See all 10 photos

Off The Beaten Path of Real Istanbul Tour

This unique tour is designed for curious travelers who want to discover what Istanbul is really about. Sign up to see the city’s top sights, explore beyond the beaten track, enjoy authentic Turkish experiences and more!
Duration 7 hours
Private tour available in English, Spanish
Private tour pricing from 70 EUR per person
Group tour available in English
Group tour pricing from 200 EUR per person
I've just returned from a short trip to Istanbul where I wanted to see as much as possible. I decided to get some assistance, so I booked myself on Real Istanbul Tour. The tour started with Hippodrome, the Blue-Mosque and Hagia Sophia. After which, we had leisure time in a hookah cafe to enjoy shisha smoking, drink Turkish tea and eat delicious food. Our guide then showed us Istanbul off the beaten path, visiting colorful areas, listening to Turkish music and tasting local deserts. We returned back by ferry, to end the journey in the grand Bazar to do some shopping.The tourguide was easygoing and was not rushing us. I absolutely loved my weekend escape to Istanbul!

Highlights

Explore the hidden streets of the Old City

Visit the Hippodrome, the Nuri Osmaniye Mosque and the Süleymaniye Mosque

Awaken your senses at the Spice and Grand Bazaars

Discover Fener-Balat – the old Greek and Jewish quarter

Use public transport like an Istanbul local

Learn about Islam, Turkish culture and the modernisation of Turkey

Relax like a local and drink tea from a tulip glass

Try hookah smoking in cafés where locals socialise

Description

Our tour begins at the ancient Hippodrome where thousands of spectators were once entertained by chariot races. Afterwards, we’ll navigate the labyrinth of streets and passages of the Grand Bazaar that are home to more than 3000 shops.

We’ll then take a break at a popular local hangout where you’ll get to experience traditional Turkish tea or coffee while enjoying the ancient practice of hookah (Turkish water pipe) smoking.

The next stop on our journey will be Istanbul’s largest mosque – the Süleymaniye Mosque. You’ll then need to prepare your senses for the enticing aromas of the Spice Bazaar. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Church of St. George. Istanbul is a city with a rich religious history and nowadays it’s composed of many different religions.

Our day concludes with an old-world cultural experience that no other city in the world can offer! A tour of the old Greek and Jewish quarter (Fener-Balat) will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. The tour ends with a ferry ride back to Eminönü.

What’s included & not included

Professional English-speaking guide

Public transportation

Entry fees

Turkish pastry

Turkish tea or coffee

Baklava

Hookah

Lunch

Personal expenses

Tips and gratuities for your guide

Meeting point

Lâle Pastanesi Pudding Shop Restaurant Divanyolu Caddesi 6, Sultanahmet

Reviews from travelers (7)

5.00/5
I've just returned from a short trip to Istanbul where I wanted to see as much as possible. I decided to get some assistance, so I booked myself on Real Istanbul Tour. The tour started with Hippodrome, the Blue-Mosque and Hagia Sophia. After which, we had leisure time in a hookah cafe to enjoy shisha smoking, drink Turkish tea and eat delicious food. Our guide then showed us Istanbul off the beaten path, visiting colorful areas, listening to Turkish music and tasting local deserts. We returned back by ferry, to end the journey in the grand Bazar to do some shopping.The tourguide was easygoing and was not rushing us. I absolutely loved my weekend escape to Istanbul!
Like its own name says, this was a Real Istanbul Tour as we got to see touristic areas as well as local spots which we all loved. Yunus took his time and energy to explain us everything making us feel so full of knowledge and very confortable every where we'd go. He showed us gorgeous places and let us try some delicious food! Teshekurlar!!
We did the "Real istanbul" on our first morning in the city. Emre, our guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the city and was able to quickly get us orientated. He was passionate about sharing the culture, traditions and religion which have played their parts in shaping the city and its people. The tour took place in the main sites but also gave us a taste of some of the more quieter and hidden areas just a few steps from the tourist trails. Emre bought some local teas, pastries and organised a hookah at a traditional cafe and later provided baklava. we used bus and ferry too to go old greek district and to come back from there to Eminonu This is great tour to do on your first day. The tour started at 9 am and finished about 5pm and was well paced for the guests.
Istanbul
Lâle Pastanesi Pudding Shop Restaurant Divanyolu Caddesi 6, Sultanahmet
+905417692277
realIstanbultoursturkey@gmail.com
Real Istanbul Tours
Other Tours & Activities in Istanbul