Let our local experts guide you through a handpicked selection of things to do on a private tour. Your personalized escapade in Istanbul tomorrow is just a click away - don't miss out!
Make your stay in Istanbul complete with these things to do








Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Istanbul with locals






Always private. It's just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
Our locals will give you the best experiences that Istanbul has to offer
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You'll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You're choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that's okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You'll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You're choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that's okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
As the promise of a new day dawns upon us, the question arises - how best to uncover the treasures of Istanbul? Look no further than the expertise of local guides. Amidst the myriad things to do, a guided tour led by those who call Istanbul home offers an unrivaled experience.
While guidebooks provide insights, a local's perspective unveils hidden gems and tales that breathe life into the streets. From historical anecdotes to culinary delights, local guides curate authentic experiences tailored to your interests. Beyond mainstream attractions, they lead you to charming cafes, serene alleys, and the pulse of the city.
With a private tour, your adventure unfolds at your pace. No bustling crowds, no missed opportunities. Solo explorers, couples, or families - all can relish Istanbul through the eyes of a local. As the sun sets on today, let a local-led tour illuminate your tomorrow, revealing the heart and soul of Istanbul unlike ever before.
Discover experiences based on your interest
Find the perfect private tour
Select one of our local experts
Enjoy Istanbul like a local
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"Ugur gave us an excellent tour of Turkish foods we would not have discovered on our own at little establishments that were off the beaten path. He tailored his tour to our tastes and provided a great variety of different foods. His knowledge of Turkish history and the history of Istanbul was very extensive and educational. Would highly recommend! "
"Andullah knows his local history! Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Turkish Republic; he was able to make what we seeing come alive by relating it to each period in the history of this great city."
"If we could give 1000 stars, we would! Loved our Istanbul Historic City Center experience with our very knowledgeable guide Cengiz. The flow of the tour felt completely relaxed and tailored to what my family seemed to like and want. Our tour guide did a great job engaging with me, my husband, and our son, making it feel totally personalized and like we were already friends! It felt seamless, thoughtful, and individualized, and we learned SO MUCH more than we would with a big group. He is passionate and funny, and loves to share his love for the subject. This was a top highlight of Istanbul. Book with Cengizz!"
"What a wonderful day we had with Cengiz! The tour included all of the highlights of old town Istanbul. We went to famous mosques, underground water supply systems had a delicious lunch and then hit the Grand Bazaar and purchased a wonderful rug with Cengiz recommendation A memorable day with an excellent guide! He met us promptly at the agreed upon location and we started our day. From there we headed to Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and saw how the mosque had previous lives as a church, a temple, and then an active mosque. We wandered through the streets of the old town and learned so much history. In total, a fabulous tour by an amazing and knowledgeable tour guide. Highly recommend!!"
" My food tour in Istanbul was one of the absolute highlights of my trip, and that was entirely because of the incredible guide, Emre. From the moment we met, he made me feel like we were exploring the city with a knowledgeable friend rather than a food tour guide. Emre has a deep passion for Istanbul’s food culture and history, and he brought every stop to life with fascinating stories, local insights, and genuine enthusiasm. We tasted an amazing variety of dishes—from hidden local favorites to classic Turkish specialties—and each place felt thoughtfully chosen. It was clear he wanted me to experience the real Istanbul, not just the tourist spots. What truly set Emre apart was his warmth and authenticity. He was patient, engaging, and incredibly generous with his knowledge, answering every question and sharing tips about the city I never would have discovered on my own. If you’re visiting Istanbul and want to understand the city through its food, book a tour with Emre through "Withlocals". It’s more than a food tour—it’s a cultural experience you’ll remember long after the trip ends."
"I would highly recommend Oguz for a tour of the old part of Istanbul. He was very informative and told lovely stories which brought the history to life and were very interesting. He was very accommodating and made sure we knew how to get back to our hotel. My husband and I had a wonderful afternoon with him. "
"Started off just before time and probably the best guide we have had anywhere Very knowledgeable but not drowning us in too much and also light hearted conversation Knows the best places for lunch and how to help us pick the best parts of Instanbul that suited us. Definitely saved us hours and hopefully he is available for a different tour next time"
"Thank you Cengiz for your wonderful and informative of your city! We were really pleasantly surprised by Istanbul....what an incredible place and we feel like we only scratched the surface...we will be back for another tour someday!"
"We booked an Evening in Istanbul trip with Goda and friends. It was a great way to start our 4 night vacation. Goda was very knowledgeable, very patient with us and her personality was warm and friendly. She was also kind enough to wait an hour for us to arrive as our travel was delayed. I highly recommend booking with her. "
"Emre was everything you could ask for in a tour guide- welcoming, informative, and very knowledgeable of local history. After only a few minutes you feel like long time friends. Of course the food was amazing and I feel that he did an outstanding job of choosing delicious stops that encompass the heart of Istanbuls local food and drink culture. All of the owners and employees were also welcoming and served delicious foods and drinks. We hit some amazing local parts of town and we left with a wealth of knowledge that will serve us well for the rest of the trip. Emre went out of his way to make this a very memorable experience. I couldn’t recommend him enough!"