Istanbul Old City Morning Half Day Tour
Discover Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome & Grand Bazaar on this expertly guided morning tour — ideal for first-time visitors with limited time in Istanbul.
Service Provider: Azure
Service Details
Begin your morning with a pick-up from your hotel and meet your licensed guide for an immersive walk through the historical core of Istanbul — a compact but unforgettable journey into the city’s imperial past.
Hagia Sophia (Exterior Visit Only, Entrance fee is not included)
Your first stop is the Hagia Sophia, a monumental symbol of Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Explore its soaring dome, gold-hued mosaics, and vast interior that once echoed with Christian hymns and now resonates with Islamic calligraphy. Your guide will share stories of emperors, conquerors, and spiritual transformation.
Blue Mosque
Just across the square lies the elegant Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), one of the finest examples of classical Ottoman architecture. Enter its serene prayer hall decorated with thousands of handmade blue tiles, and learn about its religious importance and architectural uniqueness.
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Next, walk through the open-air Hippodrome, once the ceremonial heart of Byzantine Constantinople. View the ancient Egyptian Obelisk, the twisted Serpent Column, and the charming German Fountain while learning about thrilling chariot races and imperial processions that once captivated the empire.
Grand Bazaar (Return Transfer to the hotel is not included)
End your tour at the Grand Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace that has welcomed traders and travelers for centuries. Wander through colorful stalls selling carpets, leather, jewelry, ceramics, and spices. Enjoy some free time to shop or simply soak up the atmosphere of this legendary bazaar.
Tour Highlights
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Mosque), Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar
Why Book This Service
- Covers Istanbul’s four essential Old City landmarks in just a few hours.
- Ideal for short-stay visitors, cruise passengers, or morning explorers.
- Skip the guesswork with a licensed local guide leading the way.
- Get insider insights into Byzantine and Ottoman history.
- End your tour at the Grand Bazaar — perfect for local shopping.
- Includes hotel pick-up for a smooth and time-saving experience.
What's Included
Hotel Pick-up Professional Tour Guide Entrance fees, mentioned in the itinerary Transfer with non-smoking A/C bus
Please Note
- Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are functioning mosques; entry may be limited during prayer times.
- Modest clothing is required: women should bring a scarf and both men and women should have knees and shoulders covered.
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
- This is a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
- This half-day tour ends around midday at the Grand Bazaar. There is no return transfer to your hotel.
Meeting Point
At Your Hotel
Cancellation Details
Booking can be cancelled up to 3 day(s) before the tour start.
Enter its serene prayer hall decorated with thousands of handmade blue tiles, and learn about its religious importance and architectural uniqueness.
Nos encantó la Mezquita Azul y caminar por el Hipódromo temprano por la mañana.
Starting the day early at Hagia Sophia with our guide Ayşe from Azure Tour was the best choice—peaceful and without the crowds. We continued to the Blue Mosque, then walked through the Hippodrome, where Ayşe explained its history in a lively way. The Grand Bazaar stop was energetic and colorful. This half-day tour gave us a deep understanding of Istanbul’s heritage.
Un tour matutino muy agradable, perfecto para conocer Santa Sofía y el Gran Bazar sin tanta gente.
الأسواق القديمة والمساجد في هذا الوقت من اليوم كانت هادئة وجميلة.
This half-day with Azure Tour covered so much! Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque were incredible, but walking through the Hippodrome with our guide Ahmet explaining the chariot races made history feel alive. We finished with some shopping at the Grand Bazaar before lunchtime. Highly recommended for a short but meaningful Istanbul experience.
Istanbul’s Old City is packed with stories, and our guide Elif from Azure Tours brought them to life beautifully. Hagia Sophia’s mosaics, the serenity of the Blue Mosque, and the ancient Hippodrome amazed us. Shopping in the Grand Bazaar was a fun way to finish the tour. A very well-organized morning.
Really enjoyed the calm of the morning visiting the historical sites before the crowds arrived.
Azure Tour offered the perfect half-day exploration. From Hagia Sophia’s grandeur to the stunning Blue Mosque, our guide Emre kept the stories engaging. We walked through the Hippodrome and wrapped up the morning in the Grand Bazaar. Great mix of history, culture, and local life. I’d recommend this tour for first-timers and history buffs alike.
صبح کے وقت آیا صوفیہ اور نیلی مسجد کی سیر ایک خوبصورت تجربہ تھا۔