Category Tour Reviews

Istanbul · TOUR REVIEWS

The 15 Best Istanbul Tours

300 reviewed

Start with the experiences that give Istanbul its full scale: the Bosphorus between two shores, the imperial monuments above Sultanahmet, and the markets and tables that keep the city moving. Compare prices, timings and what the ticket includes before choosing.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table - Dolmabahçe, Ciragan, and Ortaköy: the “wow” section from the water

Istanbul: Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide

Istanbul: Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide - Sunset vs daytime: what changes on the water

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show - Getting picked up and settled, without wasting your evening

3.Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 10,127 reviews · from $34

Cruise Istanbul’s Bosphorus at night with a Turkish dinner, unlimited soft drinks, and a 1.5-hour Turkish Night show on a modern boat.

“The whole experience was surprisingly superb. When we saw a boat docked whilst waiting for ours, we regretted not waiting to book until we got to the pier especially as our boat didnt look as great from the exterior. However once we boarded, the service was impeccable, right from the greeting to the already laid starters at the reserved tables. Food was well above my expectations, drinks were constantly served and the entertainment was great. Our waiter (Ibrahim, if Im not mistaken), was so attentive and professional - my family and I were very impressed by it all when compared other dinner cruises we have paid similar prices to in…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour - Day Two: the Bosphorus ferry and Dolmabahce Palace plus Taksim and Istiklal

4.Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8,922 reviews · 7 to 21 hours (approx.) · from $100Top rated

Private guided Istanbul tour for 1 to 3 days, walking Old City highlights, plus Bosphorus, palaces, and neighborhoods with flexible timing.

“Thank you very much for two wonderful days of detailed history of Istanbul, also thanks to our driver who is very skill in driving us safety. Highly recommend if your hotel is away from old city.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Fast-Track Entry and Audio Guide

Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Fast-Track Entry and Audio Guide - All-Day Validity means you can go when crowds are kind

Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition - The Hodjapasha exhibition, why you should arrive early

Istanbul: Topkapi Palace & Harem Museum Ticket & Audio Guide

Istanbul: Topkapi Palace & Harem Museum Ticket & Audio Guide - Meeting point near the main gate: what to look for

8.Topkapi Palace & Harem Museum Ticket & Audio Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 3,977 reviews · from $61

Skip-the-line Topkapi Palace and Harem Museum entry with a phone audio guide, timed slots, and plenty of time to explore at your pace.

“The best place to learn a bit about the otoman history. The rooms with ceramic tiles are exquisite, in the main palace, in harem and also in the pavilions. Topkapi was my favourite place in our visit to Istanbul.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul: Sunset or Day Small-Group Yacht Cruise with Snacks

Istanbul: Sunset or Day Small-Group Yacht Cruise with Snacks - The Boat Experience: 20 Meters of Comfort for 16 People

Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Guided Tour w/ Tickets

Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Guided Tour w/ Tickets - Getting there: Galataport pickup for cruise guests, Sultanahmet meet-up for everyone else

10.Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Guided Tour w/ Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,600 reviews · 2.5 - 3 hours · from $39

Small-group guided tour of Istanbul's Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia with tickets, priority entry, and Galataport pickup.

“Our guide Hamut was well informed and the data and historical context/relationship that he provided of the Mosques especially the Hagia Sofia was simply outstanding.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City

Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City - Getting There Smoothly: Beethoven Senfoni Hotel and Spa Floor at -2

11.Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,225 reviews · 50 - 125 minutes · from $53

Private Turkish bath in Istanbul’s Old City with scrub, foam massage, steam and sauna. Optional massage, tea and coffee. From $53.

“Wonderful Service by Masseurs and good guidance by receptionist. I booked for Hamam and Massage session and all things were going smoothly and relaxing . 10/10”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul:Original Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop w/ Snacks

Istanbul:Original Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop w/ Snacks - Template on a glass sphere: how the mosaic starts

12.Original Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop w/ Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,077 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $29

Make a Turkish mosaic lamp in Istanbul with expert guidance, unlimited tea and coffee, and a take-home souvenir.

“Wonderful experience! A guide picked us up on the European side, took us through the metro (at no charge) to the art studio, and a wonderful instructor taught us how to make our lamps. We got small cookies and tea while we created and then after our globes dried, the instructor packed them up for us with a lamp base, lightbulb and USA compatible plug. This was an experience that was over the top and far exceeded my expectation!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul: Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View

Istanbul: Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View - Best for couples, first-timers, and scent lovers with picky taste

13.Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,985 reviews · 2 hours · from $28

Create your own signature perfume in Istanbul with Bosphorus views, 100+ scents, tea, and expert guidance in a 2-hour workshop.

“Was such great fun. Learnt a lot about how perfume is made and where it originated from. Tuana and Elif couldn’t have been better hosts. They were both friendly and very welcoming.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide - The Yacht Ride: Comfort, Covers, and the Snack Service That Actually Works

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Snack

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Snack - Getting to Kabataş Port Without Stress

15.Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Snack

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,716 reviews · 2 hours · from $8

Watch Istanbul’s skyline glow from the water on a 2-hour Bosphorus sunset cruise with an audio guide, soft drinks, and snacks.

“The Bosphorus sunset cruise was one of the highlights of trip to Istanbul. Everything was well-organized — boarding was quick, the boat was clean and comfortable, and the views of the city during golden hour were absolutely stunning. I especially want to mention Chef River, who created a warm and welcoming atmosphere on board. Overall, this cruise is a perfect way to see Istanbul from a different perspective, relax on the water, and take beautiful photos. Highly recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review