25 best excursions in Istanbul

Half European, half Asian, this Turkish metropolis is the only one in the world, located on two continents at once. The former Constantinople immerses its guests in a centuries-old history and fascinates with a combination of Western modernism and Eastern traditions. Excursions in Istanbul in Russian are the best way to get acquainted with the 14-million-strong "city of contrasts", as the heroine of the film, beloved by many, rightly called it.

Asian Istanbul from sunrise to sunset

By booking this tour, you will get to know the places where religions and cultures intersect. On the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus, sightseers will enter a world of varied architecture, atmospheric bazaars, antique shops and traditional restaurants. The Russian-speaking guide will show you the most beautiful corners and sights of the Asian part.

You will visit Uksudar - the area where the Ottoman palaces and wooden buildings of the 19th century are located, you will see the romantic Maiden Tower, get acquainted with the Mihrimah Sultan mosque, which delights the audience with the elegance of its interiors, and admire the panorama of the city from the highest point of the metropolis Buyuk amlıca (268 m above sea level).

Depending on their preferences, tourists can choose the districts and quarters that interest them the most, as well as complement the trip with shopping in Baghdad Jadesi - a street on both sides of which boutiques of famous Turkish and international brands adjoin.

Street food "Turkish style"

Travelers who place gastronomic tourism at the forefront are offered an introduction to the culinary art of the streets, allowing them to experience the diversity of Turkish cuisine. The walk begins in the Besiktas and Karakoy districts, famous not only for their modern youth culture and graffiti-painted buildings, but also for kebabs, fried chestnuts, boiled corn and kavurma - spiced minced lamb wrapped in a flat cake.

Then connoisseurs of delicious food will go “closer to the people” - to traditional soup houses, where the chefs prepare excellent lentil and mint yoghurt soups. Fish and seafood lovers will appreciate the grilled mackerel and stuffed mussels. Vegetarians will not miss chi kofte - a dish made of bulgur, pepper, tomato paste and herbs. A must-have for tourists: to fully appreciate the taste and variety of street food, go on a trip on an empty stomach!

Turkish night on the Bosphorus - boat trip

The evening city is mesmerizing and invites you to ride together on the waves of the Bosphorus, meet a mystical sunset, take stunning photos and admire suspension bridges, ancient buildings, wide embankments, magnificent Dolmabahce and Ciragan palaces lit by the setting sun and hundreds of iridescent lights from a new angle. A cruise on the strait will plunge you into the magical atmosphere of an oriental night, exquisite food and enticing oriental music.

The team of the cozy ship will greet its guests with a welcome cocktail and invite them to become spectators and participants of the traditional colorful performance. It includes theatrical performances performed by male actors, henna ceremony, belly dancing and performances by the folklore group Turna. The 4-hour cruise includes transfers, local drinks and dinner.

Waves into history

If you are tired of the crowds of travelers and ubiquitous barkers, join a tour that reveals the fascinating pages of the history of the eastern metropolis. Acquaintance with legends and secrets begins in Uskudar - an area on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus. Here you will visit the medieval mosque Mihrimah Sultan, named after the daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent and Roksolana. The architect Mimar Sinan, hopelessly in love with a girl, immortalized his feelings in granite and marble.

Next, you will have an hour-long journey along the strait by ferry, after which the guide will take you through the old cemetery, famous not only for the burials of famous Ottoman politicians and cultural figures, but also for cats who found their home among marble tombstones. The tour will end at the Pierre Loti coffee shop located on the hill of the same name. People come here not only for tasting the famous Turkish coffee. The terrace offers a dizzying view of the Golden Horn Bay.

Istanbul inside out

A five-hour tour will help you get to know the metropolis as the locals see it, feel the oriental flavor and visit the old quarters, the route of which starts on the crowded pedestrian Istiklal Street, which has become a symbol of European Turkey. Here is the largest Istanbul basilica - the Catholic Church of St. Anthony. Then the road will take you to the Chukurjuma area filled with ancient wooden buildings and the bohemian Jihangir.

Walking along the walls of Dolmabahce Palace, Yildiz Pastoral Park and the Rumeli Hisary fortress, erected in 1452, while listening to the guide's story about the history of the eastern metropolis, you will imperceptibly find yourself in the fashionable Bebek and calm Ortakoy, beloved by the townspeople, an area of ​​stone-paved streets and colorful marinas. One of the attractions of this place is kupmir - baked potatoes with vegetable filling.

Photo adventure - scenic beauty of the slums

For fans of textured photos and city backstage - free of hundreds of tourists on the outskirts - a three-hour excursion program is offered. Its participants will take a boat trip along the Golden Horn and get in touch with the secrets of ruins and urban slums. You will visit Balat - a former area of ​​Jewish settlers, and now - a place that has collected medieval clay huts, sagging balconies, asymmetric intersections and exotic alleys, through which ropes with dried linen of local residents stretch.

Behind the remains of the fortress wall that separates Istanbul from the Sea of ​​Marmara is Fener, whose streets are devoid of artificial gloss. The region, doomed to extinction, acquaints its few guests with the dilapidated beauty of ancient buildings. Authentic courtyards, Greek cafes, craft workshops, neglected mosques, temples and synagogues will serve as a backdrop to an unusual walk.

Istanbul for its

A metropolis without pathos and gloss appears before the participants of the tour, which takes place far from the places, the photos of which flash in glossy travel magazines. Travelers will set off to explore the oldest quarters and small courtyards, free from the hustle and bustle of the tourist. Here you can meet the locals, taste freshly baked bread made in a home bakery, see how famous lint-free Kelim rugs are made from coarse fiber, visit real hammams and learn how to behave in Turkish steam rooms.

During a 3.5-hour walk, you will get acquainted with the Karakoy area, where in 1917-1920 thousands of Russians arrived, expelled by the revolution and the Civil War from their homeland, and where the first Orthodox church is located. And only the guide will help you not to get lost in the intricacies of tiny alleys and narrow streets, among antique shops, taverns and art salons.

Treasures of the Bosphorus

A waterway with a length of 30 km and a maximum width of 3,700 m divides the metropolis into two continents: Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus Tour invites you to a 45-minute cruise ship ride, during which you will admire the main attractions from an unusual angle and watch the anglers on the Galata Bridge.

The return journey will take place overland and will begin with a visit to the 28-meter Rumeli Hisary fortress.Its walls offer a view of the blue waters of the strait and the Asian part. Then the guide will take you through the Arnavutkoy quarter, famous for its openwork wooden houses in the Ottoman style, the promenade with the yacht marina Atakoy Marina, the privileged Bebek and the captivating historical Ortakoy, filled with cozy cafes, numerous shops and jewelry stores.

The whole city in 1 day

To get to know the Turkish metropolis in a short time, learn how to navigate its streets, see iconic sights with a sightseeing tour. A magnificent city with 8,500 years of history, which has changed several names, the city, which for centuries was the seat of Roman, Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans, today invites its guests to learn about oriental magic and national flavor.

Is it possible to see all the fun in 8 hours? Judge for yourself: you will see the Millionth Stone, Gulhane Park, Suleymaniye Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, Maiden and Galata Towers, fortresses and suspension bridges. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Byzantine Church of Sergius and Bacchus will open their doors. You will walk along Istiklal Street, visit an inexpensive sweets shop and the Egyptian Spice Market. You can take a break from walking while traveling by boat along the Bosphorus.

Magnificent century

To see the city through the prism of the era of Suleiman I, during which Istanbul was experiencing the apogee of its development, will help the route passing through the ancient streets that witnessed the heyday of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. Travelers will discover interesting facts from the life of the sovereign, the peculiarities of life and the structure of the harem, the secrets of the court and the love story of the sovereign for Roksolana. You will find out why the tenth Ottoman sultan executed his vizier and his own sons, why Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska died, and who inherited the throne.

Armed with knowledge, you will see the Suleymaniye, Rustem Pasha and Mihrimah Sultan mosques in a different light - the best works of the engineer and architect Mimar Sinan. After getting acquainted with the biography of the powerful of this world, you will go to the quarters where ordinary citizens lived and worked. Here, behind the front facades, you can watch the work of artisans and dine in a tavern, whose chefs have been preparing Turkish dishes for 100 years.

Istanbul is Istiklal

A red retro tram that had been running down the street back in 1871 slowly makes its way through the crowd of people. Byzantine buildings and Ottoman palaces coexist with modern buildings and passages. Christian churches coexist next to mosques and synagogues. Boot shiners beckon customers in every way, while trolley vendors offer delicious ice cream and hearty ichli köfte - tiny minced meat patties with walnuts and spices.

All this is the pedestrian two-kilometer Istiklal Street, which starts at Taksim Square and ends in the Galata area. Coming to Istanbul and not walking along it is a crime. So wear comfortable shoes and follow your guide on a city trip. During the promenade, you will come across famous landmarks, authentic buildings, traditional cafes, designer shops, nightclubs and many more surprises that Turkish Arbat is rich in.

Istanbul without a veil or how to get lost in the city

While exploring the streets and neighborhoods, you cannot follow only the paths laid by millions of tourists. A four-hour excursion tour will help you to feel the mood of the metropolis, to look at it through the eyes of local residents, to find images inherent only to it, to taste unfamiliar dishes. Accompanied by an accredited private guide, you will visit two continents, get acquainted with Ottoman monuments and modern European architecture, and learn about the history of the city and its famous inhabitants in an accessible informal way.

Walking among the Orthodox and Catholic churches, you will hear the echoes of the Christian era of the former Constantinople. A trip on the Bosphorus ferry will complement the walking tour. Sitting on the deck and enjoying the taste of Turkish tea, you will see not only seascapes, but also an entertaining game of backgammon, which is entertained by the townspeople crossing from shore to shore.

From Europe to Asia: Kadikoy

The city combines European and Asian traditions, antiquity and modernity. If you want to get acquainted with the culture, customs, customs of local residents, then take advantage of the new excursion offer.

Group members will be able to:

• visit local bazaars. Here you will be able to get acquainted with the vibrant Turkish culture and customs
• walk along narrow old streets and enjoy the look of cozy houses
• visit a secret chapel that few people know about
• get acquainted with the work of local masters and visit their gallery
• find out reliable information about the best restaurants in the city

You can get to the Kadikoy area by ferry. The journey takes no more than 20 minutes. You will enjoy the wonderful seascapes and feed the waterfowl. At the oriental bazaar, you will get acquainted with the rich assortment of goods that local merchants offer to buy. Try to bargain with them, believe me, this is an exciting activity.

You will get acquainted with the work of artists, designers, you will be able to study the offered antiques and purchase souvenirs. You will walk through the entire area and see the landmarks of the site. And at the end of the route, the participants will have a unique opportunity to taste real Turkish coffee. Such a walk will not leave anyone indifferent.

The city through the eyes of the people of Istanbul

If you want to experience a modern city filled with historical monuments, visit with an experienced guide. The guide will show you amazing places saturated with mystery and enigma. The Golden Horn is a symbol of the metropolis. Many historical facts related to the times of the existence of Constantinople and the Ottoman Empire are associated with it. You will get to know them as you walk.

You will visit the distinctive Balat area and see the colorful houses that are famous all over the world. Find out how the locals managed to maintain their optimism despite poverty. You will visit the picturesque Kuzgunjuk district - a kind of Parisian Montmartre and you will understand why the filmmakers liked this place so much.

Then you will walk along Arnavutköy, it is compared to Nice. It is full of cozy, delicate wooden houses. This is the main fishing spot of the metropolis. If you wish, you will be able to taste or purchase the products of local fishermen.

You will have a unique opportunity to stroll through Turkish Manhatton - the Levent area. This is an elite place, skyscrapers and office buildings are concentrated here. Weather conditions permitting, it will be possible to admire the city from a bird's eye view.

A Russian-speaking guide will take you through all the famous areas:

• Fenerbahce
• Jaddebostan
• Suadiye

And at the end of the program, you will plunge into the world of a real, unhurried city. There are no crowds of tourists, no fuss and no rush in it. Young people gather in Kadikoy only towards evening. The best clubs are located on Kadife street. You can look there if you want.

Lively everyday Istanbul

If you want to look at the city through the eyes of local residents, then you should become a member of an unusual excursion program. During the route, you will get acquainted with the cult monuments, walk along the Istiklal shopping street and enjoy real, aromatic Turkish coffee in the best cafe.

You will be able to get acquainted with the grandiose architectural monument - the Tolkapi Palace. It has a long history and keeps within its walls the memory of the names of great rulers.

The participants of the route will visit the heart of the city - the historical district of Beyoglu and see for themselves the majesty of such unique attractions as:

• Blue Mosque
• Galata tower
• Gulhane park
• Maiden's Tower
• Hagia Sophia

The guide will acquaint you with the details of the foundation of the monuments, the history of their origin and tell a lot of legends and traditions. You will learn how modern Turks live, what are their customs and peculiarities of cultural traditions. A fascinating and detailed story of the guide will allow you to plunge into the everyday life of the townspeople.

Discover unexplored Istanbul

The excursion offer will appeal to those travelers who want to see the most mysterious and mysterious places of the city. The guide will take you along the paths where the tourist's foot rarely steps. Participants of the program will walk along the legendary Galata Bridge, visit the Uskudar and Kadikoy districts and appreciate the beauty of the setting sun on the amlıc hill.

The route will start from the legendary Eminonu. Everyone who has visited the city should visit this place. The area is famous for its numerous shops and cozy cafes. Near the symbol of the country and the metropolis, you will taste a culinary miracle - a national dish - balyk-ekmek (fish baked in bread). After the meal, you will go to the Galata Bridge. Along the way, you will meet the main attractions of Istanbul and learn their history.

A visit to the autistic district of Uskudar will impress even the most discerning tourist. Here you can observe the contrast between antiquity and modernity. You will have a rare opportunity to sit on the steps of the Maiden Tower and hear an interesting story about how the name of the monument appeared.

A cup of Turkish Salep drink will cheer you up and allow you to continue the unusual route. And you still have to climb Büyük amlıc to admire the beauty of the city and capture it against the sunset.

King of the Princes' Islands

Buyukada is a place not only inhabited by Turks. From time immemorial, Greeks, Armenians and representatives of other nationalities have lived here. That is why Buyukada is saturated with a special, colorful atmosphere. Only here it will be possible to get acquainted with the diversity of cultural traditions that have formed as a result of the life of different peoples.

There is a strange custom here. The guests of the islands attach notes with wishes to the trees, and then pull loose strings to find out their future. The locals do not like the tradition, and the guide will certainly tell you what caused the islanders' discontent.

You will have an unusual meeting with religious monuments. In one place are collected shrines belonging to different confessions. You will hear a lot of interesting stories: about the owner of a public institution, about Trotsky who visited Buyukada, about ghosts that live in one of the houses.

In the refectory of the monastery of St. George, you can taste local dishes: kebabs, salads, Turkish pies. You will hear the fascinating history of the monastery and enjoy the magnificent views from the hill. We are waiting for you on the most exciting tour of the Princes' Islands.

Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome

On a short, familiarization walk, you will meet the symbols of the city and learn a lot of interesting facts. The Temple of Hagia Sophia is considered a symbol of the golden age of Byzantium. It was built in the era of the great Empire. This unique masterpiece of medieval architecture had to see a lot over the years.

The Christian shrine was turned into a Muslim mosque. But historians argue that it was this circumstance that made it possible to preserve the external appearance of the structure, at least in a changed form. In the 17th century, by the order of the ruler, the Blue Mosque, incomparable in beauty, was built. This example of Islamic architecture is made in delicate blue tones.

The Basilica Cistern must be seen by all guests of the city. The historical landmark remembers the times of the Romans. Once the Basilica Cistern served as the main reservoir. There is a legend among the inhabitants that in those years the fish fell into the wells of houses, it was not even necessary to go to the sea for it.
A tour of the Hippodrome will complete the program. It was built in the 3rd century by the Roman emperor to give the people the opportunity to have fun.

Conquering the city by public transport

A sightseeing walk by public transport will allow you to visit the most unusual areas of the city. It is customary to divide it into two parts: European and Asian. Many residents visit two parts of the world in a day. For example, they go to work in European Istanbul, and return home to Asian. Now you can make an exciting journey too.

You will be taken to Europe by funicular. The trip will be fascinating, with the guide's stories about the unusual type of transport. Here you will get acquainted with the main symbols of Istanbul and hear the history of their origin.
Then you will transfer to the metrobus - another unusual type of Turkish transport. From its windows, you will examine in detail the appearance of a modern metropolis with its skyscrapers and monuments.

Then you have to make the transition from Europe to Asia along the Bosphorus Bridge. This opportunity is not often provided to tourists. You will be able to stroll through the picturesque area. Back to Europe you will return by sea vessel. Travel time will provide a unique opportunity to enjoy the seascapes.

Istanbul: all inclusive

This route was created for those who want to see the whole city. Tourists will have a ride on the legendary red tram, get acquainted with the vibrant traditions of local residents, see the main symbols of the country and the city and taste real Turkish food. The tour is conducted by a Russian-speaking local. Since childhood, he is familiar with the city and the cultural customs of its inhabitants. Therefore, you will only hear reliable facts.

During the program, you will be able to see such sights as:

• Hippodrome
• Galata tower
• Hagia Sophia and Museum
• Tolkapi Palace
• Blue mosque
• complex Sulemaniye
• Istiklal shopping street

The walk will be complemented by a visit to local markets. The splendor of the Grand Bazaar will delight any tourist. The abundance of trade shops, noisy, cheerful traders, the aromas of oriental cuisine will be remembered for a long time. In addition, you will have a rare opportunity to visit the places where the best Turkish films were filmed, including the series "The Magnificent Century". Hurry up to sign up for a tour if you want to see Istanbul in all its glory.

Fold the Mosaic of Istanbul

The route is ideal for those who want to form their own impression of the city. You will set off from the train station where the famous Orient Express departs. You will hear the history of the train and the legends associated with the train.

You will walk through the Egyptian Bazaar, and along the way, consider the architectural monuments:

• Galata bridge
• Suleymaniye Mosque
• Tolkapi palace complex
• the grand mosque Hagia Sophia

Then you will relax in a cozy cafe and have lunch. The further journey lies through the famous Istiklal Street. This is the focus of life. There is no transport here, but it is always crowded and fun. At the end of the program, you will taste real Turkish pilaf. Such a deep and vivid journey through the city will be remembered for a long time.

Walk-quest in the original Kadikoy

If you've already explored the European side of the city, it's time to start exploring the Asian side. A walk in the quest format in the picturesque Kadikoy district will provide tourists with such an opportunity. You will hit the road from the pier. From here, wonderful views of the peninsula open up. During the walk, you will learn about the existence of the ancient city of Chalcedon, which has now turned into one of the urban areas.

You will walk along quiet, inconspicuous streets and be able to take pictures next to an unusual sculpture - a statue of a bull, as well as enjoy the beauty of the tea garden and hear the story of the legendary Turkish writer. You will certainly enjoy visiting the most bohemian place in Turkey - Moda district. Here, those who wish can take a ride on the legendary red tram and see the main symbols of the metropolis.

The route has been adjusted so that tourists can pass through the oriental bazaar and plunge into the extraordinary atmosphere that prevails here. The quest participants will taste aromatic coffee, the recipe for which was created during the reign of Sultan Suleiman. At the end of the program, everyone will receive a commemorative gift.

Istiklal - part of Russian and Turkish history

A unique excursion route has been organized for those who want to see where Imperial Russia ended its existence, where the White Army perished. Tourists will get acquainted with Istiklal Street. Historical meetings of Slashchev-Krymsky with Baron Wrangel took place here, here once lived "white emigration", those who fled from the communist country.

On the famous street, a lot of religious monuments belonging to different denominations have been preserved. Among the attractions, a special place is occupied by the hotel where Agatha Christie, the author of detective novels, lived. Tourists will enjoy the cable car journey. On the way, you will be able to admire the Bosphorus and capture picturesque views of the strait.

The participants of the program will get acquainted with the luxurious area of ​​Nisantasi. Here you will go to a cafe and enjoy a cup of delicious coffee. In addition, guests of Istanbul will see the iconic symbols of the city and learn about their history. If you want to take an unusual walk and find out what they are silent about on other excursions, then you should hurry up to join the group.

All about mosques and ancient monuments

The program includes an acquaintance with the main shrines and historical monuments. The walk will begin with a tour of the Hippodrome. Roman rulers used to gather here to watch horse races. You will visit the place where the legendary TV series "Magnificent Century" was filmed and see the best sights of the city.

Not all places of interest are familiar to tourists. Some of them are not mentioned in the guidebooks. But you can personally see the most unusual and mysterious places. These include such ancient monuments as:

• Kuchyuk Aisofya street. In the depths of the old street there is a cistern, which is famous all over the world.
• Small Hagia Sophia. The oldest mosque in Istanbul.
• Suleymaniye. A monument that has stood for almost 500 years. The creator of the architectural creation was convinced that he would stand forever, and while his words were confirmed.

In addition, program participants will be able to admire the wonderful natural landscapes of the Golden Horn Bay.
All the most interesting and unusual things that the city carefully preserves are waiting for you.

Conquer top terraces

Many tourists dream of enjoying the beauty of the city from open terraces. But not all guides have information and the location of the best sites. Those who take advantage of the offer will have the opportunity to see the city from the most unusual angles. It's hard to walk carefree without having breakfast. Therefore, first, the participants of the program will look at the terrace, where breakfast will be organized in the best Turkish traditions.

They will have to try 24 delicacies and enjoy the taste of aromatic tea. Then, guests of the city will find themselves on the secret roof terraces, which offer stunning views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. You will be able to take memorable pictures. Turkey is known as a country of winemakers. Being here and not trying a sparkling drink with a rich aftertaste is an unacceptable mistake. You will not be allowed to do it.

You will have a glass of Turkish sparkling wine while admiring the towering Galata Tower and hear the history of its origin. Then the participants will visit the hotel, which has been receiving Orient Express passengers for a long time, taste the legendary eclairs and relax over a cup of tea. Those who like to sleep a little longer in the morning are encouraged to take advantage of the afternoon excursion option. So the "owls" will not miss interesting moments either.