How to Plan Your Classic Old City Tour by Mr.Istanbul 1-2 or 3 days in Istanbul

If you’re planning a visit to Istanbul and don’t want to miss any of the city’s top landmarks, a guided tour is the perfect option for you. Mr.Istanbul offers a Classic Old City Tour that takes you to some of the must-see places in the city, along with hidden gems that only the locals know about.

The tour is designed to show guests as many things as possible in a limited amount of time. The first day is dedicated to the Old City with major tourist attractions; the second explores the beaten paths of “real Istanbul”; and the third is dedicated to the Asian and European history of the city. Here’s how to plan your perfect tour in Istanbul with Mr.Istanbul.

Overview

This tour aims to show people the beaten paths backstreets and hidden gems of Istanbul, as well as the major sites. All fees and taxes are included, and three lunches are provided. Guests will travel by public transportation for an authentic Turkish experience. Pick-up is offered, and there are different meeting points available for guests to choose from.

What’s Included

Here’s what’s included in the Classic Old City Tour by Mr.Istanbul:

Day 1: Old City Tour

On the first day of the tour, guests will go on a walking tour of Istanbul’s Old City, which includes the following historical landmarks:

• Topkapi Palace
• Hagia Sophia
• Blue Mosque
• Hippodrome
• Grand Bazaar

Guests will also get to enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch.

Topkapi Palace Entrance Fee

The entrance fee for Topkapi Palace is 14 USD per person, and it is included in the tour price.

Day 2: Beaten Paths of “Real Istanbul” Tour

On the second day of the tour, guests will explore the lesser-known parts of Istanbul, away from the tourist hotspots. The tour includes the following:

• Explore the beautiful Fener and Balat neighbourhoods
• The Church of St. George
• Edirnekapi neighborhoods & Chora Church’s hidden gems
• A traditional Turkish lunch
• The famous Spice Bazaar
• A cruise on the Bosphorus

Bosphorus Cruise Ticket Fee

The fee for Bosphorus Cruise is 15 USD per person, and it is included in the tour price.

Day 3: Asian & European History of Istanbul Tour

On the third day of the tour, guests will explore the Asian and European history of Istanbul. The tour includes the following:

• Explore Istanbul’s Asian side
• The Maiden’s Tower
• Dolmabahce Palace
• Taksim Square & Istiklal street
• A traditional Turkish lunch

Dolmabahce Palace Entrance Fee

The entrance fee for Dolmabahce Palace is 12 USD per person, and it is included in the tour price.

Meeting and Pickup

Guests have the option to head directly to their preferred meeting point or request pickup. Here are the meeting points available:

• Taksim Square – in front of the German Fountain
• Sultanahmet – in front of the Hagia Sophia
• Sirkeci – in front of the train station
• Besiktas – in front of the Fish Market
• Galata Bridge – in front of the dervish house

Book Your Tour

The Classic Old City Tour by Mr.Istanbul is perfect for those who want to see as much of Istanbul as possible in a limited amount of time. All fees and taxes are included, and three lunches are provided. Topkapi Palace entrance fee, Bosphorus Cruise ticket fee, and Dolmabahce Palace entrance fee are also included in the tour price. To book your tour, visit this link, and choose your preferred date and number of guests. We hope you enjoy your tour with Mr.Istanbul!

Frequently Asked Questions About Istanbul

Istanbul, located in the Eurasian region, is a sprawling and bustling city that bridges two different continents of Europe and Asia. Known for its rich history, architectural marvels, and cultural diversity, Istanbul remains a popular destination for tourists every year. As with any travel destination, there are certain questions that visitors tend to have. In this post, we aim to answer the most frequently asked questions about Istanbul.

1. What is the best time to visit Istanbul?

Istanbul has a temperate climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Istanbul is from mid-April to mid-June, and from September to mid-November. During these times of the year, the weather is favorable, and the crowds are a bit thinner, allowing visitors to explore the city’s many attractions without feeling too overwhelmed.

2. What are the Must-See attractions in Istanbul?

Istanbul has an abundance of must-see attractions that cater to all interests, ages, and cultural backgrounds. These include:

a) Hagia Sophia

One of Istanbul’s most iconic buildings, Hagia Sophia, was originally built as a church in 537 AD and was later converted into a mosque in 1453. It is now a museum that showcases both its Christian and Islamic heritage, including Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman-era calligraphy.

b) Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

The Blue Mosque is another famous landmark in Istanbul that dates back to the early 17th century. It is renowned for its stunning blue-tiled interior and six minarets, which dominate the city skyline.

c) Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace served as the residence of Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the palace’s many courtyards, gardens, and ornate chambers, which house impressive collections of Islamic art, ceramics, and weaponry.

d) Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets globally, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from textiles and jewelry to spices and Turkish sweets. It is a shopper’s paradise that offers visitors a glimpse into authentic Turkish culture.

3. What is Turkish cuisine like?

Turkish cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, aromas, and diversity. Some of the most popular traditional dishes include:

a) Turkish Delight

Turkish Delight is a gel-like candy made from starch and sugar and flavored with rosewater, pistachios, or walnuts.

b) Baklava

Baklava is a delicious pastry made from thin layers of phyllo dough, filled with chopped nuts, and held together with syrup or honey.

c) Doner Kebab

Doner Kebab is a famous street food that comprises grilled lamb or beef, wrapped in a flatbread, and served with tomatoes, onions, and yogurt sauce.

d) Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is a strong, rich, and aromatic coffee prepared by boiling finely ground coffee beans with water and sugar.

4. What are the transportation options in Istanbul?

Istanbul has an extensive public transportation network that includes Metro, Tram, Bus, and Ferry. Visitors can buy Istanbul Kart, a reloadable electronic transit card that allows them to use multiple forms of transportation at a reduced fare. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are also available but might be more expensive.

5. Is Istanbul a safe city for tourists?

Istanbul is a relatively safe city for tourists, but like any other large city, there are certain precautions visitors should take to avoid running into trouble. For instance, it’s advisable to keep valuables out of sight, be cautious when using public transportation, and avoid dark and deserted areas at night.

Conclusion

Istanbul is a city that caters to all interests, ages, and cultural backgrounds. From its world-renowned landmarks to its vibrant culture and cuisine, Istanbul has something to offer everyone. We hope that this post has helped answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Istanbul and has convinced you to visit this beautiful city.