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An Istanbul old city walking tour in Sultanahmet lets you cover the main historic sights of the city on foot in about three hours. The Historic Peninsula in Fatih holds roughly 1,500 years of Byzantine and Ottoman history, and most of it lies within a short walk.
This tour is led by a licensed local guide. You pass Hagia Sophia, visit Sultanahmet Mosque, stand on the ancient Hippodrome and end up in the side streets of the Grand Bazaar. Below you will find the route, what is included and how to prepare.
The route stays inside the Historic Peninsula. Stops include the Hippodrome, where chariot races once took place and where the Obelisk of Theodosius still stands, Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Mosque (the Blue Mosque) and the Grand Bazaar. Your guide tells the stories of the Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans who ruled from here, and takes you into some quieter courtyards in the bazaar area that most visitors walk past.
The walk takes 3 hours. Your guide is a licensed professional, and the visit to Sultanahmet Mosque is part of the programme. Hagia Sophia is seen from the outside, so the tour does not include going inside. The Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar are also stops on the route. At the end your guide gives you local recommendations for meals, cafes and what else to see around the city.
Sultanahmet Mosque is an active place of worship. Cover your shoulders and knees, and bring a scarf if you need to cover your hair. You will take your shoes off at the entrance, so socks are useful. The mosque closes to visitors during prayer times, which is one reason a guide helps with the order of the stops. Wear comfortable shoes for old stone streets, and bring water and sun protection in summer.
Spring and autumn bring mild weather that suits three hours outdoors. Summer afternoons can be hot on the open squares, and winter brings rain, so pack accordingly. Check the day you choose, because the Grand Bazaar is normally closed on Sundays and public holidays. Sultanahmet is also busy at weekends and in high season, so a guide who knows the area is especially useful then.