Alternative Istanbul Free Tour

Overview of the tour in Istanbul

Discover the Hidden Gems of Istanbul on This Free Alternative Tour!

At the designated time, we’ll gather in front of the historic Corculu Ali Pasha Madrasah, a beautiful old religious school that sets the stage for our adventure. From here, we’ll stroll through the city’s vibrant streets towards the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque, one of Istanbul's largest and most iconic mosques. As we walk, you'll discover the fascinating, lesser-known customs and traditions that shape the lives of Istanbul's residents.

Ever wondered what a traditional Turkish wedding looks like? Curious about the role of religion in everyday life or what the local lifestyle entails? All these intriguing questions will be answered on this immersive tour, giving you a deeper understanding of the real Istanbul.

But that’s not all! We’ll also explore some hidden treasures often overlooked by tourists, such as Beyazit Square, the charming Book Market, and the historic Istanbul University.

To make your experience even more memorable, we'll indulge in some of Istanbul’s most beloved cuisines.

On arrival

Meeting Point and Tour Information
On the day of the activity, we will meet at Corculu Ali Pasha Madrasah, located at Mollafenari, Yeniçeriler Cd. No:38, 34120 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey. We recommend arriving at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the start of the tour. You will be able to recognize your guide by a red umbrella and a red jacket or T-shirt. Please remember that a free tour is a guided visit where each person appreciates the guide’s work and, at the end of the tour, pays the amount they feel is appropriate.

Things to note

On this tour, there will be guided visits to two Ottoman mosques that are still functioning. There is a dress code for a mosque visit. All women must wear a scarf and follow a dress code (similar to the Vatican dress code). Inside mosques, the floors are covered by traditional carpets. All participants have to take off their shoes. It is suggested that the shoes be carried in a plastic bag.

Important Note for Fridays:
If you join us on a Friday, the Süleymaniye Mosque will be replaced by a visit to the equally stunning Nuruosmaniye Mosque, offering a different but equally enriching experience.

Note: If there is an insufficient number of participants, the tour can be canceled with prior notice to the travelers.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.