Highlights of Istanbul Walking Tour

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.