Discover the beauty, history, and culture of Turkey’s vibrant city with the Best 1 Day Tour of Istanbul. This expertly designed Istanbul guided tour takes you through the city’s most iconic landmarks, offering a perfect blend of sightseeing, history, and
Uncover the magic of Istanbul with our expertly designed Best 1 Day Tour of Istanbul, crafted for travelers seeking a comprehensive experience of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This walking tour, led by a professional guide, takes you on a journey through Istanbul’s rich history, breathtaking architecture, and vibrant culture, all within a single day.
Start your adventure with a convenient hotel pick-up from centrally located areas like Taksim, Beyoğlu, Şişli, Beşiktaş, Fatih, or Sultanahmet. Your first stop is the Hippodrome of Constantinople, where you’ll explore ancient monuments like the Obelisk of Egypt, the Serpentine Column, and the Fountain of Wilhelm II, each telling its own story of Istanbul’s past.
Next, marvel at the beauty of the Blue Mosque, one of the most famous mosques in the world. Adorned with striking blue tiles and six towering minarets, it’s a masterpiece of 17th-century Ottoman architecture and a highlight of any Istanbul tour.
From there, step into the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a symbol of Byzantine and Ottoman grandeur. This architectural masterpiece has served as a church, a mosque, and now a museum, offering a unique glimpse into Istanbul’s diverse cultural heritage.
The journey continues at Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for centuries. Wander through its grand courtyards and admire its priceless treasures, including intricate porcelain collections and the famed Ottoman treasury. (On Tuesdays, the palace visit is replaced with the Basilica Cistern.)
End your day at the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops, it’s a paradise for shoppers and history enthusiasts alike. Browse an incredible array of handmade carpets, jewelry, leather goods, and unique souvenirs.
This Best 1 Day Tour of Istanbul includes a full-course Turkish lunch at a local restaurant, featuring authentic flavors to enhance your experience. While entry fees and drinks at lunch are not included, the tour provides exceptional value, offering an immersive look at Istanbul’s rich history and culture.
Join us for an unforgettable Istanbul guided tour, where history comes alive, and memories are made. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or a first-time visitor, this tour promises to be the highlight of your Istanbul journey.
Itinerary for the Best 1 Day Tour of Istanbul
1. Hotel Pick-Up
- Begin your day with convenient pick-up service from centrally located hotels in Taksim, Beyoğlu, Şişli, Beşiktaş, Fatih, or Sultanahmet.
2. Hippodrome of Constantinople
- Start your journey at the historic Hippodrome, the heart of political and sporting life in Constantinople.
- See the impressive Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi, and the Fountain of Wilhelm II.
3. Blue Mosque
- Visit the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s architectural masterpieces.
- Famous for its blue Iznik tiles and six towering minarets, this mosque is a must-see on your Best 1 Day Tour of Istanbul.
4. Hagia Sophia
- Marvel at the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking structure that served as a Byzantine church, a mosque, and now a museum.
- This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a highlight of any Istanbul guided tour.
5. Topkapi Palace
- Step into the world of Ottoman royalty at Topkapi Palace, the former residence of sultans.
- Explore its treasures, including an extensive collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain and the famous Ottoman treasury.
(Note: On Tuesdays, Topkapi Palace is replaced by Basilica Cistern.)
6. Grand Bazaar
- Conclude your tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest markets.
- Browse an incredible array of handmade carpets, jewelry, leather goods, and souvenirs.
- Tip or gratuity
- Bus fare
- Fuel surcharge
- Parking fees
- Food & drinks
- Landing & facility fees
- Goods & services tax
- Pick up from centerally located Hotels in Taksim, Beyoglu, Sisli, Besiktas, Fatih, Sultanahmet areas
- Professional Licenced English Speaking Tour Guide
- Full Course Lunch at local Turkish Restaurant
- Service Charges and Local Taxes
- Headset/Infoport Service for group more than 8 People
- Entry or admission fee
- Topkapi Palace Entry Fee (750 TL Per Person – Can be paid in cash to the tour guide to skip the lines)
- Drinks at Lunch
- Drop off to Hotels (tours ends in Grand Bazaar area at 16:30-17:00)
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Dress Code for Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
– Women should cover their shoulders, knees, and hair. Please take a scarf with you, or you can take one in Hagia Sophia at the additional cost of about 2 US$
– Men and women should wear long clothes that will also cover their kneecaps
– Topkapi Palace is closed on every Tuesdays and replaces with Basilica cistern
– Inner parts of Grand Bazaar is closed on every Sundays
– Transporation/Minibus is only used for Pick up service. The tour itself is a walking tour
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