Istanbul Tours and Experiences See what others overlook. Understand what others don't.
Discover the heart and soul of Istanbul through perspective-shifting walking tours led by historians, art curators, archaeologists, and more.
Istanbul Private Walking Tours
Context Travel Istanbul Tours
Istanbul, once Byzantium and later Constantinople, stands as a city where millennia of history converge. Its streets echo with the footsteps of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman pasts, each layer telling a story of conquest, faith, and cultural exchange. With Context Travel, curious travelers can delve into this rich historical narrative through our tailored Istanbul tours.
Begin with our Istanbul Highlights Tour: From the Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia, an insightful walk through the city's heart, where you'll encounter the architectural genius of the Hagia Sophia and the serene beauty of the Blue Mosque. This tour is a cornerstone for understanding Istanbul's religious and architectural heritage.
For those fascinated by the intricacies of Ottoman design, our Topkapi Palace Tour beckons. Kids and adults alike can discover the opulence of sultans and the secrets of the harem, making history accessible and engaging through interactive storytelling.
Crossing the Bosphorus, our Asian Side of Istanbul Tour offers a different perspective on this sprawling metropolis. This Istanbul private tour invites you to explore the less-trodden paths, revealing the everyday life and local culture that define the city's Asian half, a perfect complement to the more recognized European side.
No visit to Istanbul is complete without indulging in its culinary legacy. The Istanbul Food Tour: Spice Bazaar and Kadikoy Market takes you through a sensory adventure where the scents of spices and the flavors of local dishes tell their own historical tales. From the bustling stalls of the Spice Bazaar to the vibrant Kadikoy Market, this walking tour is a feast for both the palate and the mind.
Through these Context Travel experiences, Istanbul reveals itself not just as a city but as a living chronicle of human history, inviting travelers to step into its past and savor its present.
What Context Istanbul Travelers Say
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1,030 Reviews
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We had an amazing food tour in Istanbul with Aylin, who was informative, passionate and fun. We started at the Spice Market, tasting Turkish cheeses, meats, spices, and other delicious foods. Aylin shared great insights into the history behind each item and how best to use and experience the different foods and ingredients. We then took a boat to the Anatolian side, where we sampled Turkish pastries and visited a beautiful Turkish delight shop, and sampled different delicacies. We also explored a place specializing in pickled foods and ended at a traditional Turkish spot. Aylin’s enthusiasm along with her expertise in architecture, food history and journalism made the day unforgettable! Highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to explore Istanbul’s culinary scene.
Emile
Mar 4, 2025
Highly, highly recommend this tour specifically with Reyan - she went above and beyond to ensure that we had a five-star experience.
From what's apping us the day before to sharing insight on nearby shopping and places to eat, she was an invaluable resource.
The tour itself enabled us to access the sights quickly and seamlessly despite crowds and Reyan's subject matter expertise is impeccable. Her knowledge, warmth, and excellent language skills made this an outstanding tour.
Eileen
Feb 25, 2025
Melike was informative, thoughtful about our interests, and shared unique local insights from her 20+ years of being a guide.
Anne
Jan 13, 2025