Istanbul Private Tour

Q: Which are the best historical places we can explore in the Istanbul private tour?

1. Topkapi Palace: Built in the year 1459, this grand palace was the Imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans for around 400 years. Here, you can witness the famous Imperial Harem and the treasury of the sultans while exploring the world-famous Spoonmaker’s diamond and the Topkapi dagger. 2. Hagia Sophia: Once a mosque and now a museum, Hagia Sophia is an iconic architecture marvel that holds significance for both Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Feel free to immerse yourself in huge collections of mosaic and ancient marble pillars in the exhibition hall of this place. 3. Dolmabahce Palace: Located on the shore of Bosphorus Strait, this palace is one of the most attractive sites in Istanbul. You can explore various rooms like Medhai, Red Room, Blue Hall, The Library and many others in this palace. You are surely to be mesmerized by the beautiful gardens on the outsides of the mansion.

Q: Which are the best things to buy in istanbul?

1. Ottoman Traditional Jewelry: Do not miss out on buying the locally produced authentic and traditional Ottoman inspired jewelry in Istanbul. You can easily buy this from Grand Bazaar, where the ‘Star-Jweller’ of Turkey ‘Sevan Bicaki is located. 2. Turkish Plates: You would love to buy these vibrant, colorful and detailed Turkish plates that are mostly on sale in Istanbul. 3. Turkish Coffee Sets: Do not forget to buy these beautifully crafted and sometimes even gold-plated Turkish coffee sets for your friends and family back at home. While buying these, make sure you confirm if the one you’re buying is to drink from or just for decoration. 4. Turkish Carpets: Also known as ‘Kilims’, these Turkish carpets are available in many designs and sizes. You can always look for a little rug to easily pack in your bag and take back home with you.

Q: Which are the famous cafes in Istanbul?

1. Galata Konak Cafe & Restaurant: Considered as one of the best cafes in Istanbul, this cafe is located in the heart of the city. It has a huge terrace cafe which gives a 360 degree view of the Bosphorus, Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia, Golden Horn and Topkapi Palace. 2. Cuma Cafe: This warm and cozy cafe is surely one of the cutest cafes in the city. It has a unique concept of a long communal table where you can sit and chat with strangers while enjoying your food. 3.Pierre Loti Hill Cafe: This hill-top cafe is accessible through a cable car making it one of the most exciting cafes in Istanbul. Named after the famous French novelist Pierre Loti, this cafe has many historic artifacts and ancient photographs along with the delicious food. 4. Cafe Ara: Named after the Turkish Photographer Ara Guler, this cafe has various vintage photos to witness and delicious food to cherish. If you happen to be around on a Sunday, make sure you attend the Sunday breakfast buffet that they host regularly.

Question 1

Which are the best historical places we can explore in the Istanbul private tour?

Answer

1. Topkapi Palace: Built in the year 1459, this grand palace was the Imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans for around 400 years. Here, you can witness the famous Imperial Harem and the treasury of the sultans while exploring the world-famous Spoonmaker’s diamond and the Topkapi dagger.

2. Hagia Sophia: Once a mosque and now a museum, Hagia Sophia is an iconic architecture marvel that holds significance for both Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Feel free to immerse yourself in huge collections of mosaic and ancient marble pillars in the exhibition hall of this place.

3. Dolmabahce Palace: Located on the shore of Bosphorus Strait, this palace is one of the most attractive sites in Istanbul. You can explore various rooms like Medhai, Red Room, Blue Hall, The Library and many others in this palace. You are surely to be mesmerized by the beautiful gardens on the outsides of the mansion.

Question 2

Which are the best things to buy in istanbul?

Answer

1. Ottoman Traditional Jewelry: Do not miss out on buying the locally produced authentic and traditional Ottoman inspired jewelry in Istanbul. You can easily buy this from Grand Bazaar, where the ‘Star-Jweller’ of Turkey ‘Sevan Bicaki is located.

2. Turkish Plates: You would love to buy these vibrant, colorful and detailed Turkish plates that are mostly on sale in Istanbul.

3. Turkish Coffee Sets: Do not forget to buy these beautifully crafted and sometimes even gold-plated Turkish coffee sets for your friends and family back at home. While buying these, make sure you confirm if the one you’re buying is to drink from or just for decoration.

4. Turkish Carpets: Also known as ‘Kilims’, these Turkish carpets are available in many designs and sizes. You can always look for a little rug to easily pack in your bag and take back home with you.

Question 3

What is the best month to visit Istanbul?

Answer

The best months to visit Istanbul are from March to May and September to November. The temperatures during these months are not too hot, the crowds are manageable and the hotel rates are comparatively low.

Question 4

Which are the famous cafes in Istanbul?

Answer

1. Galata Konak Cafe & Restaurant: Considered as one of the best cafes in Istanbul, this cafe is located in the heart of the city. It has a huge terrace cafe which gives a 360 degree view of the Bosphorus, Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia, Golden Horn and Topkapi Palace.

2. Cuma Cafe: This warm and cozy cafe is surely one of the cutest cafes in the city. It has a unique concept of a long communal table where you can sit and chat with strangers while enjoying your food.

3.Pierre Loti Hill Cafe: This hill-top cafe is accessible through a cable car making it one of the most exciting cafes in Istanbul. Named after the famous French novelist Pierre Loti, this cafe has many historic artifacts and ancient photographs along with the delicious food.

4. Cafe Ara: Named after the Turkish Photographer Ara Guler, this cafe has various vintage photos to witness and delicious food to cherish. If you happen to be around on a Sunday, make sure you attend the Sunday breakfast buffet that they host regularly.

Question 5

What are all the things we need to carry for the Istanbul private tour?

Answer

- Foreign nationals must carry passports and visas with them for the Istanbul Private Tour.

- Carrying sunglasses, hats and headscarves is advisable for the Istanbul Private Tour.

- Carrying ID proof is a must for all the visitors.

- You can carry a water bottle along with you as you go for the tour.

Question 6

Is any dress code required for an Istanbul private tour?

Answer

Yes, there is a certain dress code required for the Istanbul Private Tour. Women are supposed to cover their hair. Men and women both are to keep their legs covered. Short skirts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed.