Istanbul Tours, Tickets, Activities & Things To Do

Immerse yourself in Istanbul’s six best sights on this guided full-day tour. Fit all of the attractions at the top of your bucket list into one packed day, with the help of an expert local guide. Stroll Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, brimming with iconic buildings and storied streets. Tour the Blue Mosque, one of the most important sites in the Muslim world. Delve into history of the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Istanbul Hippodrome as well as the sunken palace of Basilica Cistern. And you won’t want to miss the and the bustling Grand Bazaar or savory 3-course lunch. This tour is limited to 14 people to ensure a quality tour experience.

Prepare to be awed by Istanbul’s magnificent architecture, rich history and eclectic bazaars as you discover the unmissable highlights of the Old City on this full-day, 2-day, or 3-day private tour. Marvel over the glorious Hagia Sophia, learn how the Blue Mosque earned its famous nickname and see the ancient Basilica Cistern. You’ll also tour Topkapi Palace, where you’ll gain an insight into the lavish lifestyles of the Ottoman sultans and their harem, and browse the legendary Grand Bazaar, where you’ll find everything from carpets to Turkish delight.

Experience Istanbul’s timeless sights on a full-day tour of the city’s stunning historic places. Listen for the ancient echoes of pounding hooves and charioteers at Hippodrome Square and spot the distinctive tiles of the Blue Mosque. See the Byzantine mosaics and minarets of St. Sophia, then follow in the footsteps of powerful sultans, courtiers and generals at Topkapi Palace, where Ottomans ruled for hundreds of years. Visit an Orthodox church turned Ottoman mosque before finishing your tour in the vibrant Grand Bazaar, browsing bright displays of handicrafts, carpets and souvenirs.

Make the most of an evening in Istanbul with a sparkling 5-hour dinner cruise experience on the Bosphorus Strait. Admire spectacular views of Istanbul’s beautifully illuminated palaces, mosques and Bosphorus bridges, and enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner with select drinks. Glittering entertainment from belly dancers, whirling dervishes and other artistes is included, along with hotel pickup and drop-off. Upgrade to an unlimited alcoholic drinks package if you wish.

Marvel at the mystique of whirling dervishes as they gracefully dance the ceremonial ‘sema’ Mevlevi at the emblematic Hodjapasha Dance Theater in Istanbul. Enjoy a cultural evening in Istanbul during this age-old performance of choreographed spiritual dancing accompanied by traditional music and Persian chanting. Before the show, set the mood with Turkish delight and a drink at the bar. Then, admire the dervishes as they elegantly twist and turn in their white flowing gowns.

Enjoy a memorable evening of food, wine and entertainment as you cruise down the Bosphorus, between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores. Tuck into a spread of traditional mezes, try some Turkish Raki or Anatolian wine, and enjoy entertainment by folk dancers, belly dancers and live musicians. Don’t forget to look out to sea and soak up the scenery as you pass landmarks like the Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque and the Rumeli Fortress.

Explore the top attractions in Sultanahmet (the old city) on a full-day tour with a knowledgeable guide. Take in UNESCO World Heritage Sites and famous monuments in Istanbul including the stunning Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome. Then follow your guide through the Grand Bazaar, browsing the shops of hundreds of vendors with an array of textiles, jewelry, perfumes, spices and more. Your guide shares the long history of Istanbul with your small group, which is limited to 10 participants to ensure a more intimate experience.

See Istanbul from three different vantage points on this 3.5-hour tour including a sightseeing cruise, panoramic tour and cable car ride. Take a scenic 1.5-hour cruise on the Bosphorus and admire top Istanbul attractions such as the Bosphorus Bridge and Rumeli Fortress from the water. Then, take a coach drive around the Golden Horn districts to see the former Jewish quarter, old city walls, iron-built St Stephens and other lesser-known treasures. Lastly, catch the cable car up Pierre Loti Hill to witness the stellar city views from its hilltop café.

Cruise along the landmark lined waters of the Bosphorus Strait and stroll through the entrancing Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar during this 3.5-hour guided tour in Istanbul. On this tour, you will discover the bazaar’s abundant spices such as cardamom, mint, cinnamon, and have free time to explore on your own. Then, learn about Istanbul’s history from your expert guide as you set course for a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait. Aboard the ship, enjoy glimpses of famous Istanbul monuments like the impressive Rumeli Hisari Fortress and Dolmabahçe Palace.

Experience somber battlefields and historic World War I memorial sites during this guided day trip to Gallipoli from Istanbul. With an expert guide, visit heartbreaking sites on the Gallipoli peninsula where Australian, New Zealand and Turkish soldiers lost their lives during a merciless WWI campaign. Hear rare stories about the fallen troops at famous sites including Lone Pine, ANZAC Cove, Ari Burnu Cemetery and the Nek.

Istanbul is one of the world’s greatest cities, and this hop-on hop-off tour offers a truly flexible way to explore it. Board your open-top, double-decker bus at any stop along the two routes, and enjoy the views as you listen to the audio commentary. Then, create your own sightseeing itinerary as you hop on and off at any of the stops to visit highlights such as the spectacular Topkapi Palace, the UNESCO-protected Hagia Sophia, the Egyptian Bazaar, and more. Your ticket is valid for 1 day or 2 days.

Cruise the stunning Bosphorus Strait and Golden Horn and experience three of the best Istanbul sights on this adventure-filled full-day sightseeing tour. This tour take you on a 2.5-hour boat ride on the Bosphorus Strait to savor spectacular sights of bridges, palaces, mosques and fortresses. You will stop at Dolmabahçe Palace for a guided tour and explore the alluring scents and colors of the Spice Bazaar. Visit Rüstem Pasha Mosque on top of Camlica Hill and capture wide views of the skyline. Plus, this tour comes with a delicious 3-course meal along the beautiful shoreline.

Awaken your culinary senses with this small-group 5-hour Turkish food night tour in Istanbul. This tour explores Istanbul’s off the beaten path eateries, so you can discover the best of Turkey’s traditional tastes. You will visit a barbecue restaurant and roast kebabs over an open flame, savor classics from a ‘simit’ bakery and enjoy live music and delicious meze at a ‘meyhane’ (Turkish tapas bar). This small-group food tour is limited to 15 people, so you can experience more personalized attention from your guide.

Spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the Bosphorus Strait and the Black Sea during this cruise from Istanbul. Before departing, taste traditional Turkish meze and other specialties aboard the boat at the dock and then begin your cruise of the Bosphorus Strait from Rumeli Hisarı Fortress. You will see top attractions like Galata Tower and the Bosphorus Bridge as you cruise into the Black Sea. Plus, discover the old fortress remnants at Anadolu Kavağı and even stop for dip into the Black Sea at Poyrazköy, a charming seaside village.

Discover traditional techniques to making a perfect cup of Turkish coffee during this 3.5-hour small-group coffee tour and coffee-making class in Istanbul. Alongside your professional guide, enjoy learning the craft of coffee production at a shop, plus sip delicious coffee at a few local establishments. Continue your java journey at a spice bazaar, where you will uncover the Ottoman secrets to store coffee and visit several of Istanbul's favorite coffee joints. Numbers are limited to 15 coffee connoisseurs, to maintain a more intimate experience with your guide. 

Enjoy a night on the Bosphorus Strait filled with belly dancing and Anatolian folk music during this 3.5-hour dinner cruise from Istanbul. This Bosphorus dinner cruise traverses over the strait’s beautiful evening waters and passes Istanbul’s best sights. See the illuminated Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and Blue Mosque as you watch a traditional performance and savor great food and drinks.

Step into the fascinating world of Ottoman sultans, courtiers and harems with a 5-hour tour of Istanbul that includes two imperial palaces and a 1-hour sightseeing cruise. Explore the exquisite grounds of Dolmabahçe Palace, a 19th-century court surrounded by manicured grounds and water views. Leave Eminonu Pier for the Bosphorus Strait, and spot iconic towers, palaces, mosques and fortifications along the shoreline. Learn about the elaborate Ottoman hunting parties at Küçüksu Palace then enjoy views of the Asian side of the city while returning to your hotel.

Sail between two continents and visit the extravagant Küçüksu Palace or Rumeli Fortress on this 2.5-hour Bosphorus sightseeing cruise in Istanbul. Learn about the sights and Istanbul’s history from the onboard guide, and admire splendid views of top Istanbul attractions as you sail the strait that divides Europe from Asia. Gaze out over the domes, towers and minarets of the historic peninsula, cruise under the vast Bosphorus Bridge, float by Dolmabahçe Palace, and go ashore for a tour of either the picturebook Rumeli (Mondays and Thursdays only) or Ottoman Küçüksu.

Cover the most stunning, in-the-know locations in the otherworldly region of Cappadocia during this comprehensive overnight trip, with domestic flights from Istanbul. Settle back and marvel at history-filled lunar landscapes during a scenic, sunrise hot air balloon flight, and admire hand-painted frescos in the region’s iconic rock-cut churches. You’ll also enjoy savory Turkish specialties in local restaurants and sleep soundly in a comfortable boutique hotel.

Uncover the sacred practice of the mystical Sufis at an authentic Mevlevi Sema Ceremony held at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha, and witness the 800-year-old tradition that has been preserved on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Be mesmerized by the bizarre yet beautiful sight of the Whirling Dervishes as they perform their unique spiritual rituals during an hour-long show, including a live orchestra and 360-video projections.

See Istanbul by boat, bus and cable car on a 6-hour tour of the city’s atmospheric neighborhoods, monuments and scenery. See the buildings and mosques along the Bosphorus Strait, with time to visit a 19th-century Ottoman palace. Follow streets lined with historic landmarks to the top Pierre Loti Hill, and enjoy free time to eat lunch, walk or simply enjoy the panoramic views of the city. Descend the hill by cable car, then ride alongside the high walls of the Old City and finish your tour at Sultanahmet Square.

Experience a traditional Turkish bath at a hamam in Istanbul — a must-do activity when visiting Turkey. Choose from three options: the standard, massage, or full package. The full package includes the exfoliating full-body scrub and foam bath, a 20-minute oil massage, and a face mask, and lasts about two hours. Towels, slippers, and tea are provided.

Experience the finest attractions in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district during this private, guided day tour of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Marvel at these famous monuments alongside your expert guide who will give you individual attention on this private voyage.

If you want to add a flying visit to Ephesus to your time in Istanbul, this convenient trip by air lets you do it in a single day. Fly to Izmir from Istanbul, and enjoy a walking tour of Ephesus’ UNESCO-listed ruins, including the Celsus Library, Great Theatre and more. Plus, take in the nearby House of the Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis. Round-trip airfares, main entrance fees, lunch, and airport transfers included.