Free Walking Tour Istanbul

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Experience our Free Walking Tour Istanbul, your gateway to the mesmerizing allure of one of the world's most captivating cities. Quickly discover and acquaint yourself with the essentials of the Old City of Istanbul, a treasure trove of history, culture, and architectural marvels. Led by knowledgeable insiders, our tour offers you the opportunity to gain invaluable insights into the iconic landmarks and hidden gems that define this ancient metropolis.

  • Free Booking
  • Instant confirmation
  • Live Tour Guide
  • Cancel Anytime

What's included

  • English-speaking Guide
  • No Card Information Required
  • WhatsApp Chat Support

What's not included

  • Skip-the-line access at security checks and exhibitions

Important information

  • Starting Time: 14:00 every day (2pm). Arrive 10 mins early for check-in.
  • Duration: 2.5 hours. Finish at 16:30∼.
  • Payment: Tip-based. There is no fix payment.
  • Cancellation Policy: Cancel anytime.
  • Free tours have a minimum attendance requirement for 5 people. If the minimum attendance of 5 is not reached, your guide can cancel the tour, offer you a shorter tour or an alternative tour at a different time.

Description:

Before you commit your time and resources to various activities, allow us to provide you with the necessary know-how of the Old City, ensuring that your exploration is both enriching and rewarding. Whether you're strolling through the historic Sultanahmet Square, gazing upon the majestic domes and minarets of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, or unraveling the secrets of the ancient Hippodrome, our expert guides will illuminate the significance of each site, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in Istanbul's storied past. 

But the adventure doesn't end there. After acquainting yourself with the Old City's wonders, journey onwards to the world-renowned Grand Bazaar, a bustling labyrinth of over 2500 shops teeming with treasures waiting to be discovered. Navigate through its vibrant alleys and bustling market stalls with the guidance of our local experts, who will unveil the history, craftsmanship, and culture woven into every intricate detail of this historic marketplace.

Free Walking Tour Istanbul Highlights

  • Enjoy the convenience of booking a free walking tour in Istanbul in just two minutes, without the need for credit card information.
  • Experience the freedom with no cancellation fees and no refund fuss; book and cancel anytime.
  • Immerse yourself in the basics of Istanbul with an experienced local tour guide who will provide invaluable insights into the historical Old City area.
  • Benefit from the comprehensive knowledge of a local guide, who will summarize all the essential historical, practical, and crucial information about the Old City.
  • Show your appreciation for the experience by tipping at the end of the tour, based on your satisfaction.
  • Take the opportunity to get to know us before booking a paid tour, and later decide if you'd like to continue exploring Istanbul with us, whether through paid group tours or private tours.

Route Highlights

Part 1:

  • Hippodrome Square
  • Egyptian Obelisk
  • Blue Mosque (outside)
  • Hagia Sophia (outside)
  • Hürrem Sultan Hammam (traditional Turkish bath)
  • Basilica Cistern (outside)
  • Backstreets of Old City
  • Historical Jewelry Avenue
  • Baroque Ottoman Mosque 18th century

Part 2:

  • Grand Bazaar (inside)
  • Second Hand Book Bazaar
  • Beyazit City Square
  • Oldest Royal Mosque in Istanbul
  • Turkey's Oldest & Biggest University
  • Finish

Know Before You Go

  • Clarification: Free tours are tip-based introductory activities that typically do not include interior visits to the sites that are being introduced in this tour. For paid entry tours that includes a ticket, consult your tour guide.  
  • Clothing: This is mostly an outdoor activity, please check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. 
  • Accessibility: This tour requires nearly 3 km of walking and is not suitable for wheelchair, baby stroller, and anyone with a walking difficulty or health problem that hinders moderate pace walking for 2.5 hours.
  • Preparation: Please be prepared to walk an average of 3,000 to 12,000 steps a day depending on your itinerary.
  • Closed Day: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Mosques are temporarily closed for visit during Friday noon prayers depending on when noon is that time of the year.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel anytime.

Meeting point & Instructions

In front of the Obelisk of Theodosius in the center of the Hippodrome Square. This column is also known as “The Egyptian Obelisk”.  You can get there by taking tram line T1 and getting off at “Sultanahmet” station. It’s a 5 min walk from there.

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Reviews & Rating

5/ 5

“Our guide was full of both information and humour! So glad we did the tour. Highly recommend it!" Phan, April 2024, Marseille [Source: WalkingToursIstanbul]

Why Choose Us for Your Free Walking Tour in Istanbul?

  • Expert Local Guides: Our tours are led by knowledgeable and passionate locals who provide insider insights into Istanbul's rich history, culture, and hidden gems.
  • Personalized Experience: We offer small group sizes to ensure a more intimate and personalized experience for our guests, allowing for greater interaction with our guides.
  • Flexible Itineraries: Our tours are designed to be flexible, allowing you to tailor your experience based on your interests and preferences.
  • No Upfront Cost: Our free walking tours allow you to explore Istanbul's top attractions without any upfront cost, giving you the freedom to decide the value of your experience at the end of the tour.
  • Authentic Perspective: Discover Istanbul through the eyes of locals, gaining a deeper understanding of the city's culture, traditions, and way of life.
  • Support Local Communities: By choosing our free walking tours, you're supporting local guides and contributing to the sustainability of Istanbul's tourism industry.

FAQ About Free Walking Tour Istanbul

What can I see during the Free Walking Tour Istanbul?

During the Free Walking Tour Istanbul you see highlights and hidden gems of Istanbul, such as Hippodrome Square, Egyptian Obelisk, Blue Mosque (outside), Hagia Sophia (outside), Hürrem Sultan Hammam (traditional Turkish bath), Basilica Cistern (outside), Backstreets of Old City, Historical Jewelry Avenue, Baroque Ottoman Mosque 18th century, Grand Bazaar (inside), Second Hand Book Bazaar, Beyazit City Square, Oldest Royal Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey's Oldest & Biggest University.  

>> Reservation for Your Free Walking Tour Now!

Do you use any other transport in Free Walking Tours Istanbul?

The use of public transportation for the free walking tour varies depending on the route. Please check the tour details for more information.

How long is this tour?

Our Free Walking Tour Istanbul tour are 2.5 hours.

Where do we meet you?

In front of the Obelisk of Theodosius in the center of the Hippodrome Square. This column is also known as “The Egyptian Obelisk”.  You can get there by taking tram line T1 and getting off at “Sultanahmet” station. It’s a 5 min walk from there.

What are the key attractions included in walking tours in Istanbul?

Some of the key attractions that are included in our Istanbul walking tours are, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Suleymaniye Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and the Hippodrome Square. Note that the places included in free walking tours are outside visit only.

What languages are available for guiding during walking tours in Istanbul?

Our free and paid group tours are primarily in English. However, we do offer private tours in Istanbul in other languages. For private walking tours in Istanbul in English, contact us at least one day in advance, for any other language, contact us minimum 1-2 weeks in advance.

>> Is your preference private exploration? Check out our Private Istanbul Old Town Classic Tour.

  >> Are you only looking for an Asian side tour? It's worth checking out our Alternative Istanbul: Private Tour on the Asian Side.



Make a reservation

Book Now!