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Best of Old City - ISTANBUL Popular
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya): A breathtaking 6th-century architectural marvel, serving as a mosque today while holding history as both a church and museum.
Istanbul View Location
Rainbow Mountain ValleyVerified
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Description
Best of Old City Istanbul Tour - Hagia Sophia & Topkapi
Here is an informative overview of the "Best of Old City Tour" in Istanbul, featuring its main highlights.
This full-day, guided walking tour explores the heart of the former Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, covering key historic landmarks in the Sultanahmet area.
Note:
There is no tour on Tuesdays
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuseday
We provide transfer services from these areas: Beyoğlu, Fatih, Zeytinburnu, Şişli, and Beşiktaş. Requests from other areas are subject to an extra charge.
Highlights
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya): A breathtaking 6th-century architectural marvel, serving as a mosque today while holding history as both a church and museum.
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii): Famous for its stunning blue İznik tiles and impressive six-minaret architecture.
Topkapi Palace & Harem: The former primary residence of Ottoman Sultans, showcasing imperial treasures, sacred relics, and exquisite architecture.
Hippodrome of Constantinople: Ancient center of Byzantine social life, featuring the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain.
Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı): One of the world's largest and oldest covered markets, offering a vibrant shopping experience.
Hagia Irene Church: Located in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace, this is one of the few churches in Istanbul that was not converted into a mosque.
Itinerary
Hotel pick-up time
25 May 2025, 04:45 AM
We’ll pick you up from your hotel between 08:00-08:30
You’ll visit:
25 May 2025, 04:45 AM
Hagia Sophia (Entrance fee is extra)
You’ll visit:
25 May 2025, 04:45 AM
Blue Mosque
You’ll visit:
25 May 2025, 04:45 AM
Hippodrome
You’ll visit:
25 May 2025, 04:45 AM
Grand Covered Bazar
food time
25 May 2025, 04:45 AM
Lunch
You’ll visit:
25 May 2025, 04:45 AM
Topkapi Palace with Harem
You’ll visit:
25 May 2025, 04:45 AM
Hagia Irene Church
Return
25 May 2025, 04:45 AM
The tour finishes at 16:30-17:00 (at the hotel) We’ll drive you back to your hotel
Includes & Excludes
Pick Up & Drop Off
Entry fees
Tour Guiding
Lunch
Drinks
Personal Expenses
Tips
Gallery
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour typically covers Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace (including the Harem section), the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar.
It is usually a full-day tour, lasting approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting around 09:00 and finishing around 17:00.
Yes, most tours include pick-up and drop-off from centrally located hotels in areas like Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Fatih, Şişli, Beyoğlu and Taksim.
Topkapi Palace itself is free, but the harem area has an extra charge. The Hagia Sophia museum section has an extra charge.
You should wear comfortable walking shoes. When visiting mosques (Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque), both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees. Women need a scarf to cover their heads.
Yes, the majority of full-day Istanbul Old City tours include a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant. Drinks are extra.
Topkapi Palace: Closed on Tuesdays. Grand Bazaar: Closed on Sundays. Hagia Sophia: The top gallery is open to tourists, but prayer times may affect access.
While you can see the major highlights (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar) in one day, it will be a fast-paced, packed day.
Yes, professional, licensed guides often offer tours in Spanish, Japanese, Russian, and other languages, but English is the most common.
Children aged 0-3 are free.