01
Hagia Sophia
Istanbul’s symbol, built in the 6th century.
Turkey · TR
Things to do in Istanbul
A city on two continents: Byzantine churches, Ottoman palaces, bazaars and the Bosphorus.
356tours
from $27car per day
TRIstanbul
Tours in Istanbul
All 356 toursin town
City sightseeing tours
2–4 h · 160 optionsView →
out of town
Nature & day trips
6–12 h · 125 optionsView →
in town
Food & local cuisine
3–5 h · 71 optionsView →
Tip: Tours in Istanbul come with a guide and transfer. A car is handy for exploring on your own — for example, Grand Bazaar.
Choose a tour
Car · optional
Car rental in Istanbul
Want to drive yourself? Cars from local rental companies, from $27 a day. Pick your dates right here.
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Top sights in Istanbul
The main places guides take you to. Some are also easy to visit on your own.
02
Blue Mosque
The Sultanahmet Mosque with six minarets.
03
Bosphorus
A boat trip between Europe and Asia.
04
Grand Bazaar
One of the oldest covered markets in the world.
Tours in Istanbul: how to choose
Istanbul: a city on two continents: Byzantine churches, Ottoman palaces, bazaars and the Bosphorus.
Pokataem lists 356 tours by local guides in Istanbul — from short walks around the centre to full-day trips.
The most popular picks are Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Bosphorus. If history and context matter, book a guided tour. If you want freedom to stop wherever you like, rent a car for a day or two from a local company.
When to go
Beach season runs from May to October. For Istanbul and ancient sites, April–June and September–November are the most comfortable.
Entry & documents
You need a passport valid well beyond your trip (often at least 150 days on entry — check with your airline). Most EU, UK and US passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 90 days; rules depend on your nationality.
Licence & rental
A national licence in Latin script is accepted for tourist stays; an International Driving Permit is recommended. Minimum age 21, 1–2 years of driving experience. The deposit is blocked on a card; some cars need none.
Country travel guide
Money, SIM cards, road rules and what to pack in Turkey
FAQ: things to do in Istanbul
The essentials in brief. Can’t find your answer? Write to us — we reply within an hour.
01How much do tours in Istanbul cost?
It depends on the format: walking tours are cheaper, full-day trips cost more. There are 356 tours by local guides in Istanbul.
02What are the top sights in Istanbul?
The highlights: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Bosphorus, Grand Bazaar. A city on two continents: Byzantine churches, Ottoman palaces, bazaars and the Bosphorus.
03Do I need a car in Istanbul?
Not necessarily — most tours include transfers. A car is great for exploring on your own: 240 cars from local companies in Istanbul, from $27 a day.
04What documents do I need to visit Turkey?
You need a passport valid well beyond your trip (often at least 150 days on entry — check with your airline). Most EU, UK and US passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 90 days; rules depend on your nationality.
05What licence do I need to rent a car in Istanbul?
A national licence in Latin script is accepted for tourist stays; an International Driving Permit is recommended. Minimum age 21, 1–2 years of driving experience. The deposit is blocked on a card; some cars need none.
06How do I pay in Istanbul?
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Carry some Turkish lira in cash for markets, taxis and small towns; exchange offices (döviz) usually beat airport rates.
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