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Sultanahmet District
Pass by
You’ll meet your licensed tour guide and embark on a small-group (up to 10 participants) walking tour exploring the highlights of Sultanahmet, the historic heart of Istanbul. Today’s tour includes visits to Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. The meeting point for today’s tour is the German Fountain in Sultanahmet. Your tour guide will be waiting for you at the meeting point, and from there, you’ll begin your walking tour of Istanbul’s Old City. The tour is entirely on foot, so no transportation service is required or included.
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German Fountain
15m
The German Fountain, located at the northern end of Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I, is a striking gazebo-style structure. Built to commemorate the second anniversary of German Emperor Wilhelm II’s 1898 visit to Istanbul, the fountain was constructed in Germany, transported in pieces, and assembled on-site in 1900. Designed in the Neo-Byzantine style, it features an octagonal dome supported by eight marble columns, with its interior adorned in stunning golden mosaics.
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Hippodrome
20m
The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square, was once the grand chariot racing arena and a key social and sporting hub of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today, it stands in modern-day Istanbul as a public square, renowned for its rich history and the surviving remnants of its ancient structures.
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Blue Mosque
Pass by
The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its elegant six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles. You’ll admire the mosque from the outside and learn about its history and architectural significance from your guide.
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Sultanahmet Square
10m
After a short walk through Sultanahmet Square, you’ll continue to Hagia Sophia, the next stop on your tour.
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Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
1h · Admission ticket not included
Visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-booked tickets and experience one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox history. Discover how this magnificent structure was transformed into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Marvel at the unique blend of architectural elements from both a mosque and a church, coexisting harmoniously. Take in the grandeur of its soaring dome, towering minarets, intricate mosaics, vivid paintings, and ancient Roman columns. Learn about the addition of exquisite İznik tiles over the years, the craftsmanship behind the Virgin Mary mosaic, and the Ottoman tradition of burying their sultans in the courtyard.
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Basilica Cistern
45m · Admission ticket not included
Walk on the wooden walkways over the water until the famous upside-down Medusa head. The Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir in Istanbul, features stunning columns and a mysterious ambiance, reflecting the city's rich history and architectural brilliance. The cistern was known in Byzantium as thebasilica Cistern, Justinian was the founder of the largest underground cistern, built after the Nika Revolt in 532. A must-visit marvel.
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TopkapI Palace
1h 30m · Admission ticket not included
Topkapi Palace Museum / Topkapı Sarayı More than just an Imperial Residence of Ottoman Sultans, it was the seat of the Supreme Executive and Judiciary Council for almost 400 years long. Topkapi Palace is a great monument of Oriental architecture which resembles the power of the Ottoman Empire.
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Grand Bazaar
1h
Grand Bazaar / Kapalı Çarşı One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 4,000 shops with colorful products of ceramic, leather, rugs, carpets, handicrafts, clothes, silver, and gold. From here, you can easily continue to your hotel by public transportation or taxi.
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40m
Meet your licensed guide in front of Rüstem Paşa Mosque and begin your walking tour. Discover this beautiful Ottoman mosque, known for its elegant architecture and stunning İznik tiles.
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Misir Carsisi
45m
Continue to the famous Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s historic covered markets. Walk through its lively aisles filled with spices, Turkish delight, dried fruits, nuts, and other traditional products while experiencing the atmosphere of this historic marketplace.
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Yeni Camii
20m
Walk to the impressive New Mosque, located next to the Spice Bazaar. Admire its grand Ottoman architecture and learn about its history and importance in the heart of Eminönü.
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Eminonu Square
30m
Continue through Eminönü Square, one of the liveliest areas of Istanbul. See the busy ferry terminals, street vendors, and the daily rhythm of local life.
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Eminonu Pier
30m
Explore the lively streets around Eminönü’s local food area, where you’ll see traditional food vendors and experience one of the city’s busiest everyday neighborhoods.
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30m
Finish your walking tour with a walk across the historic Galata Bridge. Enjoy views of the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, Istanbul’s skyline, and the local fishermen along the bridge.
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Karakoy Rihtim
Pass by
Your tour concludes on the Karaköy side of Galata Bridge. From here, you can easily continue to your hotel by public transportation or taxi.
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Whirling Dervishes Istanbul
1h · Admission ticket included
Experience the spiritual beauty of a traditional Whirling Dervish ceremony and witness the mesmerizing Sufi ritual of the Mevlevi tradition, offering a unique glimpse into one of Türkiye’s most fascinating cultural traditions.
