the Beaten Path Tour with Guide, Lunch and Transfers

4.9 (247 reviews) Istanbul, Turkey
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Duration6h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 12 travelers

Overview

How about uncovering the hidden gems of Istanbul—places where locals go and tourists often miss? On this tour, you’ll see the city through the eyes of a local, hopping on trams and ferries to explore its fascinating mix of history and modern life. Starting in the vibrant Karaköy neighborhood, you’ll uncover Istanbul’s secrets, experiencing its rich past and lively present together. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in the daily life of Turkish people, visiting the old Greek and Jewish districts, the bustling Tahtake market, the majestic Süleymaniye Mosque (Istanbul's largest historical mosque), the charming second-hand bookseller's market, and much more. This is a chance to dive deep into the heart of Istanbul and see it like never before!

Options

Private Tour Option

Private Historic Off the Beaten Path Tour of the Real Istanbul

Small Group Tour

What's included

  • Professional guide
  • Lunch
  • Public transportation; ferry and tram
  • Light refreshment with tea on the ferry ride
  • Tipping your local guide.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Drinks on the lunch
  • Practice of hookah at favorite local hangout ( Optional you can skip if you like )

What to expect

  1. Karakoy
    25m
    We'll begin our tour in Karaköy, offering a chance to see Istanbul from a more local viewpoint. After your guide gives a brief introduction to both Istanbul and Karaköy, we'll head to Balat, enjoying freshly bought bagels or pastries along with Turkish tea during our ferry ride.
  2. Balat & Fener Tour
    50m
    In Balat and Fener, former Greek and Jewish districts, we’ll explore the buildings that have outlasted the communities once living within them. As we trace the rich, cosmopolitan history of Istanbul—shaped by Christian and Jewish cultures alongside their neighbors until the 1960s—we'll reflect on the shift from the past to the present. Walking through side streets greeted by clotheslines, we'll reminisce about the lost neighborhood culture and ponder the meaning of events that once unfolded here. Today, Fener and Balat are vibrant with colorful cafés, antique shops, and a diverse mix of people, offering us a unique glimpse into this evolving neighborhood.

    After exploring this fascinating area, we’ll hop on the tram and make our way to Eminönü.
  3. Venerable Patriarchal Church of St. George
    20m
    Located in one of the oldest parts of Istanbul, in Fatih, the Cathedral Church of Saint George is a Greek Orthodox Church which is still in working order
  4. Tahtakale District
    55m
    We’ll take a quick look at the Egyptian Spice Market, popular with tourists, before heading to the Tahtakale Market, where locals do their shopping. This is also where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the area.
  5. Misir Carsisi
    25m
    Vividly coloured spices are displayed alongside jewel-like lokum (Turkish delight) at this Ottoman-era marketplace, providing eye candy for the thousands of tourists and locals who make their way here every day.
  6. Suleymaniye Mosque
    40m
    After lunch, we’ll indulge in some Turkish delight at a local spot, with no pressure to shop, and take in the grandeur of the Süleymaniye Mosque. We’ll also learn more about the Islamic faith, gaining insight into its teachings and significance.
  7. Istanbul Universitesi Rektorlugu
    25m
    Next, we'll learn about the Turkish education system as we explore the area around Istanbul University.
  8. Sahaflar Carsisi
    10m
    We’ll also visit the historic bookstore market where has been a book and paper market since Byzantine times.
  9. Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi
    25m
    An old madrasah which turns into a coffee shop

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meeting point is Mado just across the Karakoy Ferry Pier. Rıhtım Caddesi 3

Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Rıhtım Cd no 3 , 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, looking water and 30 second walk from the Galata Bridge on the Karakoy side.

End point

It ends near Grand Bazaar in an old madrasah where we will have coffee.

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Minimum capacity is 2 persons. We reserve the right to cancel a tour due to insufficient reservations. We will do all we can to reschedule your tour or a refund will be provided.
  • A maximum of 12 people per booking
  • Our tours are done by public transportation and walking so if you have any serious mobility issues, we advise you to book a private tour
  • Parents of children under 6 years are advised to book a private tour
  • On Religious Fests Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are closed.
  • On Sundays: Grand Bazaar is closed.

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

4.9 (247)
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€100.00 per person
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Operated by Real Istanbul Tours · Booked through Viator
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