Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Sultanahmet Square Walking Tour times: 09:30, 11:00, and 14:15. Available every day except Friday.
Tour guide will be waiting next to the tall white information pillar outside the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in Sultanahmet Square, holding a white flag with the Istanbul Tourist Pass® logo.
About This Activity
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Guided Tour / Hosted EntryAdmit and discover with professional local guides
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Reservation RecommendedBook ticket in advance to guarantee admission
Highlights
- Begin your tour as your guide welcomes you near the grand archway of the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey through history.
- Step into the ancient Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine entertainment, and hear captivating stories of chariot races, emperors, and monuments that still stand tall today.
- Continue to the breathtaking Blue Mosque, admired for its six minarets and exquisite tilework, one of the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul.
- Explore Sultanahmet Square with your guide, who will share fascinating insights about the area’s rich historical layers.
- Admire the exterior of the majestic Hagia Sophia and hear the extraordinary story of how it evolved from a Byzantine basilica to an imperial mosque and later a museum.
Includes
- Guided Walking Tour with a Local Expert Guide
Sultanahmet Highlights on the Path of Byzantine
Join this unforgettable walking tour through the city's most iconic and culturally rich landmarks. Led by a professional guide, you will explore the timeless beauty of Sultanahmet. From the grandeur of the Blue Mosque to the ancient Hippodrome, and with the chance to admire the legendary Hagia Sophia from the outside, this tour offers the perfect introduction to Istanbul’s glorious past and vibrant present, all in one scenic journey.
Meeting Point
Meet your guide 20 minutes before the tour begins. He will be waiting on the left side of the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, holding a white flag with the Istanbul Tourist Pass logo.
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (Outside)
Begin your journey at the entrance arch of this historic museum, where your guide will welcome you and introduce the tour.
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Walk through the ancient Hippodrome, once the social and sporting center of the Byzantine Empire. Learn about the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain.
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Visit one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, known for its six minarets and stunning blue Iznik tiles. Enjoy the serene atmosphere while your guide shares its fascinating story.
Sultanahmet Square Walk
Stroll through Sultanahmet Square as your guide narrates the layered history of this vibrant area, home to centuries of empires.
Hagia Sophia (Exterior)
View the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia from the outside and hear about its transformation from a church to a mosque, then a museum, and back to a mosque.
For this amazing experience with a comprehensive guided tour and more, Buy Your Pass Now! Istanbul Tourist Pass® is here to make your Istanbul trip an unforgettable experience!
Times & Duration
The tour is available daily at 09:30, 11:00 and 14:15 (except Fridays).
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before your chosen time. Your guide will be waiting next to the tall white information pillar outside the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in Sultanahmet Square, holding a white flag with the Istanbul Tourist Pass® logo.
Where You'll Be
How to Get There?
Getting to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Sultanahmet Square Istanbul Old City Walking Tour is convenient and accessible from various parts of Istanbul. Here’s a guide to help you reach this iconic landmark:
Please meet your guide 20 minutes before the tour time. Your guide will be holding a white flag with the Istanbul Tourist Pass® logo. Your guide will be on the left side of the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum.
This convenient location is easily accessible and serves as the perfect starting point for your tour.
By Tram: Take the T1 Tram Line and get off at the Sultanahmet stop. From there, it's a short walk to meeting point.
By Bus: Several bus lines stop near the Sultanahmet area. Check local bus routes for the most convenient option.
On Foot: If you are staying in the Sultanahmet district, many of the hotels are within walking distance of the meeting point.
All About the Guided Tour
Included in the Istanbul Tourist Pass®, this guided experience takes you through the most historically rich and visually stunning parts of the city. Perfectly tailored for curious travelers, this tour brings Istanbul’s glorious past to life.
Meet Your Guide with Ease
Your professional tour guide will be waiting for you on the left side of the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum. Look for the white flag with the Istanbul Tourist Pass® logo for a smooth start to your experience.
A Walk Through History
The tour begins at the ancient Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine Constantinople. Here, you will hear stories of emperors, chariot races, and political intrigue as you explore iconic landmarks like the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column.
Next, admire the exterior of the legendary Blue Mosque, known for its six elegant minarets and beautiful Iznik tiles. Then continue through Sultanahmet Square as your guide shares fascinating insights into the history that surrounds you.
Iconic Sights from the Outside
From Sultanahmet Square, take in the view of the majestic Hagia Sophia. Your guide will explain their importance in the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras, offering context that enriches your experience.
A Perfect Introduction to Istanbul
This walking tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want to understand the essence of Istanbul. With expert commentary and carefully selected highlights, it is the perfect way to connect with the city's historic center in a short yet meaningful journey.
Know Before You Go
- Meeting Point - In Front of the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Sultanahmet / Hippodrome)
- We will meet next to the tall white information pillar located outside the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, in Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome).
- This pillar stands near the trees and walking path, right outside the museum garden fence, not at the main glass entrance.
- Your guide will be holding a white flag with the “Istanbul Tourist Pass®” logo. Please look for this flag to join your group.
- Please do not enter the museum building or go through the main entrance. The tour does not start inside the museum. Wait at the marked meeting point until your guide arrives.
- We kindly ask you to be there at least 20 minutes before your tour starts to ensure a smooth beginning.
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