Tour Highlights
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Mosque), Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar
Highlights of Istanbul Walking Tour
From: $44,00
Tour Duration: 3 Hours
Tour Time: 09:00 - 17:00
Tour Type: Small Group Tour
Explore the highlights of Old Istanbul on a half-day walking tour with a local guide. See Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and more from the outside. No entry tickets required.
Service Location: Istanbul Tours
Service Provider: ITS
Available languages:
English
Service Details
Available Morning & Afternoon-Exterior views only
Discover the essence of Old Istanbul on foot with this guided walking tour that showcases the city’s most iconic landmarks — from imperial mosques and palaces to ancient monuments and vibrant squares.
Perfect for first-time visitors, this tour offers a rich orientation without entering any ticketed sites. Join your expert guide for a half-day small group tour through the historical heart of Istanbul — the UNESCO-listed Sultanahmet district.
As you walk through centuries of history, you’ll see the city’s most celebrated landmarks from the outside, learn their stories, and gain valuable insight to help you plan deeper visits.
Hagia Sophia
Admire the magnificent exterior of Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture whose massive dome has graced Istanbul’s skyline since the 6th century.
Blue Mosque
View the elegant Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, celebrated for its six towering minarets and the intricate blue tilework that gives it its name.
Hippodrome
Stand in the heart of the ancient Hippodrome, where Byzantine emperors once watched thrilling chariot races. See the surviving monuments:
• Egyptian Obelisk
• Serpent Column
• German Fountain
Milion Stone
Pause at the Milion, the symbolic mile-zero marker of the Byzantine Empire, from which all road distances were once measured.
Sultan Ahmet III Fountain
See this elegant Ottoman fountain at the entrance of Topkapi Palace — a fine example of the Tulip Era’s architectural style.
Hagia Irene (Aya İrini)
Walk past the rarely visited Hagia Irene, the first church built in Constantinople and unique for having never been converted into a mosque.
Outer Courtyard of Topkapi Palace
Explore the outer courtyards of Topkapi Palace, once home to the Ottoman sultans and the administrative heart of the empire.
Grand Bazaar
Conclude your tour with a guided introduction to the legendary Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest covered markets, with thousands of shops selling carpets, jewelry, leather, ceramics, and more.
Why Book This Service
- Covers all major sights of Old Istanbul in just a few hours.
- Led by a licensed professional guide with deep historical knowledge.
- Great for first-time visitors wanting an informative city orientation.
- No lines, no tickets — just authentic storytelling and scenic strolls.
- Visit UNESCO sites like Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome from the outside.
- Small group experience ensures a personal and relaxed pace.
What's Included
- Professional Tour Guide
- Hotel Pick-up and Drop-Off
Please Note
- This is an exterior walking tour: no interior visits or admission tickets are included.
- Available as both a morning or afternoon tour; please select when booking.
- Tour involves moderate walking over uneven surfaces — comfortable shoes recommended.
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays; alternate stops may be arranged.
- Modest dress is appreciated when walking near mosques.
- This tour is ideal as a first-day introduction to Istanbul.
Meeting Point
At the Hippodrome
Cancellation Details
Booking can be cancelled up to 3 day(s) before the tour start.
18 reviews for Highlights of Istanbul Walking Tour
Tour Pictures from Travelers
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Loved the tour’s efficient itinerary. We walked through key sights and even had time to ask local tips—perfect for a short stay in Istanbul.
Great intro to the city—started with the grand mosques and ended in local alleyways filled with color and life. Loved the context and atmosphere.
We appreciated the guide’s use of earpieces—they ensured we could hear clearly even in bigger crowds. Made the experience smooth and informative.
Smooth tour from the Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia. The guide’s stories helped bring the history alive, and we had enough time to take photos and ask questions.
Perfect for first-time visitors—important highlights, knowledgeable commentary, and relaxed pace. The Istanbul landscape unfolds beautifully mid-walk.
Great mix of history and culture, very informative guide.
I could not speak more highly of my guide. He was informative, patient, interesting and accommodating…delighted with his introduction to the magnificent main sights of Istanbul.
The guide adjusted to our group’s pace and interests, which was great. Got to explore fragrant spice shops and then admired the ancient palace remains—balanced and enjoyable.
Small-group walking tour that covers Istanbul’s best. Informative, well-paced, and included just enough free time to browse local markets.
A perfect blend of famous landmarks and hidden gems. The guide gave us clear explanations and made sure we weren’t rushed. Great half-day tour.