THE TOP 20 ISTANBUL LAYOVER TOURS
1. Istanbul Layover Tour: Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
Experience Istanbul’s stunning historical architecture with a layover tour of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. This tour takes you to two of Istanbul’s most iconic monuments, the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. You’ll explore the Byzantine and Ottoman empires’ influence on modern Istanbul as you marvel at the grandeur of the two incredible buildings. From the awe-inspiring domes to the intricate detail of the interior tiles, this tour is a must for any traveler with a layover in Istanbul.
2. Istanbul Layover Tour: Bosphorus Cruise
The perfect way to see Istanbul’s stunning skyline is with a Bosphorus Cruise layover tour. This tour takes you on an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the waterway that separates Europe and Asia. You’ll get to see Istanbul’s incredible bridges, palaces, and landmarks from a unique perspective as you float along the strait. You’ll also have the opportunity to take in the cityscape of both the European and Asian sides of the city.
3. Istanbul Layover Tour: Grand Bazaar
Experience one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets on an Istanbul layover tour of the Grand Bazaar. This iconic market is filled with over 4,000 shops and is the perfect way to get a taste of Istanbul’s vibrant culture and history. From spices to carpets, you’ll find a variety of souvenirs and gifts to take home from your layover in Istanbul.
4. Istanbul Layover Tour: Topkapi Palace
Explore the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire on an Istanbul layover tour of the Topkapi Palace. This incredible palace is a sprawling complex of buildings, courtyards, and gardens and is the former home of the Ottoman Sultans. During your tour, you’ll get to see incredible treasures, including priceless jewels, stunning artifacts, and ornate furniture.
5. Istanbul Layover Tour: Spice Market
Explore the lively atmosphere of Istanbul’s Spice Market on a layover tour. This vibrant market is located in the heart of the city and is the perfect place to pick up some local spices, souvenirs, and gifts. You’ll get to experience the hustle and bustle of the market as you browse the vibrant stalls selling all kinds of wares.
6. Istanbul Layover Tour: Galata Tower
Catch a bird’s eye view of Istanbul on a layover tour of the Galata Tower. This iconic tower is the city’s most recognizable landmark and offers incredible panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. You’ll get to take in the amazing views of the city’s skyline, including the Bosporus Strait, Golden Horn, and beyond.
7. Istanbul Layover Tour: Chora Church
Visit one of Istanbul’s most important Byzantine monuments on a layover tour of the Chora Church. This incredible church is filled with stunning mosaics and frescoes that depict scenes from the Bible. You’ll get to explore the impressive interior of the church, as well as its beautiful gardens and courtyards.
8. Istanbul Layover Tour: Suleymaniye Mosque
Explore the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire on an Istanbul layover tour of the Suleymaniye Mosque. This incredible mosque was built by the great Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent and is one of the most important mosques in Istanbul. You’ll get to see the stunning exterior of the mosque, as well as its breathtaking interior.
9. Istanbul Layover Tour: Basilica Cistern
Experience the mysterious underground of Istanbul on a layover tour of the Basilica Cistern. This incredible underground structure was built in the 6th century and served as a water reservoir for the city. You’ll get to explore the mysterious chambers and pathways of this incredible structure and learn about its fascinating history.
10. Istanbul Layover Tour: Hippodrome
Discover Istanbul’s ancient Hippodrome on an Istanbul layover tour. This historic site was once the center of Byzantine entertainment and is now one of the city’s most popular landmarks. You’ll get to explore the remains of the ancient stadium, as well as the obelisk that was once part of the Hippodrome.
11. Istanbul Layover Tour: Yerebatan Cistern
Explore one of Istanbul’s most mysterious sites with a layover tour of the Yerebatan Cistern. This incredible underground structure was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century and served as a water reservoir for the city. You’ll get to explore the mysterious chambers and pathways of this incredible structure and learn about its fascinating history.
12. Istanbul Layover Tour: Ortakoy Mosque
Visit one of Istanbul’s most iconic mosques on a layover tour of the Ortakoy Mosque. This stunning mosque was built in the 19th century and overlooks the Bosporus Strait. You’ll get to explore the ornate interior of the mosque, as well as its beautiful gardens and courtyards.
13. Istanbul Layover Tour: Gulhane Park
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city with a layover tour of Gulhane Park. This beautiful park is located in the heart of Istanbul and is the perfect place to relax and take in the city’s stunning skyline. You’ll get to stroll through the park’s lush gardens and admire the incredible views of the Bosporus.
14. Istanbul Layover Tour: Dolmabahce Palace
Experience the opulence of the Ottoman Empire on an Istanbul layover tour of the Dolmabahce Palace. This incredible palace was the former home of the Ottoman Sultans and is now one of Istanbul’s most popular attractions. You’ll get to explore the palace’s ornate rooms, as well as its lush gardens and courtyards.
15. Istanbul Layover Tour: Beylerbeyi Palace
Explore one of Istanbul’s most impressive palaces on a layover tour of the Beylerbeyi Palace. This stunning palace was built in the 19th century and is now one of the city’s most popular attractions. You’ll get to explore the palace’s ornate rooms, as well as its stunning gardens and courtyards.
16. Istanbul Layover Tour: Istanbul Archaeological Museum
Discover the history of Istanbul on a layover tour of the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. This incredible museum is home to an impressive collection of artifacts and artwork from the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Roman empires. You’ll get to explore the museum’s galleries and uncover the city’s fascinating past.
17. Istanbul Layover Tour: Military Museum
Explore Istanbul’s military history on a layover tour of the Military Museum. This incredible museum is home to an impressive collection of artifacts and artwork from the Ottoman and Byzantine empires. You’ll get to explore the museum’s galleries and uncover the city’s fascinating past.
18. Istanbul Layover Tour: Galata Bridge
Experience one of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks on a layover tour of the Galata Bridge. This incredible bridge spans the Golden Horn and is the perfect way to take in the city’s stunning skyline. You’ll get to marvel at the bridge’s intricate architecture and take in the views of the Bosporus from its vantage point.
19. Istanbul Layover Tour: Rumeli Fortress
Explore one of Istanbul’s most impressive fortresses on a layover tour of the Rumeli Fortress. This incredible fortress was built in the 15th century and is now one of the city’s most popular attractions. You’ll get to explore the fortress’s stunning walls and towers, as well as its fascinating history.
20. Istanbul Layover Tour: Yildiz Palace
Experience the opulence of the Ottoman Empire on an Istanbul layover tour of the Yildiz Palace. This stunning palace was the former home of the Ottoman Sultans and is now one of Istanbul’s most popular attractions. You’ll get to explore the palace’s ornate rooms, as well as its lush gardens and courtyards.