Istanbul: Old City Walking Tour with Hagia Sophia & Bazaar

Summary

Stroll Istanbul’s Old City sights from Hagia Sophia to the Grand Bazaar in a small group with guide and lunch

You’ll wander Istanbul’s Old City with a local guide, stepping inside Hagia Sophia’s golden halls and pausing under Blue Mosque’s domes before tasting fresh bread over lunch. Feel cool stone beneath your feet in Basilica Cistern, then lose yourself among colors and voices in the Grand Bazaar. This day trip brings you close to Istanbul’s layers — sometimes chaotic, always alive.

What’s the experience like?

“You have to look up,” our guide Cem said, right as I nearly tripped on the marble step inside Hagia Sophia. The air was thick with incense and something old — dust maybe, or just centuries of people breathing in awe. I kept blinking at the gold mosaics overhead, trying to take it all in but also not bump into anyone. Cem told us how the dome used to be the largest in the world, and I could almost feel that weight above me. Someone’s phone rang (the ringtone was Turkish pop), which made a few of us laugh quietly, like we were breaking some ancient rule.

We shuffled out into sunlight and crossed over to the Blue Mosque. I wrapped my scarf around my head like Cem showed me — he joked my attempt was “almost local” — and we stepped onto cool stone floors under a ceiling painted blue and green. There was a faint echo when people whispered; it felt oddly calming after the street noise outside. Then we wandered past the Hippodrome square, where pigeons outnumbered tourists for once. Cem pointed out scars on one of the columns left by chariot races (or maybe by time, who knows). It started drizzling a little, so umbrellas popped up everywhere except for one old man selling roasted chestnuts who didn’t seem bothered at all.

The Basilica Cistern was colder than I thought it’d be — damp stone walls and that odd hollow sound your footsteps make underground. I tried to spot the Medusa heads at the base of two columns but got distracted by water drops falling from somewhere above. After that, we followed Cem through twisting lanes until suddenly everything burst into color: carpets hanging above stalls, shopkeepers calling out prices in Turkish and English at the Grand Bazaar. I’m still not sure how many turns we took in there; it felt like getting lost on purpose. Lunch came as a relief — warm bread, grilled chicken, sweet tea — shared at a tiny place tucked behind one of those endless doors.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Istanbul's Old City highlights

• Visit Hagia Sophia cathedral
• Tour the Blue Mosque
• Walk around Hippodrome square
• Explore Basilica Cistern
• Shop at Grand Bazaar

Top questions

How long is this Istanbul Old City walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Are entrance fees covered in this day trip?

Entry fees are included as part of the tour package.

Will there be lunch during the tour?

Yes, lunch is included during the day trip.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Which attractions are visited on this tour?

The itinerary covers Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome Square, Basilica Cistern, and Grand Bazaar.

How big is each group on this guided tour?

The tour operates as a small group experience.

Do I need to bring anything special for mosque visits?

Ladies are requested to bring a scarf for mosque entry.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, guidance from a local expert throughout Istanbul’s historic center, entry fees for all main attractions like Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, plus lunch at a local spot before returning comfortably back to your hotel.