Discover the Heart of Istanbul: Istanbul Classics Walking City Tour

If you find yourself in Istanbul for a limited time, yet yearning to absorb its essence, the Istanbul Classics Walking City Tour – Half Day by Les Arts Turcs is your perfect match. In just about four hours, this well-crafted walking tour packs in centuries of history, architecture, and vibrant street life—without overwhelming your schedule.

Why this tour is a must

• It visits Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks in the compact but rich Sultanahmet district, the very heart of the old city.
• You’re guided by a licensed local guide, who brings life to stories of sultans, empires, and architectural masterpieces.
• The tour includes hotel pickup (if you’re staying in Sultanahmet, Taksim or central areas), making logistics easier.
• It balances walking with transport by air-conditioned minivan, giving you comfort between spots.
• Because it’s “half day,” you still have time left in your day for more exploring, lunch, or rest.

What you’ll see & experience

Hagia Sophia (from outside)

This architectural gem has stood witness to empires. Originally built as a basilica in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian, it was later converted into a mosque after 1453, and more recently has served as a museum and then again as a mosque.

Your guide will share tales of its mosaics, its immense dome, and its role as a bridge between Byzantine and Ottoman eras.

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque)

Renowned for its striking interior of blue İznik tiles, six minarets, and graceful proportions, the Blue Mosque is one of the last great imperial mosques of Ottoman architecture.

The Hippodrome

Once the social and political hub of Byzantine Constantinople, the Hippodrome is now a public square featuring monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain.

Grand Bazaar

One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar spans some 60 streets and hosts thousands of shops.

You’ll stroll through narrow corridors, see vibrant textiles, jewellery, spices—and maybe pick up a souvenir or two.

The Emotional Experience

Walking through Sultanahmet, you’re literally traversing layers of history. You’ll feel the weight of empires in the stones underfoot, see how Byzantine and Ottoman legacies intertwine in architecture, and sense the complexity of Istanbul’s identity. The guide’s stories of emperors, conquest, faith, and daily life in centuries past transform monuments into living narratives.

By the time your tour ends in the Grand Bazaar or Sultanahmet center, you’ll not just have “seen” Istanbul—you’ll have touched a piece of its soul.