Tour guide explaining maps during Blue Mosque tour in Istanbul.
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets and domes, Istanbul skyline and Bosphorus in background.
Guests with a guide inside the Blue Mosque, Istanbul, observing architecture.
Interior view of the Blue Mosque's ornate ceiling with intricate patterns and stained glass windows.
Guest taking photos inside the Blue Mosque, Istanbul.
Galata Tower overlooking Istanbul cityscape and Bosphorus Bridge.
Staircase leading to Galata Tower, Istanbul, with plants and stone architecture.

Istanbul Old Town Guided Tour with Blue Mosque & Galata Tower Entry Tickets

Istanbul
Guided Tours
Google Verified Seller

Duration: 4 hours (approx.)

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Experience Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks in one experience on a guided tour of the Old Town, plus skip-the-line access to the Galata Tower.

Step inside the Blue Mosque on a 60-min guided tour, where thousands of hand-painted İznik tiles shimmer, and view its minarets and domes as you explore its interior.

Stroll through the Sultanahmet Square, once the centre of Constantinople, as your expert guide weaves tales of Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans.

See the Obelisk of Theodosius up close in Sultanahmet Square, transported from Egypt by Roman Emperor Theodosius I, a symbol of Istanbul’s multicultural past.

Ride the elevator up the Galata Tower and take in 360° views of Istanbul's skyline. Gaze out over the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn, with insights from your audioguide.

Skip-the-line entry to Galata Tower during operating hours

Elevator access to the top

60-min Blue Mosque guided tour with entry

Istanbul Sultanahmet Square guided tour

Visit to the Obelisk of Theodosius

Downloadable multilingual audioguide in German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Romanian, Russian, and Chinese

Food and drinks

Tour guide explaining maps during Blue Mosque tour in Istanbul.

Tour guide explaining maps during Blue Mosque tour in Istanbul.

Discover Istanbul’s historic Old Town with a guided Blue Mosque tour and skip-the-line Galata Tower entry, including panoramic city views.

Getting started

Meet your guide at Sultanahmet Square for a brief introduction before your group sets off. After a short security check, your guide leads you through the Old Town, beginning your journey into Istanbul’s layered past.

What to expect

Explore Istanbul’s Old Town, where every stone tells a story of empires past. This walking tour blends expert insights with iconic landmarks, from ancient Roman ruins to Ottoman masterpieces.

Exploring with a guide

Throughout the walking tour, your licensed local guide shares stories of sultans, emperors, and historical turning points that shaped Istanbul, as their deep knowledge brings monuments and alleyways alike to life.

Features:

  • Sultanahmet Square: Begin your journey in the heart of the Old Town at Sultanahmet Square, once the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Your guide paints a vivid picture of its storied past as a centre of Byzantine public life, where chariot races once thrilled the crowds.

  • Blue Mosque: With its soaring domes, six minarets, and dazzling blue İznik tiles, the Blue Mosque is a perfect example of Ottoman architectural and religious grandeur. Enjoy a 60-min guided tour that delves into its artistic, cultural, and spiritual significance.

  • Obelisk of Theodosius: Marvel at this ancient Egyptian monument, re-erected here in the 4th century by Roman Emperor Theodosius I. It's one of the best-preserved structures from the old Hippodrome and a symbol of the city's layered history.

  • Galata Tower: After your walking tour, use your skip-the-line ticket to access Galata Tower at your convenience. Ride the elevator to the top and take in 360-degree panoramas over the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, and beyond.

  • Audioguide: Enhance your Galata Tower visit with a handy audio guide on your smartphone, offering immersive commentary as you explore this medieval watchtower at your own pace.

Blue Mosque exterior with minarets and domes, Istanbul skyline and Bosphorus in background.

Blue Mosque exterior with minarets and domes, Istanbul skyline and Bosphorus in background.

Guests with a guide inside the Blue Mosque, Istanbul, observing architecture.

Guests with a guide inside the Blue Mosque, Istanbul, observing architecture.

Interior view of the Blue Mosque's ornate ceiling with intricate patterns and stained glass windows.

Interior view of the Blue Mosque's ornate ceiling with intricate patterns and stained glass windows.

What to bring

  • Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the walking tour includes cobblestone streets and some uphill paths.

  • Dress modestly for the Blue Mosque visit: women are kindly asked to cover their hair and shoulders; men should avoid wearing shorts. Scarves are usually provided at the entrance.

What’s not allowed

  • Pets are not permitted at the venues.

  • Food and drinks are not allowed inside the venues.

  • Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside religious sites.

Accessibility

  • This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

  • Skipping the security line at Galata Tower is not permitted; all guests must pass through security checks.

  • Your Galata Tower ticket allows entry at any time during the day.

  • Photography is allowed, but please be respectful, especially in religious sites.

Guest taking photos inside the Blue Mosque, Istanbul.

Guest taking photos inside the Blue Mosque, Istanbul.

Galata Tower overlooking Istanbul cityscape and Bosphorus Bridge.

Galata Tower overlooking Istanbul cityscape and Bosphorus Bridge.

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Operating hours

Blue Mosque

Monday
9:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday
9:00am - 6:00pm
Wednesday
9:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday
9:00am - 6:00pm
Friday
9:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday
9:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday
9:00am - 6:00pm
  • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

Galata Tower

Monday
8:30am - 11:00pm
Tuesday
8:30am - 11:00pm
Wednesday
8:30am - 11:00pm
Thursday
8:30am - 11:00pm
Friday
8:30am - 11:00pm
Saturday
8:30am - 11:00pm
Sunday
8:30am - 11:00pm
  • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .

FAQs

Skipping the security line at Galata Tower is not permitted; all guests must pass through security checks. Your Galata Tower ticket allows entry at any time during the day. Photography is allowed, but please be respectful, especially in religious sites.
Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance. Wear comfortable shoes, as the walking tour includes cobblestone streets and some uphill paths. Dress modestly for the Blue Mosque visit: women are kindly asked to cover their hair and shoulders; men should avoid wearing shorts. Scarves are usually provided at the entrance.
Pets are not permitted at the venues. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the venues. Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside religious sites.
This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

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