Istanbul Segway Mini Tour: See Sultanahmet & Hagia Sophia

Cover Istanbul's Ottoman heartland on two wheels instead of two feet

This is a guided Segway tour of Istanbul's Sultanahmet district, the historic core where Ottoman palaces and Byzantine monuments cluster within walking distance. You ride a Segway past the Hippodrome, through Gulhane Park, around Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, with a live guide narrating in English. The tour runs 90 minutes and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Morning Segway tour of Istanbul highlights

• Visit Hippodrome Square
• Stop at Gulhane Park for break
• See Topkapi Palace residence
• Explore Hagia Sophia

Stops and time spent at each 4 stops

1. Hippodrome 20m
2. Gulhane Park 40m
3. Topkapi Palace 20m
4. Hagia Sophia 20m

What’s included

• Use of a Segway for the duration of the tour.
• a live guide speaking English throughout the route.

Times

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• Every day except Wednesday 10:00
• Wednesday 09:00

Information

Ride a Segway through Istanbul's Sultanahmet district in 90 minutes, passing Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace.

Group Up to 8

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. See the exact address

Book up to 12h before

Ages Adult (14 to 80 years) · Child (9 to 13 years) · Under 9: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Public transport nearby Not recommended during pregnancy

More information The exact meeting point address, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

4.94 ★★★★★ Exceptional 17 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

How do you see four major Istanbul landmarks without spending the day on foot? The Segway cuts the walking time in half, so you cover the Hippodrome Square, site of ancient chariot races, Gulhane Park, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia in a single morning. A guide leads the route and explains what you're passing. You get a break inside Gulhane Park, Istanbul's oldest and largest urban park, to catch your breath and take in the surroundings.

The Segway itself handles the terrain of Sultanahmet, the neighborhood where these four sites sit. You don't need prior experience. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for pregnant travelers. Children from age 9 can join. The ride takes 90 minutes total, which means you're back with time left in the morning for lunch or to linger at any site that catches your eye.

Public transportation options are nearby if you need them to reach the starting point. The guide speaks English and will answer questions as you move between stops, so you're not just passing the monuments. You're learning what you're looking at.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (9 to 13 years). Children under 9 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Hippodrome and why does it matter in Istanbul?

The Hippodrome is Hippodrome Square, an ancient arena that once hosted gladiator fights, chariot races and major public events. It's one of the first stops on the tour and marks the center of Sultanahmet, the historic district where most of Istanbul's major monuments cluster.

Can I actually enter Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia on this tour, or do I just ride past them?

The tour passes both sites so you see them and hear about them from your guide. Topkapi Palace was the primary residence of Ottoman Sultans, and Hagia Sophia is the Byzantine Church of Holy Wisdom, decorated by Emperor Justinian. The 90-minute format means the tour focuses on the exteriors and the stories behind them rather than full interior visits.

Is Gulhane Park a real break or just another stop?

Gulhane Park is where the tour stops for a rest. It's the oldest and largest urban park in Istanbul, so you'll actually have time to step off the Segway, walk around and recover before continuing to the next site.

Do I need to know how to ride a Segway before I book?

No. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and no prior Segway experience is required. Children from age 9 can join, which suggests the learning curve is manageable for most riders.

Operated by Istanbul Segway Tours. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated yesterday