The 6 Local Culture and Traditions Tours in Turkey to Book First

1.Full-Day Private Guided Cultural Tour of Istanbul

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 279 reviews · 5 to 7 hours (approx.) Our pick

Spend 5 to 7 hours exploring Istanbul’s old city with a private English-speaking guide. Visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, the Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar, with time to adjust the route, stop for lunch, or browse Turkish crafts.

“Funda was experienced and very knowledgable she is an amazing guide and helped us with our experience to make sure we dont miss any attractions and took right in front of the long lines helping to cut short the waiting times.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Istanbul Food Tour – History and Culture of Turkish Culinary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 265 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $127

Walk from Galata Bridge through Beyoğlu and İstiklal Street to Taksim Square, stopping for meze, raki, stuffed mussels, tantuni, wet burgers, coffee, baklava, and Turkish sweets. Guides such as Tolga, Erol, and Gamze bring the food and neighborhoods to life. Expect about three and a half hours of walking, tasting, and local stories in a small group.

“We had a great time, our host was very friendly and knowledgeable and took us to some great places that we wouldn't have found on our own. Great wsy to spend a few hours in the Taksim area. She also introduced us to the Tunel funicular that we would never have found on our own. Would highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Private Cultural Tour of Istanbul with Certified Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 81 reviews · 7 hours (approx.)

Spend about seven hours with certified guide Murat Bozbulut exploring Istanbul’s old city in a private group of up to five. You’ll visit Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Basilica Cistern. The tour is offered in English, with Spanish skills also noted, and hotel pickup may be available.

“Murat is one of the touristic guides we’ve ever met. He has all the knowledge of Turkish history and culture. We have visited the main buildings of Istanbul (Sofi, Blue Mosque, Cistern and Topkapi) during 7 hours, and he was able to keep us interested. It’s also remarkable his skills in Spanish”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Istanbul City Walk: Colors, Culture & History Fener Balat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Walk through Istanbul’s Fener and Balat districts with a guide such as Furkan, covering colorful houses, the Fener Greek High School, Bulgarian Iron Church, Ahrida Synagogue area, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. This two-hour English tour costs $30.17, includes entrance fees, and ends where it begins.

“Fener and Balat are definitely a must if visiting Istanbul. Beautiful, colorful neighborhoods that make for great photos. Furkam was great, very knowledgeable. Thanks for everything”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Side:Green Lake Mix Tour – A Day of Nature History & Culture

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 44 reviews · 8 hours · from $39

Spend eight hours exploring Antalya Province from Side, with stops at Oymapınar Dam, Seleukia, Green Lake, Manavgat Waterfall, an orange garden, and a local mosque. You get lunch, a one-hour catamaran cruise, hotel transfers, and a chance to swim. The route can change, and Seleukia may be replaced if excavation work closes it.

“soweit alles super. der Tierpark überteuert und keine artgerechte Haltung. sollte aus dem Programm genommen werden”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.City of Side: Mix Tour History, Nature, Culture Mosque Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 21 reviews · from $22Best value

This full-day Side tour combines a mosque visit, ancient sights, Green Lake by boat, Oymapınar Dam, an orange grove, lunch, and free time for swimming or jet skiing. English, German, Russian, and Turkish guides lead the day. Ahmed is one named guide. Hotel pickup, transport, lunch, and the boat trip are included.

“This tour is highly recommended. We were picked up at our hotel on time and had a great mix of activities. The tour guide was excellent, explained everything very well, and was in a great mood.”

Check availability →Read our full review