Istanbul Walking Tour: From Taksim to Sultanahmet

Taksim Square — meeting point

We start in the heart of modern Istanbul.

İstiklal Street

The city's most famous pedestrian avenue: shops, embassies, 19th-century buildings and the traditional red tram.

Historical Flower Passage (Çiçek Pasajı)

A late-19th-century covered passage famous for its taverns and art nouveau architecture.

St. Anthony of Padua Church

The largest Catholic church in Istanbul, a fine example of Venetian neo-Gothic architecture.

Pera Palas Hotel

The first hotel and first elevator in the city. Agatha Christie wrote "Murder on the Orient Express" here.

Free time (1 hour)

Free time for coffee, photos or exploring the ISTIKLAL area at your own pace.

Tünel — historic funicular

The world's second oldest metro (1875).

Galata Tower (exterior)

14th-century Genoese tower, symbol of the Galata district. Exterior view from the square.

Camondo Stairs & Bankers Street

The elegant curved Camondo Stairs and the historic Ottoman financial district on Bankalar Caddesi.

Lunch under Galata Bridge

Lunch at one of the traditional fish restaurants under Galata Bridge. Included in the tour price.

Spice Bazaar

A walk through the colourful Egyptian Bazaar: spices, dried fruits, Turkish tea, lokum and local delights.

Sirkeci Train Station

Historic terminus of the legendary Orient Express. Eclectic late-19th-century architecture.

Basilica Cistern

Stunning 6th-century Byzantine cistern with 336 columns. Entrance included

Sultanahmet Square (exteriors)

Blue Mosque(from outside), Hagia Sophia ( from outside) and the Roman Hippodrome — three monuments together on one historic square.

We close the tour at Sultanahmet Square.