Istanbul Tourist Guide: Private & Tailor-Made Tours (2026)

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Welcome to Istanbul, the city where East meets West. I am Kevin, and with my team of official English-speaking guides, we have a mission: to transform your trip into an unforgettable experience, far from stress and tourist traps.

🇹🇷 Why choose a certified private guide in Istanbul?

Istanbul is magnificent, but it can be intimidating (crowds, language, transport). Booking a private guide certified by the Ministry of Tourism offers you the luxury of peace of mind.

Save precious time: We know the best times to avoid queues at key monuments like Hagia Sophia or Topkapi.
Understand what you see: Ottoman history is complex. Our guides are experts who make history exciting and accessible, even for children.
Zero logistical stress: From airport transfer to restaurant reservations, including purchasing transport cards, we manage everything.
Safety and Comfort: Avoid scams and overly touristy areas. We take you where the locals really live.

Kevin walking with a traveler in a lively alley of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, surrounded by illuminated shops and passersby. — Visit to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

💡 Important Note: All our guides wear their official badge. It is your guarantee of quality and safety.

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🕌 Itineraries: Ideal Program

Our tours are 100% customizable. Do you walk slowly? Do you have a stroller? Do you want to shop? We adapt the pace to your desires.

1. The Old City (Sultanahmet)

Recommended duration: 1 day (4h or 8h)

This is the essential visit for a first time. Dive into the heart of empires.

On the program: The Roman Hippodrome, the majestic Blue Mosque, the iconic Hagia Sophia (we guide you through the new 2026 entry rules) and the Topkapi Palace, residence of the Sultans.
Guide’s plus: We end with the Grand Bazaar. Instead of getting lost in its 4000 shops, we take you directly to authentic artisans to avoid counterfeits.

Visiting Istanbul. Panoramic view of the Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul at sunset, with turquoise domes, minarets, orange-leaved trees, seagulls and crowds in the foreground. — Visit Istanbul. Hagia Sophia at dusk: a Byzantine-Ottoman jewel illuminated by the setting sun, surrounded by greenery and overlooked by a seagull.

2. Europe and Asia

Recommended duration: 8h

Experience the mythical crossing of the Bosphorus by public ferry (the most beautiful journey in the world!) to reach the Asian side.

The experience: Far from tourist buses, discover Kadiköy and the trendy neighborhood of Moda. This is where the heart of Istanbul’s youth beats.
Highlights: The traditional food market, trendy cafes, and a breathtaking view of the historical peninsula at sunset.

3. Fener, Balat and Golden Horn

Recommended duration: 1 day

For lovers of photography and religious history.

Discovery: Explore the colorful neighborhoods of Fener and Balat (UNESCO listed), famous for their wooden houses and picturesque alleys.
Key monuments: The Bulgarian Iron Church, the Greek Patriarchate, and the sublime Chora Mosque (Kariye), renowned for its unique Byzantine mosaics.

The famous rainbow colorful stairs of the historic Balat and Fener district in Istanbul, surrounded by old stone walls and small traditional cafes. — A guaranteed mood booster climb! A rainbow staircase that lights up the city.

4. Bosphorus Cruise & Ottoman Palaces

Recommended duration: Half day or Full day

Istanbul is seen from the water. Whether by private yacht or public boat, navigate between two continents.

Visits: Admire the “Yalis” (wooden villas by the water) and visit baroque palaces like Dolmabahçe or Beylerbeyi.

5. Food Tour: Gourmet Istanbul

Recommended duration: 4h to 6h

Forget tourist restaurants. We take you to eat in “lokantas” (local canteens) and hidden street-food stalls.

On the menu: Tasting of meze, stuffed mussels, kokoreç (for the brave!) and the best baklava in town. An explosion of flavors guaranteed.

Turkish kebab skewers grilled on wooden board with fresh tomatoes peppers sauce and red wine Istanbul gastronomy

✈️ Beyond Istanbul: Cappadocia, Ephesus & More

Your trip doesn’t stop at the city gates. We organize your turnkey getaways (Flights + Transfers + Guide + Hotel).

Cappadocia: Its fairy chimneys and hot air balloon flights.
Ephesus: One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean.
Bursa & Edirne: The first Ottoman capitals, accessible by car from Istanbul.

Colorful hot air balloons at sunrise flying over fairy chimneys and valleys of Cappadocia Turkey excursion from Istanbul — Waking up with your head in the clouds… An unforgettable sunrise in Cappadocia.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a private guide cost?

Our rates are sliding and set per group (and not per person). The more of you there are, the more economical it is! Contact us for a precise quote.

I am on a cruise stopover (MSC, Costa…), will you pick me up?

Absolutely. We will pick you up directly at the exit of the Galataport terminal. We guarantee a return to the ship on time.

How to dress for mosques?

Modest attire is required (shoulders and knees covered). For women, a scarf is necessary on the head. Don’t worry, we will warn you on the day.

Can couples hold hands?

Yes! Istanbul is a modern and tolerant city. You will see many local couples holding hands in the streets of Istiklal or Kadiköy.

Is it better to pay in livre sterling or Turkish Liras?

Although the livre sterling is often accepted in tourist areas, we strongly recommend changing your currency into Turkish Liras (TL) at a city exchange office to get a better rate. Always keep some local cash on you for small expenses like the tram, taxis, or tips, as bank cards are not accepted everywhere.

Is Istanbul a dangerous city for tourists?

Istanbul is considered one of the safest metropolises in Europe for travelers, with low crime in highly monitored tourist areas. Like everywhere else, simply stay vigilant against pickpockets in crowded public transport or the Grand Bazaar, but you can walk serenely, even in the evening, in the lively districts of the city.

How many days are needed to visit Istanbul?

To discover the must-sees without rushing, ideally plan a stay of four full days on site. This will allow you to visit the historic old city, cross the Bosphorus to the Asian side, and explore the modern neighborhoods. If you have less time, a private guide is essential to optimize your movements and see the essentials first without wasting time.

📅 Book your unique experience now

The agendas of our best English-speaking guides fill up quickly, especially for the Easter, All Saints (Autumn break) and Christmas periods.

See our tour itineraries:

The Istanbul Airport (IST) transfer service offers a convenient and comfortable solution to reach the city center or your hotel with complete peace of mind. Whether by private shuttle, taxi, or public transport, you can choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.

📢 Kevin’s Transparency Note: This article contains affiliate links to a partner I personally use (GetYourGuide). For you, the price remains unchanged, but by using these links, you directly support my work and allow me to continue offering these free Istanbul guides. Your visits fund my next simit with a good çay! Shukran!

Istanbul Tourist Guide

🇹🇷 Why choose a certified private guide in Istanbul?

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