Alternative Istanbul City Tour by Walkative!

İstanbul, İstanbul

Alternative Istanbul

City Tour

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Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

2

About This Adventure

Embark on the Alternative Istanbul tour to explore the city's hidden gems beyond the typical tourist spots. Discover the rich tapestry of modern Turkish life, visit the stunning Suleymaniye Mosque, and wander through vibrant local markets. Experience the flavors, sights, and stories that reveal the true essence of this remarkable city.

The former Constantinople, a cultural and religious melting pot, was a gigantic city, from Hagia Sophia to the city walls is as much as 5 kilometres in a straight line! And all this already existed in ancient times! Today's Istanbul is still one of the largest cities in the world, with an official population of 16 million people. Despite this, most tourists do not visit anything but the strict city centre in Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar. They leave Istanbul now knowing much about modern Turkey, its people and their culture. This is a big mistake and our tour aim is to change that! Join us then to delve into places most tourists don’t visit and get an insight to the life of modern Istanbul!

Colourful, noisy, full of flavours and smells, the Grand Bazaar is a remarkable place on a global scale and has been a temple of commerce for centuries long. But just behind it, spreads another temple - the temple of science - the oldest Turkish university. This will be our first point of interest. We will talk about the Turkish education system, regular life in Turkey and Turkish (in)religiosity. We will then visit a true pearl of Ottoman architecture - the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent. This grand building is definitely something you can’t miss while visiting Istanbul. Crownin one of the city's seven hills, despite being a huge construction, it impresses everyone with its delicate beauty.

From the mosque we will walk through the narrow streets, winding streets of Istanbul and finally get to an authentic bazaar, used only by the locals. A place where you buy not souvenirs and scarves, but tools, food, toys, electronics… The list is long! We'll conclude our tour with a true spectacle for the eyes - at the Eminun Square, by the waters of the Golden Horn, overlooking the majestic Galata Tower across the bay.

Join our Alternative Istanbul tour for splendid views, great stories and joint discovering the true face of this remarkable city!

During this 2,5 hour tour you will see and discover:

Istanbul Universitesi
Beyazit Square
Corlulu Ali Pasa Madrasah
the Old Book Bazaar Sahaflar Çarşısı
Süleymaniye Mosque
Rustem Pasha Mosque
Spice Bazaar
Galata Bridge
Eminönü
Markets of Tahtakale and Mahmutpasa

Adventure Tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes

Expect uneven pavements and narrow streets during the city walking tour.

Stay hydrated

Carry a water bottle, especially in summer, as the city walking can be warm and dry.

Carry a small backpack

Bring essentials like sunscreen, snacks, and a light jacket for variable weather.

Respect local customs

When visiting mosques, dress modestly and remove shoes as required.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Common city bird species like Eurasian Magpies
Occasional sightings of European Gray Squirrels in parks nearby

History

İstanbul, formerly Constantinople, blends Byzantine and Ottoman legacies, reflected vividly in its architecture and diverse neighborhoods.

Conservation

Local efforts emphasize sustainable tourism by encouraging visitors to respect heritage sites and minimize waste in crowded markets.

Alternative Istanbul City Tour by Walkative!

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