About this experience
Not just for show, without unpleasant commerce, under the author's sauce - we will show you the real Istanbul. It will be a big day on two continents filled with live stories about people, details, conversations over coffee and tea. From Istiklal Street and Galata Tower to the Beylerbeyi Palace and the Balat district: you will see iconic places and delve into secret spots, compare different neighborhoods, and feel like a true resident of Istanbul.
What to expect
This unusual tour is conducted in the format of a continuous conversation. We talk about the history of each location and about the life of modern Istanbul (family, work, salary, housing, leisure). We give advice on the city and are open to any questions.
Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Russian Constantinople
The history of the Turkish Republic began at Taksim Square: we will start our walk here and talk about Ataturk's activities and life. Then we will stroll along Istiklal Street: behind the noisy bustling facade, you will discover magnificent 19th-century arcades, cozy courtyards, Gothic cathedrals, and stories about Russian emigrants.
Pera Palas, 'Murder on the Orient Express' and bohemian alleys
A special highlight in the Beyoglu area is the Pera Palas Hotel, where Agatha Christie wrote her renowned detective novel, and we will enjoy coffee in its luxurious interiors. Afterwards, we will take a walk through Djihangir with its vintage shops, have aromatic coffee again at an authentic café under a grape arbor.
Cruise on the Bosphorus to the Beylerbeyi Palace
Passing by the Galata Tower, we will descend to the Golden Horn bay, where we will board a city boat and sail to the Asian part of Istanbul across the waves of the Bosphorus. Bring some simit with you to feed the seagulls from the deck!
You will see the bridges connecting two parts of the world and the famous Dolmabahce Palace, but we will visit another palace - equally magnificent but without tourist crowds. You will explore the halls of Beylerbeyi independently with a free audioguide; we will admire the gardens together.
Lunch: seafood with a glass of Chardonnay or a family-owned meat restaurant
We will return to the European part of Istanbul by metro (the Marmaray line, which runs under the Bosphorus). By this time, it will be time for a hearty meal: we suggest a fish restaurant overlooking the Golden Horn bay and the Suleymaniye Mosque. The menu includes chilled wine from local cellars, traditional mezes of baked eggplants with crispy bread, olives with sun-dried tomatoes, golden shrimp with spices, and of course, juicy grilled fish. If you prefer meat dishes, you can have lunch in an authentic establishment in the Nisantasi district.
Colorful Balat Quarter
Get your camera ready, we have arrived in the colorful, photogenic, and vibrant Jewish quarter! We will observe the local residents, visit antique shops, and have tea with cheesecake. If our meeting takes place in the summer, on the way to Balat, we will pass through the Egyptian Bazaar and the Suleymaniye Mosque.
Sapphire Skyscraper: Istanbul at your feet
As the bustling, sunny metropolis fades away, another Istanbul starts playing with lights from a height, resembling embers glowing in a fireplace... You will enjoy this view from the open observation deck of the 56-story skyscraper.
A worthy end to such a packed day will be dinner with a glass of cold champagne at a restaurant with traditional Eastern cuisine - we will take you there and provide menu recommendations. All that's left is to make a wish - to return to the enchanting Istanbul again!
Organizational details
- The tour is on foot, but we will often use public transport (covering all its types) because it is convenient and fast in Istanbul
- I or another guide from our team will conduct the tour for you
- Be sure to wear comfortable worn-in shoes - we will be walking a lot
- Also, be sure to bring Turkish lira in cash
Your approximate additional expenses:
- Transportation - €10 per person for the whole day
- Entrance tickets to the Beylerbeyi Palace (€10 per person) and the observation deck (€15 per person)
- Lunch without alcohol and tea/coffee - €30 per person for the whole day. Keep in mind that not all places may sell/serve alcohol
