Though Istanbul is relatively safe and easily accessible through public transportation, a tour guide is still recommended to gain the full experience of this vibrant city. A local guide can share insider tips as well as avoid tourist traps by bypassing lines at popular attractions like Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
Metin Koca
Dr. Koca is an expert on Istanbul's history and culture, particularly its politics of identity, recognition, and difference. Additionally, his expertise lies in cultural change and reproduction research; currently serving as postdoctoral researcher at Istanbul Bilgi University (Turkey).
Metin is not only an academic but an experienced guide who loves sharing his knowledge of Istanbul with others. His distinctive personality and ability to connect with individuals on an intimate level make him standout among other guides; always ready and willing to go the extra mile so his guests have an unforgettable experience in Istanbul.
Hiring a tour guide depends entirely on your travel style and preferences. If you enjoy exploring independently and don't mind spending time researching an itinerary, hiring a guide may not be worth your while; but if you want to maximize your time in Istanbul while learning its history and culture from an expert and alleviating some of the stresses associated with navigating foreign cities, hiring one would certainly be worthwhile.
Istanbul would be incomplete without taking in its many landmarks and learning about its vibrant history, so the ideal way to do this is with a guided tour led by a professional local guide.
Rubil Gunduz
When traveling to Istanbul, having an experienced guide by your side can be invaluable in terms of avoiding scams or getting lost. Furthermore, an insider tour guide can offer insight into its culture and history from someone who lives there full-time; additionally, an independent local tour guide istanbul offers unique perspectives of their hometown city, enabling you to create your itinerary according to personal tastes.
Costs associated with hiring a private tour guide in Istanbul will depend on the type of tour you want and its length, from transportation costs to free ones. When planning food or shopping tours, be mindful of any dietary restrictions as this may require payment; additionally it's best to book through a reliable source so you can communicate directly with your guide prior to starting.
Rubil Gunduz is an experienced and highly acclaimed tour guide in Istanbul. His clients have praised him for his professionalism, knowledge of the city, friendly demeanor and expertise with food and culture tours - so there's sure to be something here for everyone! Rubil can be booked through online platforms such as Withlocals and TourByLocals which connect travelers with local guides in Istanbul.
Umit O.
Umit is a private tour guide who specializes in cultural experiences. His tours are tailored specifically for each guest, and he goes out of his way to ensure their needs are met. He has received rave reviews from his guests who praise his warm, generous personality as an asset - many even consider him their friend for life!
Umit specializes in tours of Istanbul that highlight its history and people. His knowledge of its culture and history makes him an invaluable guide, helping guests locate the best spots to eat, shop and explore while also offering priority entrance into popular sites like Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
If you are visiting Istanbul, booking a private tour guide is an essential component of an enjoyable and successful visit. A personal experience allows visitors to access more of what the city has to offer without the stress of navigating local transportation systems and scams/fraud. Viator or TripAdvisor both provide secure payment platforms that protect money against scams/fraud, while communicating with your guide before each tour to confirm details such as meeting location/time etc for optimal tour results.
Duygu Gumusay
Duygu Gumusay is an enthusiastic traveler and tour guide who thrives on showing her guests uncharted pathways and hidden nooks. Offering personalized tours tailored to each guest's specific interests and being flexible with scheduling adjustments to meet those needs, she has received many 5-star reviews.
She was born in Edirne, Turkey, in 1972 and graduated from Istanbul Universitesi Isletme Fakultesi with a BA degree. With a passion for history and a deep-seated love of Istanbul that she shares through tours, she also happens to be an author who has written numerous books about its past.