Since the mosques are closing by noon and in the afternoon for the prayer times, we recommend you to visit The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in the morning schedule. If you have restricted time about 4 hours, then we suggest you visit:
The Hippodrome: an ancient chariot races U-shaped stadium with 100,000 spectators. Even though the Hippodrome had lost its seats, walls, and much of the remainings, the three monuments are still standing: the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, and Constantine Columns.
The Blue Mosque: an Ottoman imperial mosque that Sultan Ahmet built between 1609-1616. Even if it is called officially as Sultanahmet Mosque, the travelers named the Blue Mosque after they saw the blue tiles inside.
Hagia Sophia: built by the Roman Emperor Justinian between 532-537 and became the highest and the biggest cathedral globally. The church was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans in the 15th century and became a museum in 1934. Hagia Sophia lost its museum status in July 2020 and has become a mosque again. Like the other mosques, Hagia Sophia is open to visitors.
If the time permits, you can also visit the Grand Bazaar with your guide.
Private Half-Day Guided Istanbul Old City Tour is a walking tour. We suggest you wear casual clothes and comfortable shoes.
The tour duration is 4 hours.
The tour price does not include transportation.
If you are staying far away from the old city, you can take a taxi or wish we can provide you a transfer.
Your guide can meet with you in your hotel or at the meeting point (Hippodrome, Constantine Column), shown on the map.
Note: The Grand Bazaar is closed on Mondays.
At the lobby of your hotel or at the Hippodrome(Atmeydani) – (Map of Meeting Point)Â
previously agreed
