Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is one of the most important buildings in human history, serving as a cathedral for nearly a thousand years before becoming a mosque, then a museum, and a mosque again. Entry is free.
Walking tour in Istanbul
Istanbul Old Town Free Tour
The Istanbul Old Town Free Tour is a tip-based walking tour covering the heart of the historic peninsula, including a mosque visit and the Grand Bazaar area. Guides are fully licensed. The tour runs daily in English for approximately 2.5 hours and is designed for first-time visitors looking to orient themselves in a city that spans two continents. Budget travelers book online and tip what they think the tour was worth.
Practical
Who runs it
- Operator
- Free Istanbul Tours
The route
Where it stops
Each stop is free to stand in front of, whatever the tour costs.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is free to enter and famous for over 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles covering the interior. Visitors enter outside of prayer times through a side entrance.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops spread across 61 covered streets. Entry is free.
Everything else Istanbul costs.
Istanbul