5-Hour Istanbul Old City Tour with Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar

5 Hours Round trip from Sultan Ahmet Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Hagia Sophia with expert commentary on its Byzantine and Ottoman history
  • 02 Descend into the atmospheric Basilica Cistern featured in films and novels
  • 03 Visit the Blue Mosque and learn about Islamic art and architecture
  • 04 Walk through the ancient Hippodrome, once the centre of chariot races
  • 05 Experience the vibrant Grand Bazaar with guidance on bargaining and shopping
  • 06 Enjoy a fully private tour with a licensed professional guide, tailored to your pace

Discover Istanbul's most iconic historic sites on a 5-hour private tour with a licensed guide, exploring both Byzantine and Ottoman heritage in the heart of the Old City. Visit the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, the elegant Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome, and the colorful Grand Bazaar. Enjoy personalized commentary, easy navigation between landmarks, and time for photos, questions, and local tips.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
City Istanbul
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Istanbul Old City Classics with Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar

Best Istanbul Classics Private Tour (entrance tickets are not included).

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour starts.

Dress code:

Women must wear a headscarf and cover their shoulders and knees.

Men must cover their shoulders and knees.

Scarves can be bought at the entrance for 1-3 euro.

Ticket information:

The entrance fee for Hagia Sophia is 25 euro per person (not included) and must be paid in cash to the guide.

The entrance fee for the Basilica Cistern is 40 euro per person (not included) and must be paid in cash to the guide.

Please pay in cash to your guide at the start of the tour.

Children under 7 enter free (ID or passport required).

Skip the ticket purchase line:

You will skip the ticket purchase line with your guide.

There may still be a short wait at the security check.

Meeting point:

In front of the ticket booths at the tourist entrance.

For your safety, please do not talk to or follow strangers on your way.

Important information:

There is no elevator; strollers must be carried by hand.

Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.

There is no restroom inside the museums.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Sultan Ahmet 1 city · 5 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Licensed tour guide
  • Skip the ticket purchase line

What's Not Included

  • Hagia Sophia entry ticket: 25 euro per person
  • Basilica Cistern entry ticket: 40 euro per person
  • Scarf
  • Lunch and personal expenses
  • Skipping the security check lines at the entrance

What to bring

  • Scarf

Know before you go

  • Hagia Sophia is closed on Friday between 12:00 and 14:30.
  • Blue Mosque is closed every Friday until 14:30.
  • Grand Bazaar is closed every Sunday.
  • Children under 7 years old enter free of charge, but an ID card or passport is required to obtain the free ticket.
  • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour starts, and do not let any strangers walk with you on the way, as there are many street vendors and tourist traps in the Sultanahmet area.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III, Cankurtaran, Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Tour start
Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 hours finish where they began, in Sultan Ahmet.

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Starting from

USD 89.01 /person
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