What should I wear to visit mosques in Istanbul?

Cover your shoulders and knees. Women also cover their hair, so carry a scarf. Shoes come off at the entrance, and visits pause during prayer times.

Where do the tours start?

At central meeting points: Sultanahmet for Old City walks, Eminönü for the cruises and the food tour, and Galataport for private days. The exact spot is confirmed with your booking.

Are the prices final?

The prices shown are estimates. We confirm the final price with you before you travel.

On which day is Topkapı Palace closed?

Tuesday. If seeing the palace matters to you, plan your Old City day for another day of the week.

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Our most recommended things to do in Istanbul

Istanbul's Old City sits on a peninsula between the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara, and most of its great sights lie within walking distance of each other. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern and Topkapı Palace all stand around Sultanahmet, with the Grand Bazaar a short walk away. Our guides take you through them in a small group or on a private day, and explain the Byzantine and Ottoman layers you are looking at.

The Bosphorus divides the city between Europe and Asia, and seeing it from the water belongs in any visit. Choose a two-hour sightseeing cruise with an audio guide, an evening dinner cruise with a Turkish night show, or a yacht just for your group. Across the water, Kadıköy on the Asian side is one of the best neighbourhoods in the city for food, and our evening food tour reaches it by ferry.

A few practical notes. Mosques ask visitors to cover shoulders and knees, women to cover their hair, and everyone to take off their shoes; visits pause during prayer times. Our tours meet at central points such as Sultanahmet, Eminönü or Galataport, and the exact spot is confirmed with your booking. All prices shown are estimates and are confirmed with you before you travel.

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Hand-picked experiences our guests love, chosen by Helios for your time in Istanbul.

Istanbul Tours, Bosphorus Cruises & Food Tours | Helios Travels