Free Tour Istanbul in English
Tours & Excursions with Viaurbis

Why travellers choose Viaurbis over every other tour company in Istanbul

Istanbul has more tour operators per square kilometre than almost any city in Europe. Most of them offer the same route, the same monuments and the same 25-person groups moving slowly through Sultanahmet. Viaurbis does not work that way.

We have run tours in Istanbul since 2014 — over a decade of daily departures, professional English-speaking guides and a strict limit of six people per guide. Not six as a target. Six as a maximum we have never exceeded. The result is a tour that feels closer to having a knowledgeable friend show you the city than joining a queue with a numbered flag at the front.

What makes Viaurbis different

• Max. 6 people per guide — always. Every tour, every day, no exceptions. If more guests book the same slot, we assign an additional guide.
• English-speaking guides who work in English. Not guides who speak English as a second language. Professionals who explain, joke and improvise in English every day.
• Tours that never get cancelled. Rain, cold, low bookings — none of these are reasons we cancel. We have run a tour every single day since 2014.
• TURSAB licence nº 10841. Officially regulated by Turkey’s tourism authority. A certified, accountable operator — not a side project.
• Direct operator — no platforms. Our tours appear on GetYourGuide and Viator, but booking at viaurbis.com/en means no commission, no intermediary and direct contact with the people running your tour.
• Rated 9.9/10 on Google and TripAdvisor, based on more than a thousand independent reviews. Operating since 2014 — over 500,000 travellers served.

The free walking tour of Istanbul — what to expect

The free tour is 2 hours and 30 minutes on foot through the historic heart of Sultanahmet. It covers the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, the Arasta Bazaar and the Baths of Roxelana — thirteen stops in total, each one explained by a guide who has spent years learning which details actually matter to first-time visitors.

The tour is free to join. At the end you tip your guide based on what you thought the experience was worth. Most travellers give between €10 and €20 per person. The model works because guides who earn only from tips are motivated in a way that salaried guides rarely are — and our 9.9/10 rating suggests the motivation is working.

Departs every day at 10:30, 14:00 and 17:00 from the decorative circular fountain in Sultanahmet Parkı, between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Look for the red umbrella.

All our tours and activities in Istanbul in English

The free tour is the starting point, but Viaurbis covers the full range of what Istanbul has to offer:

• Free Walking Tour Istanbul — 2.5 hours on foot through Sultanahmet. Free + voluntary tip. Daily at 10:30, 14:00 and 17:00.
• Private Guided Tour Istanbul — 8 hours with an exclusive English-speaking guide, hotel pick-up included. From €310 per group.
• Bosphorus Cruise — 2–3 hours sailing between Europe and Asia past Ottoman palaces and fortresses. €20 per person.
• Bosphorus Dinner Cruise — 4 hours on the water with a full Turkish dinner and live show. €50 per person.
• Private Yacht Cruise — Exclusive Bosphorus cruise for your group only. From €340 per group.
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon — 1-hour sunrise flight above the fairy chimneys. From €260 per person.

Istanbul — the essentials before you arrive

Istanbul is the only major city in the world that sits on two continents simultaneously. The European side holds the historic core — Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, the Grand Bazaar. The Asian side is quieter, more residential, and increasingly popular with travellers who want to see Istanbul as locals live it rather than as tourists visit it.

The historic peninsula of Sultanahmet is where most first-time visitors spend their first day — and where our free walking tour begins. Within a ten-minute walk from the meeting point you have Hagia Sophia (1,500 years old and still standing as an active mosque), the Blue Mosque (completed in 1616), the Hippodrome (where the city’s social and political life played out for a thousand years) and the Basilica Cistern (an underground water system built in 532 AD whose Medusa-head columns nobody has fully explained).

When to go

April–May and September–October are the best months: mild temperatures, manageable crowds and good light for photographs. July and August are the busiest and hottest — our tours run regardless, but expect more people at the monuments. December–February is the quietest period; our tours still operate daily, and the city is less crowded than at any other time of year.

Getting around

The T1 tram connects the airport (via transfer) to Sultanahmet directly. The Istanbulkart — a rechargeable transit card — covers trams, buses, ferries and the metro. It is worth buying on arrival. Public ferries run frequently from Eminönü and Karaköy for Bosphorus crossings.

What to wear

Comfortable shoes with grip — Sultanahmet’s cobblestones are hard on smooth soles. For mosque visits (Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque), covered shoulders and knees are required for both men and women. A scarf for head covering can be borrowed at the entrance if needed.

Currency and tipping

The Turkish lira (TRY) is the local currency. Most hotels and tour operators also accept Euros and US dollars. For the free tour tip, Euros or pounds in cash are preferred. Exchange money in the city centre rather than at airport kiosks.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to visit Istanbul?

Yes. Istanbul receives over 20 million international visitors per year. Sultanahmet and the main tourist areas are well-policed and safe for solo travellers, families and couples. Standard city precautions apply: watch your belongings in crowded markets and be sceptical of unsolicited help with transport or currency exchange.

How many days do I need in Istanbul?

Three days covers the main monuments and gives you a real sense of the city. Five days lets you explore beyond Sultanahmet — Beyoğlu, Karaköy, Fener and Balat, the Asian side by ferry. A week gives you time for a day trip to Cappadocia or Ephesus.

Do I need to book tours in advance?

For the free tour, no — walk-ins are always welcome if places are available. In July and August we recommend booking online to guarantee your spot, as the 6-person limit fills up quickly. For the private tour, Bosphorus cruise and dinner cruise, advance booking is required.

Is Viaurbis registered and regulated?

Yes. Viaurbis holds TURSAB licence nº 10841 — issued by the Turkish Association of Travel Agencies, the official regulatory body for tourism operators in Turkey. We have operated under this licence continuously since 2014.

How do I contact Viaurbis?

WhatsApp / Phone: +44 7305 637915 · Email: info@viaurbis.com · Available every day 09:00–21:00 Istanbul time.