Explore the magnificent Blue Mosque and admire its iconic architecture.
Stroll through the historical Sultanahmet Square with an expert local guide.
Discover the ancient monuments of the Hippodrome of Constantinople.
Learn about the rich history behind the beautiful German Fountain.
Enjoy a comprehensive afternoon walking tour in Istanbul to see the top landmarks.
Guided afternoon walking tour of the Old City
Professional English-speaking tour guide
Visits to the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and German Fountain
Fascinating historical insights and stories
Explore the Highlights of Istanbul's Old City
This afternoon walking tour in Istanbul offers the perfect introduction to the most iconic landmarks of the historical peninsula. Your journey begins right in the heart of the Old City, where empires were shaped and history was written. You will explore the magnificent Blue Mosque, famous worldwide for its breathtaking minarets and the intricate blue tiles that beautifully line its interior walls.
As you walk through Sultanahmet Square, your professional guide will take you back in time at the ancient Hippodrome, which was once the sporting and social center of the Byzantine Empire. Here, you will see striking monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius and the neo-Byzantine architecture of the German Fountain, learning the fascinating stories behind each landmark.
This guided stroll is the ideal way to spend your afternoon, offering deep historical insights into the city's rich heritage in a relaxed, engaging way. This experience is a great way to add something authentic and memorable to your visit. With your Istanbul Tourist Pass®, you can enjoy this guided tour completely FREE with your pass! So, join us and buy your Pass today!
German Fountain welcomes visitors on the following days and times:
The tour meets in the Sultanahmet Square area, the most central and historic district of Istanbul.
You can easily reach the location using the T1 Tram Line and getting off at the Sultanahmet stop. From there, it is just a short walk to the meeting point.
The area is also accessible by taxi, and it is right next to the major attractions you will be visiting, such as the Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque.
If you want to truly understand the deep history of Istanbul, walking its oldest squares with a local expert is the best way to do it. This guided afternoon walking tour takes you straight to the center of the historical peninsula. Over the course of 1.5 hours, a professional English-speaking guide will walk you through the very same areas where Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans once ruled, sharing the real, fascinating stories behind the city's most famous monuments.
Marvel at the Iconic Blue Mosque
A major highlight of this walking tour is the breathtaking Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Recognized worldwide for its six towering minarets and elegant cascading domes, it stands as a true masterpiece of 17th-century Ottoman architecture. Your guide will share the architectural secrets of the building and explain the history of the thousands of handmade blue Iznik tiles that give the mosque its famous nickname.
Walk the Ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople
Next, you will step into what used to be the sporting and social center of the Byzantine Empire: the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Today, it serves as a peaceful park in Sultanahmet Square, but your guide will help you picture the massive crowds and intense chariot races that took place here centuries ago. You will get an up-close look at incredible ancient relics that still stand today, including the 3,500-year-old Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius and the bronze Serpent Column originally brought from Delphi.
See the Beautiful German Fountain
As you explore the square, you will also visit the striking German Fountain. This beautiful, octagonal gazebo-style fountain was constructed in Germany and assembled in Istanbul as a gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II to the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II in 1898. Your guide will point out the gorgeous golden mosaics covering the inside of its dome and explain the historical alliance behind this unique neo-Byzantine monument.
Enjoy This Tour Free with Your Istanbul Tourist Pass®
Exploring these world-famous landmarks with a professional guide makes all the difference, turning a simple sightseeing walk into a vivid journey through time. The best part? This comprehensive afternoon walking tour is included completely free with your Istanbul Tourist Pass®. Just check the schedule, meet your guide, and get ready to uncover the stories of the Old City.
This guided tour is included with your Istanbul Tourist Pass®, so you can join the experience free of charge.
The walking tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a perfect addition to your afternoon sightseeing.
Please check your Manage My Pass panel for the latest departure times, availability, and the exact meeting location.
Because the itinerary includes the Blue Mosque, a modest dress code is required (shoulders and knees must be covered, and women need to wear a headscarf).
As this is an outdoor tour across the historic squares and cobblestones, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
We recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early at the meeting point to ensure the group can start on time.
Explore the magnificent Blue Mosque, walk through the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, and see famous monuments like the German Fountain and the Obelisk of Theodosius right in Sultanahmet Square.
The walking tour takes approximately 1.5 hours. It is perfectly timed to give you a deep understanding of the major landmarks in the Old City without taking up your entire day.
Yes. Since the Blue Mosque is an active place of worship, all visitors must follow a modest dress code. Both men and women should ensure their shoulders and knees are covered. Women are also required to wear a headscarf before entering the mosque.
Yes, this comprehensive guided afternoon tour is completely free with your Istanbul Tourist Pass®. Having the pass allows you to simply meet your expert guide at the designated time and enjoy the historical insights without paying extra for a walking tour
While you can check the schedule on the day of your visit, we highly recommend checking your pass panel and planning ahead. Arriving at the meeting point 10 to 15 minutes early ensures a smooth start for your guided group experience.
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