Istanbul Beyond the Tourist Trail: Hidden Neighborhoods & Markets

Everyday Guarantee Departures

1 Day

1 City

0 Reviews

Places to Visit

Suleymaniye MosqueCathedral Church of Saint GeorgeTahtakale DistrictCorlulu Ali Pasha Mosque KarakoyBalatIstanbul

Tour Details Tour ID 844

Featured Details

Uncover Istanbul’s Authentic Side

Step away from the typical tourist trails and explore Istanbul’s hidden gems on this full-day walking tour. Journey through historic districts, bustling local markets, and cultural landmarks, all while using public transportation to experience the city like a local. Discover the Sahaflar Book Market, the historic St. George Church, and the Süleymaniye Mosque, before strolling through the vibrant neighborhoods of Fener and Balat—rich in Greek, Jewish, and Ottoman heritage.

Inclusions:

✅ English Speaking Guide
✅ Public Transportation; Ferry and Tram
✅ Lunch

Exclusions:

❌ Personal expenses
❌ Hotel pickup and drop-off
❌ Drinks
❌ Optional tours or activities

Departure Place: Beyoglu, Istanbul

Duration: 6 hours (approx.)

Departures: Everyday

Tour Program

Schedule

The tour starts at 9:00 AM and ends around 3:00 PM.

Karakoy
Begin the tour in Karakoy, experiencing Istanbul from a local’s perspective. Enjoy a Turkish tea and pastry while taking a ferry to Balat.

Balat & Fener Districts
Explore the former Greek and Jewish neighborhoods, tracing their cosmopolitan history through colorful streets, historic houses, and vibrant local life.

St. George Church
A Greek Orthodox church still in use today, located in one of Istanbul’s oldest districts.

Tahtakale Market
Experience an authentic local market where Istanbul residents shop, followed by a delicious lunch stop at a non-touristy restaurant.

Spice Market
One of Istanbul’s most colorful and aromatic markets, famous for its spices, Turkish delight, and teas.

Süleymaniye Mosque
Visit one of the grandest Ottoman mosques, learning about its history and the significance of Islamic culture in Turkey.

Istanbul University
Discover the education system in Turkey while exploring the university’s historic campus.

Sahaflar Book Market
A historic book and paper market dating back to the Byzantine era.

Çorlulu Ali Pasha Madrasah
A former Ottoman madrasah (Islamic school), now a traditional tea and coffee house where we will also taste Boza, a fermented non-alcoholic Turkish drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is lunch included in the tour?
A: Yes, lunch is included in the tour price, but drinks during lunch are not included and must be paid for separately.

Q: Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
A: No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the tour price. However, this service can be arranged for an additional fee if requested.

Q: How much walking is involved in this tour?
A: This is a walking-focused tour covering multiple historic neighborhoods, so we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.

Q: Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
A: Yes, all entrance fees for the included sites are covered in the tour price.