Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

This route whisks you through Istanbul’s iconic European and Asian vibe. Start in Sultanahmet, where the towering Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia dominate the skyline, their domes gleaming under the sun. Cross to Eminönü, where the scent of grilled fish fills the air by the bustling piers. Glide through Galataport’s sleek, modern promenade, before the grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace, with its sparkling chandeliers and lavish gardens, leaves you in awe.

Schedule

Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

• First Bus: 10am from Taksim Sqaure/Sultanahmet
• Last Bus: 4:45pm from Taksim Sqaure/Sultanahmet
• Frequency: every 45 minutes
• Popular stops: Taksim Square, Beylerbeyi Palace, Spice Bazaar & Dolmabahce Palace

Click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Discover Istanbul's magic on this flexible 1 or 2-day hop-on hop-off bus adventure that includes stops at iconic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, Galata Tower, and Beylerbeyi Palace. Each half-hourly departure offers unlimited exploration of 11 key spots in Istanbul with multilingual audio guides available in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Turkish, and Arabic. Enjoy a scenic Bosphorus cruise to enhance your experience as you see the bustling Galata Tower and other landmarks rise above the shoreline. The tour covers major districts including Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş, and Üsküdar. With this sightseeing option, you can explore Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture at your own pace. Tour buses are wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to experience the city’s highlights.

Explore Blue Mosque

Your tour stops at the Blue Mosque where guests can marvel at its striking architecture featuring six minarets, a departure from traditional Ottoman mosques which typically had four or fewer. Built between 1609 and 1616 under Sultan Ahmed I's rule, this mosque stands as an architectural masterpiece with over 20,000 blue tiles that give it its name. Visitors can spend up to two hours exploring the complex which includes a vast courtyard measuring about 53 meters long and 48 meters wide, accommodating thousands of worshippers and tourists alike. The Blue Mosque's massive dome reaches nearly 43 meters in height, offering awe-inspiring views inside the prayer hall. Unique among mosques for its intricate tile work and ornate calligraphy, it remains one of Istanbul’s most recognizable landmarks.

Visit Galata Tower

At Galata Tower, guests can ascend to a viewing platform that offers panoramic vistas over the historic peninsula of Istanbul. Constructed in 1348 during the reign of Genoese merchants who ruled the area, this tower stands at approximately 67 meters tall and is one of the oldest surviving structures from medieval Constantinople. Visitors typically spend around half an hour enjoying the breathtaking views while learning about its history through multilingual audio guides provided free with your ticket. Galata Tower’s unique position on a hill makes it visible throughout much of Istanbul, serving as both a landmark and a symbol of the city's strategic importance.

Experience Beylerbeyi Palace

Your tour stops at Beylerbeyi Palace where visitors can explore this magnificent summer residence built between 1861 and 1865 for Sultan Abdulaziz. Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, near the Bosphorus Strait, it covers an area of about 20 acres and features lavish interiors with marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and intricate wood carvings. The palace includes a total of 49 rooms spread across three floors, each designed to reflect different architectural styles such as Ottoman, Baroque, and Rococo. Visitors usually spend around an hour touring the museum-like interior which showcases royal artifacts including furniture, clothing, and personal items used by sultans and their families. Beylerbeyi Palace stands out for its blend of Eastern and Western influences, making it a unique example of 19th-century Ottoman architecture.

Tour Highlights

• Scenic Bosphorus cruise along the strait
• Unrestricted access to 11 key spots in Istanbul
• Multilingual audio guides in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Turkish, and Arabic
• Panoramic views at Galata Tower with free earphones
• Flexible hop-on hop-off schedule every half hour
• Comprehensive coverage of Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş, and Üsküdar districts
• Access to historical landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Beylerbeyi Palace
• Convenience with included earphones for audio guides

Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture buffs, and first-time visitors, this hop-on hop-off bus tour provides an immersive experience of Istanbul's rich cultural heritage through its iconic landmarks. The 1 or 2-day format allows you to explore the Blue Mosque at your leisure, marvel at Galata Tower’s panoramic views, and delve into Beylerbeyi Palace’s opulent interiors, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Istanbul’s historical significance while enjoying its diverse attractions.