Istanbul Off the Beaten Path Tour with Guide, Lunch and Transfers

Highlights

Itinerary

1. 1

   We'll begin our tour in Karaköy, offering a chance to see Istanbul from a more local viewpoint. After your guide gives a brief introduction to both Istanbul and Karaköy, we'll head to Balat, enjoying freshly bought bagels or pastries along with Turkish tea during our ferry ride.

   25 minutes•Admission free

2. 2

   In Balat and Fener, former Greek and Jewish districts, we’ll explore the buildings that have outlasted the communities once living within them. As we trace the rich, cosmopolitan history of Istanbul—shaped by Christian and Jewish cultures alongside their neighbors until the 1960s—we'll reflect on the shift from the past to the present. Walking through side streets greeted by clotheslines, we'll reminisce about the lost neighborhood culture and ponder the meaning of events that once unfolded here. Today, Fener and Balat are vibrant with colorful cafés, antique shops, and a diverse mix of people, offering us a unique glimpse into this evolving neighborhood.

   After exploring this fascinating area, we’ll hop on the tram and make our way to Eminönü.

   50 minutes•Admission free

3. 3

   Fener District

   Located in one of the oldest parts of Istanbul, in Fatih, the Cathedral Church of Saint George is a Greek Orthodox Church which is still in working order

   20 minutes•Admission free•See on map

4. 4

   We’ll take a quick look at the Egyptian Spice Market, popular with tourists, before heading to the Tahtakale Market, where locals do their shopping. This is also where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the area.

   55 minutes•Admission free

5. 5

   Spice Bazaar

   Vividly coloured spices are displayed alongside jewel-like lokum (Turkish delight) at this Ottoman-era marketplace, providing eye candy for the thousands of tourists and locals who make their way here every day.

   25 minutes•Admission free•See on map

6. 6

   Süleymaniye Mosque

   After lunch, we’ll indulge in some Turkish delight at a local spot, with no pressure to shop, and take in the grandeur of the Süleymaniye Mosque. We’ll also learn more about the Islamic faith, gaining insight into its teachings and significance.

   40 minutes•Admission free•See on map

7. 7

   Next, we'll learn about the Turkish education system as we explore the area around Istanbul University.

   25 minutes•Admission free

8. 8

   We’ll also visit the historic bookstore market where has been a book and paper market since Byzantine times.

   10 minutes•Admission free

9. 9

   An old madrasah which turns into a coffee shop

   25 minutes•Admission free

Meeting point

Meeting point is Mado just across the Karakoy Ferry Pier. Rıhtım Caddesi 3 Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Rıhtım Cd no 3 , 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, looking water and 30 second walk from the Galata Bridge on the Karakoy side.

The map shows Istanbul. The exact meeting point is the address above.Open larger map

Pickup

• Everyone meets at the start point

Know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Minimum capacity is 2 persons. We reserve the right to cancel a tour due to insufficient reservations. We will do all we can to reschedule your tour or a refund will be provided.
• A maximum of 12 people per booking
• Our tours are done by public transportation and walking so if you have any serious mobility issues, we advise you to book a private tour
• Parents of children under 6 years are advised to book a private tour
• On Religious Fests Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are closed.
• On Sundays: Grand Bazaar is closed.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking
• For regular tours, the starting time is 9:30 AM. However, on Sundays, the regular tour starts at 10:30 AM. For private tours, the tour starts at the time you selected when booking. Our meeting point is the Mado in Karaköy. If you're coming from the old city, you can either walk for about 25 minutes or take the T1 tram to the Karaköy stop, which is a short walk to the coffee shop. Please note that traffic in Istanbul can be unpredictable, so taking the tram is the easiest and most reliable option. • Tours Ends near Grand Bazaar ( Your guide can help how to go back to hotel ) Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. You can easily reach us via Whatsapp or Imessage with phone number: +905417692277

Cancellation and refunds

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• Cancelled and fully refunded if the weather makes it unsafe
• Cancelled and fully refunded if too few travellers book