History and culture in Istanbul

Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul, the Hippodrome, the Theodosian walls and the layered history of Constantinople.

Top experiences to book

Bookable activities with verified prices and instant confirmation on GetYourGuide.

Full-Day Walking Tour of Istanbul's Old City

⏱ 5 hours

Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque Tour

From Istanbul: 2-Day Tour to Gallipoli & Troy

Istanbul: Fener & Balat Guided Tour Through the Colored Streets

More tours on Viator

Top-rated experiences with verified reviews, bookable on Viator (a Tripadvisor company).

Viator

Read our in-depth guides

Byzantine Istanbul guide

The best surviving Byzantine sites in Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Chora mosaics, Basilica Cistern, Theodosian Walls, and what to know before you visit.

Istanbul architecture guide

Byzantine domes, Ottoman minarets, Art Nouveau facades, and modern towers: a practical guide to Istanbul's architectural layers and best buildings to

Istanbul history overview

From Byzantium to Constantinople to Istanbul: 2,700 years of empire, faith, and reinvention on the Bosphorus, explained clearly.

Mosque etiquette guide for Istanbul visitors

What to wear, when to visit, and how to behave in Istanbul's mosques — practical rules for the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Süleymaniye, and all others.

Ottoman Istanbul guide

Key Ottoman sites in Istanbul: Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye, Grand Bazaar, and the imperial architecture that defines the city's skyline.

Ramadan in Istanbul — what to expect as a visitor

What Ramadan means for tourists in Istanbul: iftar atmosphere, mosque visits, restaurant hours, Ramadan 2026 dates, and what changes for non-Muslim

Turkish customs and etiquette for Istanbul visitors

Greetings, tipping, dress codes, hospitality norms, bargaining culture, and social customs that help visitors navigate Istanbul confidently and