Istanbul Old City Tour: Best of Byzantine & Ottoman Empires

About this activity

Step back in time and walk the footsteps of Emperors and Sultans with our Full-Day Istanbul Old City Highlights Tour. This immersive journey takes you to the heart of the “Historic Peninsula,” a UNESCO World Heritage site where the grandeur of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires still stands.

From the golden mosaics of ancient mosques to the sprawling courtyards of the Topkapi Palace, this expertly guided tour ensures you don’t just see the monuments—you understand the legends that built them.

🌟 Experience Highlights

• Topkapi Palace Museum: Explore the opulent primary residence of Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years, including its sacred relics and stunning views of the Bosphorus.

• The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed): Admire the breathtaking “Iznik” tilework and the six iconic minarets of this masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.

• Hippodrome of Constantinople: Visit the ancient center of Byzantine social and political life, home to the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpentine Column.

• Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı): Get lost in one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, featuring over 4,000 shops selling gold, carpets, and spices.

• Little Hagia Sophia Mosque: Discover this hidden gem—a former 6th-century church that served as an architectural blueprint for the great Hagia Sophia.

• Authentic Turkish Lunch: Refuel halfway through your journey with a delicious, traditional Turkish meal at a local restaurant.

🗺️ Your Historical Journey

Morning: The Byzantine Heart Your day begins at the Hippodrome, once the arena for chariot races and political gatherings. We move on to the Blue Mosque, where your guide will explain the intricate Islamic art and the history of the Sultan who built it.

Midday: Sultans & Flavors Next, we enter the Topkapi Palace. Walk through the Four Courtyards and discover how the Ottoman court functioned. Following the palace visit, we break for a traditional Turkish lunch, allowing you to sample local flavors and rest your feet.

Afternoon: Bazaars & Hidden Gems After lunch, we visit Little Hagia Sophia, a tranquil site that offers a peaceful look at early Byzantine architecture. Finally, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant energy of the Grand Bazaar. Your guide will share tips on the art of haggling before you explore the winding alleys of this historic marketplace.

🗣️ Why Choose This Old City Tour?

Istanbul’s history is dense and layered; visiting these sites without a guide often means missing the “hidden” stories behind the stone. Our tour is optimized for clarity and comfort. By including your entrance fees and lunch upfront, we eliminate the stress of ticket lines and hidden costs. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a history enthusiast, we provide a comprehensive “all-in-one” day that covers every major landmark in the Old City.

Ready to uncover the secrets of the Sultans? Book your Istanbul Old City Tour today!