Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
If you are going to visit Istanbul for the first time, this cultural and culinary walking tour in Istanbul will provide you a detailed information of what I can call "Essentials of Istanbul Experience". We will visit some of the most famous landmarks of Istanbul, understand their historical, architectural and social importance. We will also try some local foods, including (everyone's favourite) Turkish desserts. I will be explaining my guests some of the less-known and little-noticed details for each site.
The experience can be tailored with the consensus of all participants.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important Note: The guide will only provide “tourist guidance service” in accordance with the legal guidelines in Türkiye.
What To Expect
Gulhane Park
Once part of Topkapi Palace, this relaxing and beautiful public park is more than a recreational area. This area played a very crucuial role in the history of Istanbul, but also of Turkish Republic. In April, it is full of tulips. In May, roses replace tulips. Every seasons, it looks amazing in its own way.
The first-of-its-kind, Sultan Ahmed Fountain in front of Topkapi Palace is an elegant monument in itself. Surrounded by Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, this Fountain rarely gets the attention that it deserves. We will examine its Tulip Period ornaments with a special attention and understand its impact to the city.
Options
For Shared (Group) Service
As Shared (Group) Service
For Private Service
Private
What‘s Included
Professional Licenced Tourist Guidance Service
Entry Tickets To Museums
Lunch
Public transportation
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Detalles and patient guide
valentinarW2746PP,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour of Topkapi Palace was unforgettable, entirely thanks to our incredibly knowledgeable and humorous guide. He brought the Ottoman Empire to life with fascinating details on art, architecture, and court life that we would have otherwise missed. We loved how personalized the tour was; he tailored it to our interests, walked at our pace, and enhanced the storytelling with historical documents and photos. His care extended well beyond the tour itself, he gave us an authentic local restaurant recommendation and even helped us navigate the area afterward to shop. I truly believe there is no better guide in Istanbul!
100% the best guide out there!
W4525SEjuanr,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour of Topkapi Palace was absolutely exceptional, and it was entirely thanks to our guide, Unsal. He was incredibly knowledgeable and had an amazing sense of humor that kept the experience engaging from beginning to end. What truly stood out was the depth of detail he shared — things I would have completely missed on my own. He explained everything from clothing, art, architecture, and court life to the broader historical and cultural context of the Ottoman Empire in a fascinating and accessible way. One thing we especially appreciated was how flexible and personalized the experience was. Unsal gave us the opportunity to tailor the tour entirely around Topkapi Palace, allowing us to spend all our time going as deep as possible into the parts that interested us most. He was patient, walked at our pace, and answered every single question we threw at him with genuine enthusiasm and expertise. He also came incredibly prepared with visual material, including official documents, historical references, and photographs from his own previous visits, which added a whole extra layer to the experience. On top of that, he even shared his YouTube channel with us, which was full of insightful content and clearly reflected his passion for history and storytelling. What really made the experience unforgettable, though, was how much he cared beyond the tour itself. He recommended one of his favorite local restaurants — a place he personally visits with his father — which made the recommendation feel incredibly authentic and meaningful. After the tour, he even took the time to help guide us through the area, showing us where to shop for things we needed and helping us find our way back. Honestly we left the tour genuinely impressed, grateful, and feeling like we experienced Topkapi Palace in the best possible way.
Istanbul in November
NonameNopackdrill,Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent day with Unsal. He met us at our hotel. We visited the “essentials” and more. He gave lots of information (he’ll tailor depending how much you want to hear); told us history and made loads of recommendations for the rest of our stay. We ate meatballs (Turkish favourite) and later, baclava in an artisan tea house. We have had a day to remember, highly recommend this tour. 🙏🏻
Best tour in Istanbul!
577yuriyb,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most memorable tour with Unsal. He has expansive knowledge of Turkish history and culture. We learned a lot of interesting facts . He provided us with detailed explanations of everything we saw. Unsal was extremely accommodating. He met us at the hotel and we started the tour right away. He has a wonderful gentle personality and made us very comfortable throughout our long hours together. He is a great storyteller and very good photographer also. He sent us all good pictures that he took. We spent wonderful day with Unsal. His tour was excellent!!! We are very grateful and have the best memories of our time together!
Istanbul tailored to our needs
cate m,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unsal tailored the experience perfectly, not only for our style but also for 2 somewhat tired travellers: his pace was great and he was aware of our needs at all times. Unsal has such a wide depth of knowledge about Instanbul history, architecture and culture and makes all the information so easy to take in. This guided tour was great for our first day. Unsal continued to provide us with loads of information on other sites and activities in Istanbul and around Turkey. He is a fantastic guide. Thanks Unsal!
Unsal was a font of knowledge which he articulated with great care and attentiveness, wish we had more time with him.
Adrian S,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unsal was a font of knowledge which he articulated with great care & attentiveness, we only wish that we had more time with.
Great day at Topkapi palace
L3115IMirinab,Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing tour with Unsal visiting Topkapi palace! Unsal is the best tour guide I had in a long list of my travels. He has an extensive knowledge of history and delivered it beautifuly! I saw so many amazing things and received detailed explanations from Unsal. It was a great pleasure to spend time with Unsal as a guide and also like a bright and friendly person! I highly recommend his tours. You will enjoy it!
Wonderful tour!
421allana,Jun 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unsal was a really exceptional guide. Very professional and extremely informative. Would highly recommend. We toured these spots: Hagia Sophia, Basicalla Cistern, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar Lot of walking history around the highlighted areas above. Unsal was also very helpful with recommendations for restaurants and things to do outside of the tour.
Extraordinary first day in Istanbul
jenswL825DV,May 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the tour including blue mosque, hagia sophia, sultans tomb, hippodrome and basilica cisterns. The tour is extraordinary interesting for inter-cultural experience from the ancient to the modern istanbul. The perfectly well prepared schedule suits for beginners. For the ones with background knowledge or deeper interest in specific topics the tour could be personally adjusted on request. Our many detailed questions to social, economic, technical and cultural topics have all been answered in a motivated and enthoustiastic manor. - We enjoyed the tour also on a personal level and are deeply thankfull for the many recommandations and organisational support for our next holidays in istanbul. - Thank you very much! :-)
Wonderful day tour with passionate guide
reisefuchsp,May 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the private day tour "Istanbul for first timers" with Ünsal. He is an extremely passionate person, who did the tour not only tailored to our wishes but also took extra time to explain us everything in detail and was happy about every question we had. He took special care when selecting spots to show us details of Hagia Sophia, blue mosque or basilica cisterna and often had some extra pictures or information prepared on his tablet. Very often he shared personal discoveries of the monuments that would have remained hidden to us without him. For lunch he recommended us food, helped us with the order and already got the tickets for the next sight, while we could stay and recover at the restaurant and did not have to wait in the queue. For us it was a special joy to see that someone loves their job. We had a truly amazing day with Ünsal and I can highly recommend him as a guide.
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