Istanbul Uncovered: Daily Life, Customs, and Stories - Alternative Tour

This tour is a great alternative if you have already seen Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque part, or looking for a more off-the-beaten-track-free tour!

It covers the main attractions of our city but mainly focuses on the hidden gems that are well and truly "off the beaten track" and gives you facts you wouldn't know or notice walking around by yourself.

We will try to explain to you how it feels to be a Turkish person by telling stories about Turkish weddings, social life, daily routines, foods, and much more

 

Please Note: We kindly ask for a minimum contribution 400 TL per person to help cover our services. This fee supports booking costs, Google advertisements, organizational expenses, and, most importantly, the expertise of our licensed tour guides.

Our guides are highly trained professionals who have completed an intensive four-year study program and work full-time to provide you with the best possible experience. Given Turkey’s high inflation rate, we truly appreciate your support in ensuring fair compensation for their knowledge and dedication.

Thank you for your understanding—we can’t wait to share this unforgettable cultural journey with you! 

 
Itinerary

Discover Istanbul’s Hidden Gems: A Journey Through Time;

Our adventure begins at Corlulu Ali Pasha Madrasah, a historic Ottoman-era religious school that has transformed over the centuries. Here, we’ll explore its evolution and use it as a window into the broader transition from the Ottoman Empire to the modern Republic of Turkey.

Next, we step into the charming Old Book Bazaar, where the scent of aged paper and ink lingers in the air. This hidden treasure trove of knowledge offers us a glimpse into Turkish literature and the rich intellectual traditions that have shaped the nation’s identity.

From there, we make our way to Istanbul University, Turkey’s largest and most prestigious academic institution. As we wander through its storied halls, we’ll gain insight into the country’s education system and its role in shaping the future. Along the way, we pause at the Faculty of Economics and a university-affiliated hospital to better understand Turkey’s economic landscape and healthcare system—two crucial pillars of modern society.

Stepping back in time, we meander through historic 19th- and 20th-century houses, immersing ourselves in the customs, traditions, and daily life that continue to influence Turkish culture today.

Our journey then leads us to the awe-inspiring Suleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece designed by the legendary Mimar Sinan under the reign of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. From its stunning garden—home to one of the most breathtaking observation terraces in the world—we take in sweeping panoramic views of Istanbul, spanning both the European and Anatolian sides.

Along the way, we pause at Suleymaniye Bath to uncover the fascinating history of Turkish bath culture, a tradition that has endured for centuries.

Finally, we conclude our tour with a moment of relaxation, indulging in authentic Turkish delight and tea—the perfect way to savor the day’s discoveries and reflect on the hidden layers of Istanbul that we’ve uncovered together.

This tour is designed to take you beyond the well-trodden tourist paths and into the heart of the city’s living history. Through its stories, traditions, and daily life, you’ll experience Istanbul in a way that no standard tour can offer. 

Important notes:

If you are are group more than 8 people we don't accept your reservation even you make seperate bookings. Your guide has the right not to accept your group if you come as a big group. This tour is designed for solo travellers couples and small groups. Please contact us if you have a big group so we can arrange private tour for you.


Thanks - Free Istanbul Tours