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Istanbul Essentials For First Timers

27 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 27 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Istanbul, Turkey
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.

6 to 9 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

If you are going to visit Istanbul for the first time, this cultural and culinary walking tour in Istanbul will provide you a detailed information of what I can call "Essentials of Istanbul Experience". We will visit some of the most famous landmarks of Istanbul, understand their historical, architectural and social importance. We will also try some local foods, including (everyone's favourite) Turkish desserts. I will be explaining my guests some of the less-known and little-noticed details for each site.
The experience can be tailored with the consensus of all participants.

What's Included

  • Professional Licenced Tourist Guidance Service
  • Lunch
  • Entry Tickets To Museums
  • Public transportation
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Hoca Paşa
Ankara Caddesi, 34112 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Gulhane Park

Once part of Topkapi Palace, this relaxing and beautiful public park is more than a recreational area. This area played a very crucuial role in the history of Istanbul, but also of Turkish Republic. In April, it is full of tulips. In May, roses replace tulips. Every seasons, it looks amazing in its own way.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Fountain Sultan Ahmed III

The first-of-its-kind, Sultan Ahmed Fountain in front of Topkapi Palace is an elegant monument in itself. Surrounded by Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, this Fountain rarely gets the attention that it deserves. We will examine its Tulip Period ornaments with a special attention and understand its impact to the city.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

Yerebatan (Basilica) Cistern is a 6th-century Roman water structure and the largest of its kind in Istanbul. With endless rows of columns, its has a unique appearance. It is considered as a top sight in Istanbul. There may be a 30-minute waiting time on busy days.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

This 17th-century masterpiece of Ottoman architecture is one of the top sights in Istanbul. Its interior provides one of the most glamorous examples of Ottoman mosques. It is decorated with thousands of tiles and extensive penwork. Starting from its outer courtyard to the inner corners, this mosque provides several elegant examples of the Turkish artistic taste of the 17th century.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Sultanahmet Square

Sultanahmet Square is the ancient Roman Hippodrome and contains some of Istanbul's oldest and most important sights. The Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, Masonary Obelisk and German Fountain are among those sights. Each of them has its own fascinating stories and not-easy-to-notice aspects, which I will happily share during our visit.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

The Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul is one of the masterpieces of world architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 6th-century building contains artistic items and architectural features from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations. It is a must-see in Istanbul, but for that reason, there are long queues which may result with 1-2 hours of waiting time. (If my guests prefer to see the building only from outside in order not to wait in a long queue, an alternative destination can be added)
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

As a key city of the Silk Road and the Spice Road, Istanbul boasts the presence of some of the best medieval bazaars in the world. The Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar are still some of most lively commercial buildings in Istanbul. Depending on the personal preference of my guests, we can visit one or both of them. Grand Bazaar is closed on sunday.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Beyazit Mosque

Although Blue Mosque is the most visited Ottoman mosque in Istanbul because of its location at the heart of Old City, several other mosques are worth visiting because of their historical significance and architectural aspects. Beyazit Mosque in particular contains very interesting features that are unique in Istanbul. We will take a look at its colorful decoration dated 1505.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Important Note: The guide will only provide “tourist guidance service” in accordance with the legal guidelines in Türkiye.

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Essentials For First Timers?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-409289P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
27 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 27 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
27
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Professional Licenced Tourist Guidance Service
  • Lunch
  • Entry Tickets To Museums
  • Public transportation

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Important Note: The guide will only provide “tourist guidance service” in accordance with the legal guidelines in Türkiye.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 5 travelers

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