Türkiye · TOURS IN ISTANBUL

The 15 Best Istanbul Tours & Tickets

278 tours  ·  from $7 a head

Four of Istanbul’s biggest queues sit within ten minutes of each other, and every one runs on a timed ticket. Build a first visit out of these 15: the Sultanahmet monuments in a morning, the bazaars after, and the strait in the evening.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table - Dolmabahçe and the European shore
Bosphorus Cruises, Dining Experiences, Dinner Cruises, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Istanbul

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

1.Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 44,561 reviews · from $34Our pick

Spend three hours aboard the Mega Lüfer yacht, sailing between Europe and Asia while enjoying a three-course Turkish meal, live folk dance, flamenco, belly dance, music, and DJ sets. Your private table, onboard Wi-Fi, optional transfers, and mobile audio guide make this a polished evening choice. Staff members such as Devran, Talip, Murat, and Fatih are frequently praised for attentive service.

“The activity was well organized, from the pick-up from the hotel to the experience on the boat. We didn’t expect much about the food, but it was actually great! The service and the dancers were amazing as well. We had a lot of fun I would definitely recommend this experience! Thank you also to our driver who was really patient, drove safely and was very friendly! Well done!”

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Istanbul: Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide - Choosing daytime or sunset
Audio Tours, City Tours, City Tours in Istanbul, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours in Istanbul

Istanbul: Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide

2.Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 14,430 reviews · 2 hours · from $8Best value

Sail the Bosphorus for two hours aboard a Mega Lüfer yacht, passing palaces, fortresses, bridges, and Maiden’s Tower. Choose daytime or sunset, then add snacks, dinner, or unlimited alcoholic drinks. Bring headphones and a charged phone for the nine-language audio guide. Seating may be indoors, so plan for comfort rather than a guaranteed open-deck spot.

“It was a great experience!Yunus provided great service,very polite and very kind with small kids”

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show - Dinner from spicy starters to grilled mains
Bosphorus Cruises, Dining Experiences, Dinner Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Istanbul, Turkish Night Shows

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

3.Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 10,127 reviews · from $34

Spend three hours sailing between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores with dinner, unlimited soft drinks, Turkish coffee and tea, live music, DJ sets, and a 1.5-hour Turkish Night show. You’ll pass illuminated palaces, mosques, fortresses, and bridges. Hotel transfers may be added, and staff members such as Elvis, Mert, Ibrahim, and Tufan are known for attentive service.

“The experience was fantastic. Great value for the money and the shows were so entertaining. Definitely worth the go”

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Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour - Optional additions worth asking about
3-Day Experiences, City Tours, City Tours in Istanbul, Guided, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Istanbul

Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

4.Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8,922 reviews · 7 to 21 hours (approx.) · from $100Top rated

Meet an English-speaking private guide at your central Istanbul hotel and shape the day around your interests. One day covers Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Two and three-day options add the Bosphorus, Dolmabahce, Galata, Balat, Suleymaniye, Chora, and Pierre Loti Hill.

“We had an amazing experience with Burak as our private tour guide in Istanbul. From the very first day, he was punctual, professional, and incredibly organized. He met us right outside our Airbnb every morning, which made everything easy and stress-free. Burak took us to all the sites we requested and never rushed us. He was extremely patient, kind, and very accommodating to our pace and interests. He explained the history, culture, and significance of every place we visited in a way that was easy to understand and engaging. I am so happy that I chose to have a guide for my trip — I honestly would have been lost…”

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Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Fast-Track Entry and Audio Guide - Descending beneath Istanbul’s old city
Audio Tours, Basilica Cistern Tickets, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours in Istanbul

Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Fast-Track Entry and Audio Guide

5.Basilica Cistern Fast-Track Entry and Audio Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 7,521 reviews · 1 day · from $44

Use an all-day fast-track ticket to visit Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern whenever you like during opening hours. Descend beneath the old city, see the Medusa heads and changing lights, and follow a smartphone audio guide in multiple languages. Download the guide before entering, since internet access underground is limited.

“incredible place you should not miss while in Istanbul. Make sure to learn about its origins.”

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Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Ticket & Museum Option - The ticket pickup near the Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia & Old City Tours, Museums, Skip the Line, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Istanbul

Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Ticket & Museum Option

6.Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Ticket & Museum Option

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 4,958 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $33

Visit Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque with a skip-the-line ticket, then add the History and Experience Museum if you want the full story. You’ll see the dome, mosaics, Islamic calligraphy, and upper gallery, with audio commentary in 23 languages and an AR feature. Ticket pickup is near the Blue Mosque, not at the mosque entrance.

“queue for some time for security check, it is very impressive inside and outside mosque”

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Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition - Start with the Rumi and Sufi exhibition
Museums, Tour Reviews, Tours in Istanbul, Whirling Dervish Shows

Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

7.Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 4,790 reviews · 1 hour · from $32

At the HodjaPasha Culture Center near Sirkeci, you’ll watch a one-hour Mevlevi Sema ceremony inside a restored 550-year-old Ottoman bath. A classical Turkish music concert leads into the seven-part ritual, accompanied by ney, oud, kanun, vocals, and percussion. Arrive early for the exhibition and booklet, and expect silence, no photography, and assigned seating.

“Absolutely amazing. We left feeling mesmerised and somewhat speechless. The whole show was excellent, the care and detail, their skill...and the exhibition was great too.”

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Istanbul: Topkapi Palace & Harem Museum Ticket & Audio Guide - What skip-the-line really means here
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Istanbul: Topkapi Palace & Harem Museum Ticket & Audio Guide

8.Topkapi Palace & Harem Museum Ticket & Audio Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 3,977 reviews · from $61

Enter Topkapi Palace and its Harem Museum with an English-speaking host, then explore at your own pace using a smartphone audio guide. Choose from several daily entry times, stay as long as you like, and see Ottoman courtyards, tiled rooms, royal jewelry, sacred relics, gardens, and Bosphorus views.

“The palace is incredibly extensive. Each room had something different to see and learn about. The gardens are beautiful. Queues to the treasury were way too long so we had to miss that. Our guide had too many people with him and we nearly got left behind. He needs a better pole with a flag instead of his black umbrella. But he was very helpful and informative. We highly recommend this experience, just give yourself a full day to see everything and appreciate the splendor properly. You won't be disappointed.Read more”

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Istanbul: Sunset or Day Small-Group Yacht Cruise with Snacks - Boarding near Karakoy and Galataport
Tour Reviews, Tours in Istanbul, Yacht Cruises, Yacht Cruises in Istanbul

Istanbul: Sunset or Day Small-Group Yacht Cruise with Snacks

9.Sunset or Day Small-Group Yacht Cruise with Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,774 reviews · 2 hours · from $31

Cruise between Europe and Asia aboard a 20-meter yacht limited to 16 people. Choose daytime or sunset, then pass palaces, mosques, bridges, and Maiden’s Tower while enjoying fruit, nuts, mini pizza, tea, coffee, and water. Guides such as Tugba and Suma are known for attentive service and taking photos.

“Our guide Tugba was really nice and professional. The tour was great”

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Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Guided Tour w/ Tickets - Starting at Galataport or in Sultanahmet
Blue Mosque & Topkapi Palace, Guided, Hagia Sophia & Old City Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Istanbul

Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Guided Tour w/ Tickets

10.Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Guided Tour w/ Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,600 reviews · 2.5 - 3 hours · from $39

Spend 2.5 to 3 hours with an English or German speaking guide at the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Hagia Sophia. You’ll use reserved Hagia Sophia entry, headsets, and, from Galataport, a guide-led tram ride to Sultanahmet. Guides such as Kaan, Emre, Murat, and Umut are praised for clear stories and helpful pacing.

“Tour was good, guide was knowledgeable and kept us entertained while we waited in line to get in.”

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Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City - What happens when you arrive
Hagia Sophia & Old City Tours, Massage & Spa Treatments, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Istanbul, Turkish Baths & Hamams, Turkish Baths in Istanbul

Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City

11.Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,225 reviews · 50 - 125 minutes · from $53

Visit the spa floor beneath Beethoven Senfoni Hotel for a private Turkish bath in Istanbul’s Old City. Your session can include a 30-minute scrub and foam wash, sauna, steam room, massage, and face mask. Female therapists provide the treatments, while tea, coffee, water, towels, and slippers are included.

“Clean and relaxing place, professional and kind staff. It was the first hamam experience for my 18 old daughter and she was delighted. Thank you!!!”

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Istanbul:Original Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop w/ Snacks - Starting at Merhaba Pastaneleri Sirkeci
Tour Reviews, Tours in Istanbul

Istanbul:Original Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop w/ Snacks

12.Original Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop w/ Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,077 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $29

Spend 2.5 hours making a Turkish mosaic lamp with instructors such as Nihal, Mehmet, Aicha, and Ayse. Choose from more than 45 colored stones and beads, enjoy Turkish tea, coffee, and cookies, then take home your finished lamp with a US adapter. The meeting point is at Merhaba Pastaneleri Sirkeci.

“Super good experience! The staff are really nice and the space is quite comfortable. Recommend for everyone who visits Istanbul!”

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Istanbul: Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View - Should you book the Istanbul perfume workshop?
Bosphorus Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Istanbul

Istanbul: Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View

13.Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,985 reviews · 2 hours · from $28

At İSKELE SOKAK LEZZETLERİ, English or Turkish-speaking guides such as Tuana, Elif, Beren, and Irmak lead you through perfume notes and blending. Test more than 50 scents, create a personal 50ml fragrance, enjoy tea, and leave with a packaged souvenir from the restaurant’s fourth-floor Bosphorus setting.

“Bryan and Serena made the experience so much fun and helped take the guess work out of making my new signature scent. I had a great time. Definitely book it.”

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide - Dolmabahçe Palace and the European shore
Bosphorus Cruises, Guided, Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Istanbul, Yacht Cruises, Yacht Cruises in Istanbul

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide

14.Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,845 reviews · 2h 15m · from $19

Sail from Kabataş between Europe and Asia on a 135-minute sunset cruise with a live English guide. See Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Maiden’s Tower, and more while enjoying canapés, fruit, mint lemonade, tea, and coffee. Guides may include Aleyna, Betul, Nur, Erdem, or Noor.

“it was very nice, we had a boat tour before in Istanbul but this is much better those one of those big boats”

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Snack - Kabataş departure and what to expect onboard
Bosphorus Cruises, Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Istanbul

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Snack

15.Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Snack

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,716 reviews · 2 hours · from $8

Sail from Kabataş between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores, passing Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and Maiden’s Tower. You get an audio guide in six languages, with soft drinks and snacks available in the selected option. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, blankets in cool weather, and friendly onboard staff.

“So far the best activity in value for money. Totally recommended”

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Bosphorus Cruises72Hot Air Balloon Flights53Ephesus & the House of the Virgin Mary88Turkish Baths & Hamams42Boat Trips98City Tours58
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