Istanbul on Foot - from Both Sides of the Bosphorus

What to Expect

Galataport - Istanbul's new top location
We'll meet near your hotel and take a tram to the Galata district, to the modern port with shops and cafes. Strolling along the waterfront, you will admire the views of the Asian part of the metropolis and may see a cruise liner docked. I will interpret what you see, share interesting facts about Istanbul, and give you tips from a local.

Karakoy and Uskudar: From graffiti to mosques
From Galataport, we will smoothly transition to the Karakoy district - preserving the old but open to the new. Street after street, you will see graffiti, authentic cafes, bars, pubs, and clubs.

At the Karakoy pier, we will board a boat and, amidst the noise of the Bosphorus, reach Uskudar. This is already a conservative neighborhood with mosques at every turn - we will understand where these contrasts in Istanbul come from. Here we will stroll along the beautiful Salacak waterfront: on the other shore, you will see the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and other main attractions, hear their history. And of course, you will visit the Maiden's Tower, surrounded by legends.

Lunch Time: Ottoman cuisine from the sultan's granddaughter
I invite you to taste traditional dishes in a non-touristy restaurant in Uskudar, owned by the granddaughter of the 35th Sultan Abdul Hamid II. She often visits there, so if desired, you can chat with her.

Kuzguncuk: Istanbul's most colorful houses
The final part will be vibrant: you will visit a tolerant and creative neighborhood. You will unravel its history, which intertwined different faiths. Admiring the lace buildings with balconies, you will feel the spirit of a peaceful non-touristy city. In one of the cafes, if you wish, you can try pastries without flour, oil, and sugar. And in Kuzguncuk, you can meet actors and actresses, as Turkish series are often filmed here.