Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Basilica Cistern Guided Walking Tour

This 2.5-hour guided walking tour takes you through the heart of Istanbul's Old City in Sultanahmet, covering Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), the Hippodrome and the Basilica Cistern. You meet your guide in front of VIERI JEWELLERY in Sultanahmet, and with the tickets-included option your entrance tickets are already part of the package, so you can focus on the history rather than on arranging tickets.

Instead of wandering between the monuments on your own, you walk with an English- or Turkish-speaking guide who puts each site into context and shows how Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul sit side by side, just a few minutes' walk apart. A headset system is provided when needed, so you can hear your guide clearly even in busy areas.

Route: what you will see

• Hagia Sophia – the first stop, with a guided visit to one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks.
• Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) – a guided visit to the mosque known for its blue tiles.
• Hippodrome – a guided walk across the historic square at the centre of the old city.
• Basilica Cistern – the walk ends here, at the Byzantine underground cistern.

Two ways to book

Choose the guided walk with entrance tickets if you prefer everything arranged in advance, or the guided walk with tickets paid on site if you would rather buy your own entrance tickets on the day. The guide and the route are the same in both options, and neither includes a hotel transfer.

Good to know

• Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are active places of worship: knees and shoulders must be covered, and women cover their hair inside the mosques.
• Access can be limited during prayer times. If a site is closed, an alternative visit or a ticket refund is offered.
• Luggage and large bags are not allowed.
• The tour involves walking and is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.