Istanbul Tours 2026: Bosphorus, Hagia Sophia and Prices
Format
Group or private
Prices
Fixed in advance
Guest reviews
100+
Two continents, fifteen centuries of history and a skyline of domes — a good guide turns Istanbul from a maze into a story. Pick a walk, a cruise or a full day.
Most popular Istanbul tours
"Istanbul: Capital of the Ottomans"
"Old Istanbul"
Asian Side of Istanbul Tour
"Istanbul Night Postcards"
Day Trip from Istanbul to the Princes' Islands
Bosphorus Night Cruise
From Istanbul to Constantinople
Colours of Istanbul
Bosphorus Panorama
What travelers say about Istanbul tours
Terehina Marina
06/22/2026
Loved everything. Bosphorus tour.
Anastasiya
08/22/2026
We booked an Istanbul tour in advance. They picked us up on time. We traveled by minibus in a small group. The guide never rushed us and gave us time to enjoy the views and take photos. We had lunch at a scenic spot near the Galata Bridge. Fish shawarma: who would have thought it would be so tasty :) Thank you very much, we loved everything!
Kamila
08/18/2026
I'd like to express huge thanks to our guide Batyr for a wonderful time! He is a true professional and an incredibly positive, warm-hearted person. From the first minute, Batyr created a very comfortable, friendly atmosphere. He told us about every place in an interesting and engaging way, answered every question and took all our wishes into account. The tour flew by and left us with vivid impressions and lots of positive emotions. We loved the tour, largely thanks to such a guide! We will definitely recommend Batyr to all our friends and acquaintances. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
Elena
06/14/2026
Yesterday we took the Bosphorus Panorama tour. Despite the rainy weather, the tour had a warm atmosphere. The guide told us many interesting things about the sights of Istanbul and answered all the tourists' questions. Thank you, Big Travel team!
Lyudmila
05/28/2026
Yulia, good evening. It went really well and we enjoyed everything. We especially liked the guide Tonya (if I remember her name correctly). We had a great trip and will recommend it to others!
Not sure which Istanbul tour to choose?
Tell us your hotel district and how many days you have — we will suggest a plan and send the prices.
Tips before your Istanbul tour
Clothing for the occasion, sun protection, comfortable shoes
To visit mosques, you will need modest clothing: shoulders and knees should be covered, and women should bring a headscarf. In warm weather, don't forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Choose shoes that are comfortable, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Power bank, a charged phone or a camera
Istanbul is a city you will want to photograph at every turn. To make sure you don't miss beautiful views and key moments of the tour, charge your devices in advance and bring a power bank.
Water and a light snack
Even if the route isn't very long, a bottle of water and a small snack will help you keep your energy up, especially in the hot months.
Cash and bank cards
A small amount of cash is handy for tips, coffee or souvenirs. Most cafés and shops, however, accept bank cards.
Meeting point, timing and tickets
Comfortable buses
All transfers are made in modern, comfortable vehicles with air conditioning. The rides are relaxed and not tiring, even on longer routes.
24/7 Support
Our team is always reachable on messaging apps before and during the tour. We reply quickly and help with every organisational detail.
No hidden fees
The price already includes all the main costs: transfers and tour organisation. No extra payments on site, so you know the full price of your trip in advance.
Safety first
We use safe vehicles and work only with verified drivers. Every route is planned so the trip is calm and safe.
Real traveler reviews
Read reviews from real travelers who have already joined our tours and shared their impressions.
Private Istanbul tours: 6 best routes with a guide
Planning a trip to Istanbul? Talk to a specialist to create a private itinerary based on your budget and interests. Get a ready-made plan for a comfortable and rich trip.
Bosphorus boat trips: 7 best tours in Istanbul
Explore the best boat tours on the Bosphorus strait and set off on an unforgettable journey with us.
Istanbul tours: the essentials
💫 Immersing yourself in Istanbul starts with emotions: busy little streets, the smell of fresh coffee, minarets at sunset and colourful bazaars — the city welcomes everyone in its own way. Walking routes through the old neighbourhoods, such as Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu, let you almost touch history, feel the rhythm of the city and take amazing photos to remember.
🚤 Bosphorus boat trips are pure magic: a light breeze, views of palaces and mosques, seagulls circling overhead. Even if you are tired after walking tours, these trips offer a chance to relax and enjoy new impressions at an easy pace.
🌊 Beach tours and active adventures add excitement: horse riding, paragliding or bungee jumping for those who love adrenaline and want to see Istanbul from a different angle. All tours are group-based and fully in Russian, so no language barriers, just pure fun and emotion.
☀️ Season and time of day matter: spring and autumn are the most comfortable times; in summer it is best to plan morning walking tours and boat trips closer to evening. In winter there are fewer tourists, the atmosphere is calmer, but don't forget about wind and possible rain.
💡 The key is not to try to see everything in one day. Choose 1–2 full tours, and leave time for breaks, coffee with a view of the Bosphorus and unhurried walks. That is how the city truly opens up.
✨ Remember: Istanbul is not just a city. It is an adventure you will want to experience again and again.
Big Travel services in Istanbul
Frequently asked questions about Istanbul tours
How many days do you need to get to know Istanbul?
The ideal is 3–4 days. In that time you can see the main sights of the historic centre, take a Bosphorus cruise and discover the modern districts. If you want to dive deeper into the city's atmosphere, plan 5–6 days to combine classic tours with less obvious routes.
Which tours do people choose most often?
Most travelers start with the historic centre: Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace. Walks along the Bosphorus and in Balat are also popular.
Can you visit mosques during a tour?
Yes, but check the prayer schedule. Entry for tourists is limited during prayer times.
Are the tours suitable for children?
Many routes are suited to families with children. Still, consider the length of the walk and how the material is presented.
What is the best time of year for tours?
The most comfortable months are April–June and September–October. Summer can be very hot, while winter is often windy and rainy, especially on Bosphorus cruises.
Which tours are good for those who have already been to Istanbul?
If you have already seen the main sights, consider our active tours: horseback riding, paragliding or bungee jumping.
Should you tip your guide?
Tipping is not required, but if you enjoyed the tour, it is customary to leave 5–10% of the cost or a fixed amount of your choice. It is a way to thank your guide for an engaging presentation and attention to the group.
Is it safe to walk around Istanbul with a guide or on your own?
Tourist areas of the city are fairly safe. However, as in any large metropolis, keep an eye on your belongings and avoid dubious offers from street "helpers".