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Complete Istanbul: free self-guided audio tour of Istanbul
Complete Istanbul is a free self-guided audio walking tour of Istanbul, Turkey: 7 stops in about 2 h 20. The Itinerarly app walks you from one stop to the next and plays a short narrated story when you arrive, in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese.
| Stops | 7 |
|---|---|
| Duration | about 2 h 20, including time at each stop |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Distance | about 4.5 km in straight lines between the stops (a little more on foot) |
| Start | Galata Tower |
| Finish | Basilica Cistern |
| Price | Free (some sights charge their own entry ticket) |
| Languages | English, French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese |
The ultimate Istanbul tour
The stops, in order
- Galata TowerWelcome to the Galata Tower, the stone sentinel that has dominated Istanbul's skyline since 1348. Built by the Genoese as a watchtower, it rises 67 meters above the Beyoğlu district. According to legend, it was from the top of this tower that Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi launched himself in 1632 using artificial wings, flying across the Bosphorus to land on the Asian shore—achieving one of the first successful flights in history.
- Egyptian BazarWelcome to the Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Market—an unforgettable sensory journey in the heart of the Eminönü district. Beneath its magnificent masonry vaults dating back to 1660, you will be immediately enveloped by the scents of cinnamon, saffron, mint, and freshly roasted coffee. Historically, this market was the final destination for the Silk Road, where ships brought goods from Egypt and the East.
- Süleymaniye MosqueThis is the Süleymaniye Mosque, the absolute masterpiece of the legendary architect Sinan and a pinnacle of Ottoman art. Built for Suleiman the Magnificent in the mid-16th century, the mosque proudly dominates Istanbul's third hill. Its architecture is a model of clarity and proportion, with its massive 26-meter dome appearing to float above a vast space flooded with natural light.
- Topkapı PalaceThis is Topkapı Palace, the beating heart of the Ottoman Empire for nearly four centuries. This massive complex, overlooking the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, is not just a palace but a city within a city where thousands once lived. As you explore its four successive courtyards, you will discover the lavish apartments of the Harem, the imperial kitchens, and most notably, the Treasury room.
- Hagia SophiaWelcome to Hagia Sophia, one of the world's most extraordinary monuments, witnessing over 1,500 years of imperial history. Built in just six years by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 537 AD, it served as the largest cathedral in Christendom for nearly a thousand years before being converted into a mosque by the Ottomans in 1453. Its revolutionary dome, spanning 31 meters, seems to float miraculously due to a feat of ancient engineering.
- Blue MosqueYou are looking at the Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, famous worldwide for being the only mosque in Istanbul to boast six majestic minarets. Built in the early 17th century directly across from Hagia Sophia, it was intended to assert the power of the Ottoman Empire. Its popular nickname comes from the more than 20,000 deep-blue Iznik tiles decorating the interior walls, creating an atmosphere of total serenity.
- Basilica CisternWelcome to the Basilica Cistern, known as the 'Sunken Palace'—a mysterious underground cathedral located beneath Istanbul's busy streets. Built by Justinian in the 6th century to store the city's drinking water, this massive structure is supported by a forest of 336 marble columns salvaged from recycled ancient temples. As you walk along the platforms above the still waters, you'll be enveloped in a cool atmosphere and soothing music.
How to take this tour
- Install the free Itinerarly app on iPhone or Android and create a free account.
- Open Guided tours, choose Istanbul, then Complete Istanbul.
- Start whenever you like: the app guides you to Galata Tower and the story plays when you arrive at each stop.
Other audio tours of Istanbul
Planning a whole day? See one day in Istanbul.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Complete Istanbul tour in Istanbul free?
- Yes. It is one of 3 free self-guided audio tours of Istanbul in the Itinerarly app. Some sights charge their own entry ticket.
- How long does the Complete Istanbul tour take?
- About 2 h 20 for 7 stops, including time at each stop.
- Where does the Complete Istanbul tour start and finish?
- It starts at Galata Tower and finishes at Basilica Cistern.
- Which languages is the narration in?
- English, French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese, with natural-sounding synthetic voices.