Recently Viewed
Istanbul Hidden Gems: Explore Non-Touristy Sites
4.9
12 Ratings
Fatih
Discover the hidden gems of Istanbul on this off-the-beaten-path tour. Explore unseen mosques, historic aqueducts, and vibrant local markets. Indulge in traditional dishes and drinks for an authentic experience.
Discover the hidden gems of Istanbul on this off-the-beaten-path tour. Explore unseen mosques, historic aqueducts, and vibrant local markets. Indulge in traditional dishes and drinks for an authentic experience.
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Kadınlar Pazarı - This tour is perfect for those eager to explore the lesser-known aspects of Istanbul and visit its residential areas. Discover the tranquil Şehazade Mosque, where you can be the sole tourist at each stop on the itinerary. Explore the Zeyrek Mosque, formerly the Pantokrator Church complex, constructed in 1118 A.D. Stroll by the…
- Kadınlar Pazarı - This tour is perfect for those eager to explore the lesser-known aspects of Istanbul and visit its residential areas. Discover the tranquil Şehazade Mosque, where you can be the sole tourist at each stop on the itinerary. Explore the Zeyrek Mosque, formerly the Pantokrator Church complex, constructed in 1118 A.D. Stroll by the Valens Aqueducts from the 6th century A.D., which once supplied the city’s water. Delight in a walk through the neighborhood market, featuring food from Eastern Turkey. Savor the local drink called Boza, served in the same location for 150 years. Relish a delightful lunch at a non-touristy restaurant.
What's Included
- Taste the local favorite, Boza, a fermented drink made from corn yeast.
- All fees and taxes included.
- Complimentary bottled water.
- Public tram and bus fares covered.
- Taste the local favorite, Boza, a fermented drink made from corn yeast.
- All fees and taxes included.
- Complimentary bottled water.
- Public tram and bus fares covered.
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Tipping to the guide.
- Lunch
- Tipping to the guide.
Additional Information
This tour is perfect for those eager to explore the lesser-known aspects of Istanbul. Discover residential areas, the non-touristy Şehazade Mosque, and the Zeyrek Mosque, which was once the Pantokrator church complex. Stroll by the 6th-century A.D. Valens aqueducts, historically the city’s water source. Visit a local market where produce from Eastern…
This tour is perfect for those eager to explore the lesser-known aspects of Istanbul. Discover residential areas, the non-touristy Şehazade Mosque, and the Zeyrek Mosque, which was once the Pantokrator church complex. Stroll by the 6th-century A.D. Valens aqueducts, historically the city’s water source. Visit a local market where produce from Eastern Turkey is sold, and savor a delightful lunch at a restaurant off the beaten path. Try the Buryan dish, a whole lamb cooked overnight in a well, and enjoy Boza, a traditional drink served in the same locations for 150 years.
Location
German Fountain
At Meydanı Caddesi
German fountain is a drinking fountain ( no water splashing ones ). It is a green domed located on the west part of the Blue mosque in the hippodrome square.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(12 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Maria_c
Feb 18, 2026
Hidden Gems of Istanbul - Salih was very knowledgeable and even though the weather was attrocious (it was snowing and raining he took us to the hidden gems of Istanbul and kept us engaged and warm. We really recomnend him!!!
Review provided by Viator
Yvette_c
Dec 12, 2025
Be surprised - Firstly my guide Salih Batkin was really a great calm knowledgable friendly person
Easy to talk to and answer questions
We went to off the beaten track mosques neighbourhoods and past authentic butcher shops and restaurants
Tasted 2 authentic brewed drinks you don’t see in the main area
I think this is a really good tour to see Istanbul life in the suburb
I throughly enjoyed it
Review provided by Viator
Jenn_d
Nov 8, 2025
Do yourself a favour and book this great tour. - Burak was entertaining and extremely knowledgeable. We visited areas that we would not have found. Very enjoyable and we thoroughly recommend doing this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Maryjane_c
Jun 1, 2025
Glimpse the Non-Touristy Istanbul - We travelled by tram toward the university district, and started our tour of non-touristy parts of Istanbul to see some lesser known but equally historically important mosques, a Women's market, the aqueducts, a small significant shop to try some Bosa and ended at a magnificent viewpoint. Denker was a knowledgeable and engaging guide ..... great to get out of the hub-bub to where people who aren't servicing tourists live and work.
Review provided by Viator
985tedb
Apr 16, 2025
Hidden Istanbul is worth it. - We had an excellent tour from Omer. He took me and my daughter to some important sites but also some lesser known and more local places to really get a feel for Istanbul.
Highly recommend this tour to try something different and unique.
Very knowledgeable and friendly guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
476jamesaw
Dec 28, 2024
Boza-mazing! - This was a really nice tour, and I'm very pleased I went on it. The regular sites were impressive, such as the Zeyrek Mosque / Monastery of the Pantokrator, the Aqueduct of Valens and the Şehzade Mosque. It was good to have an interesting little break to taste the local boza, and a büryan lunch was very tasty (and filling - you certainly won't need a big dinner later). As a Byzantine history fan, I was also appreciative of the fact that we were able to include the Bodrum Mosque / Monastery of the Myrelaion in the programme.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Journey55283158505
Sep 30, 2024
Excellent tour! - This was an excellent tour. It was so fun to get on public transportation and spend time away from the main tourist centers. We learned a lot about the history of Istanbul, saw a couple of mosques that most tourists never see, and were taken to a delicious restaurant. We ended at the Grand Bazaar. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pravin_m
Mar 27, 2022
Bringing History and Culture to Life - Our guide Salih was very friendly and accomodating in the way he delivered the tour to take special interests into account. His depth of knowledge is readily apparent, yet he was able to convey this information in an interesting and engaging manner.
The time spent in the Topkapi Palace never felt rushed and Salihs explanations and comments brought a vibrancy to the experience that reading alone cannot convey.
Similarly the time spent in the food markets provided a fascinating glimpse into life in the city away from (other) tourists.
While not specifically mentioned, the tours that Salih has developed appear to be carefully crafted to avoid crowds and maximise the experience.
If you're looking for a tour that presents a deep rich context to Istanbuls history, while avoiding large queues look no further - highly recommended
Review provided by Viator
Donnagiaquinto_g
Jan 24, 2021
Fantastic experience - Knowledgeable guide who was able to bring the tour to life. Had a delightful day. Covid closures were not a problem and he flexibly guided me to fill the day wonderfully caring for my individual needs.
Review provided by Viator
Corina
May 1, 2022
Journey through history - Wonderful places, with a special charm and full of history... an incredible feeling that you are following the footsteps of the great rulers of the two empires: Byzantine and Ottoman.
Amazing and overwhelming!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
