Istanbul Old City: Segway Tour with Audio Guide & Helmet

Summary

Segway through Sultanahmet’s ancient streets and city sounds

You’ll glide through Istanbul’s Old City on a Segway with a local guide, passing icons like Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque while hearing stories in your headset. Expect quick training, helmet and waterproof gear if it rains, plus plenty of moments where you feel stitched into city life—sometimes even before you realize it.

What’s the experience like?

We were already wobbling a little outside the meeting point in Sultanahmet when our guide, Cem, handed out helmets and grinned—“Don’t worry, you’ll get it.” He was right. After maybe two minutes (and one near-miss with a pigeon), the Segway felt less like a weird toy and more like an extension of my own feet. The morning air smelled faintly of fresh simit from a nearby cart—one of those small details that sticks with you for no reason. We zipped off, Cem leading us straight toward the Column of Constantine, weaving through early market chatter and the echo of distant mosque calls.

I didn’t expect to feel so much part of the city while rolling along its old stones. Passing Beyazit Mosque, students spilled out onto the square in clusters, their laughter mixing with street vendors calling out for tea or roasted chestnuts. Cem pointed out details I’d never have noticed—like how the Süleymaniye Mosque seems to hover above everything else when you catch it from just the right angle (he called it “Istanbul’s crown”). Sometimes we’d pause for a quick story or just to listen; once by Gulhane Park, where you could hear sparrows over the hum of trams. My hands got cold gripping the handlebars but honestly, I barely cared.

The Hippodrome surprised me most—I’d read about chariot races but standing there (well, standing-ish on a Segway) made it easier to imagine the noise and chaos centuries ago. Cem joked that he’d raced his cousin there as a kid—“Not quite gladiators,” he shrugged. We rolled past Topkapi Palace’s gates and finally stopped in front of Hagia Sophia. The sunlight hit its stone in this way that made me stop talking for a second. I still think about that view sometimes when I hear seagulls back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Segway tour of Istanbul Old City

• Learn to ride Segway
• Visit Sultanahmet District
• See Column of Constantine
• Explore Beyazit Mosque
• Visit Sehzade Mosque
• View Eastern Roman water system
• Tour Süleymaniye Mosque
• Walk through Gulhane Park
• See Hippodrome
• Visit Blue Mosque
• Tour Topkapi Palace
• Explore Hagia Sophia

Top questions

How long is the Istanbul Old City Segway tour?

The Segway tour lasts 3 hours and starts daily at 10:00 am.

Do I need experience to join this Segway tour?

No experience is necessary; you'll learn to ride in less than 2 minutes.

Which landmarks do we see on this Istanbul Segway tour?

You’ll see Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Gulhane Park, Süleymaniye Mosque, Beyazit Mosque, Column of Constantine and more.

Is hotel pickup included in this Segway tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the starting point in Sultanahmet District.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

Waterproof gear is provided so you can still enjoy the tour comfortably.

Are audio headsets available during the Segway tour?

Yes, audio headsets are included so you can hear your guide clearly throughout.

Can pregnant travelers join this Segway tour?

This activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Is public transportation nearby the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to Sultanahmet District.

What’s included

Your morning includes use of a Segway with quick training at the start, an audio headset to catch every story from your guide as you ride past Istanbul’s most historic sites, a helmet for safety (which honestly made me feel pretty cool), and waterproof gear if rain decides to join too.