Available as a half or full day experience.
The imperial city expanded beyond the walls as early as the Byzantine era, forming the not-so-new districts of the city, holding centuries of history and contemporary life.
The itinerary is crafted to provide you with a 360-degree insight, to fully appreciate the urban and sophisticated Istanbul, past and present.
Taksim Square and Istiklal Street
You will start at the vast Taksim Square and stroll the length of teeming Istiklal Street —the city’s jam-packed main pedestrian drag. Lined with Art Nouveau façades, cafes, restaurants, pubs, bookstores, music stores, art galleries, cinemas, theatres, and a kaleidoscope of other shops, Istiklal Street is at the heart of cosmopolitan European Istanbul.
Once the hub of the high society (and the spies!) in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the district now opens its doors to visitors.
While merging into the dynamic city, you will also learn the symbolic and political significance of Taksim Square for the citizens of the 20th century.
The walk covers the picturesque Fish Market and the opportunity to taste some of Istanbul’s delicacies. You will also make a short detour to take a look at the impressive Orientalist painting collection at the Pera Museum.
Contemporary Istanbul
The walk begins at "Tunel" at the southern end of Istiklal Street, and concludes in the hip Karakoy neighborhood at the junction of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus.
You will walk in the Galata and Karakoy neighborhoods northeast of the Golden Horn. The walk will unveil a busy international port city and its narrow, crooked alleys. This area is a surprising mix of small community neighborhoods, each home with the church of their denomination. Mosques, synagogues, brothels, sailors’ hangouts, and dungeons standing side by side with banks that once loaned monarchs, and last but not least, the mansions of naval tycoons create a matchless puzzle. During the walk, you will learn about the trading privileges Ottomans granted to various European nations, the communities they established, their daily lives under Ottoman rule, fascinating stories, charming architectural gems, and the history behind Turkey’s prestigious “Ivy League” high schools.
Walking: moderate (some irregular pavings and downhill walks)
- You will meet your guide at your hotel or at a location you prefer.
- Tour can be customized based on your specifications, travel plans and expectations.
What’s included
- A certified SRM guide
- Public transportation
- Admissions
- Fast track
Contact us for questions, prices, booking and customization.
