Istanbul Modern City Exploration: Discover Hidden Passages from Taksim to Galata

Embark on an Istanbul Modern City Exploration, uncovering hidden passages from Taksim to Galata. Discover secret spots, local eateries, and the cosmopolitan history of Beyoğlu.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Taksim Square - Every great city has a central square, and Istanbul does not disappoint. Taksim square has a little bit of everything and is worth a trip to witness people and their interactions.
  • Taksim Gezi Park - Taksim Gezi Park
  • Republic Monument - Situated at Taksim Square, the heart of modern Istanbul, commemorate the formation of…
What's Included
  • Professional Guide
  • Small Group
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on a tour into the essence of Istanbul’s modern district, where you will experience the unmistakable landmarks and hidden gems that make Beyoğlu truly enchanting. Steer clear of the crowded Istiklal Avenue to explore enchanting side streets and historical pathways overlooked by both tourists and locals. Experience Pera district from a local’s…

Location
Cafe Marmara
Tak-ı Zafer Caddesi
Meet your guide in front of (outside) CAFE MARMARA, located beneath The Marmara Taksim Hotel at Taksim Square. Your guide will be wearing a tour guide badge and will be easily recognizable.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(57 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Deepti_s
Sep 28, 2025
Erol was an excellent... - Erol was an excellent guide, took us around from taskim to Galata. Introduced us to the history; buildings, food place. We got a good gist of the city - places to eat and shop at. It was good pace, walking and did not get tired.
Review provided by Viator
Catherine_c
Sep 7, 2025
Our guide was amazing and you will see things that are in plain sight but you didn’t know were there - Delving into the back streets was fascinating. Our guide had the most amazing insight and knowledge to share and was enthralling. I learnt so much despite having lived in Istanbul many years ago. My only suggestion to her would be to use headsets as she is quietly spoken and it is a busy area.
Review provided by Viator
Caroline_b
Sep 6, 2025
Excellent guide, interesting tour - Fabulous tour in areas we would have never known about - we were in a small group and so it was very informative. Kim, out guide was lovely and explained all areas of interest in a very entertaining and joyful way.
Review provided by Viator
Drina_j
Aug 22, 2025
Great experience, our... - Great experience, our tour guide was very kind and knowledgeable. Ideal way to familiarise oneself with the city and the hidden gems of the laneways. Highly recommend 😊
Review provided by Viator
Gennady_k
Jun 20, 2025
Great modern city tour! - Great tour, with hidden gems. Super knowledgeable tour guide, best experience in Istanbul! We would recommend this tour to everyone visiting Istanbul for the first time!
Review provided by Viator
Phil
May 12, 2025
Purely by chance, I was... - Purely by chance, I was the only one on this tour--a private tour for the price of a group tour. Guide was knowledgeable, personable, enjoyable and helpful.
Review provided by Viator
Deep
Mar 23, 2025
JUSTTT AMAZING!!!!!! - I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing the Taksim to Galata Secret Passage Tour with Tolga, and I cannot recommend him enough! From the very beginning, his warm and engaging personality made the tour feel less like a typical guided experience and more like an exciting adventure through the heart of Istanbul. Tolga’s knowledge of the city is unparalleled. He didn’t just take us through the usual tourist spots—he revealed hidden gems, secret passageways, and fascinating historical anecdotes that you wouldn’t find in any guidebook. His storytelling was so captivating that I felt like I was stepping back in time, witnessing the city’s rich history unfold right before my eyes. Beyond his expertise, what truly sets Tolga apart is his passion. You can tell he genuinely loves sharing Istanbul’s magic with others. He answered every question with enthusiasm, tailored the experience to our interests, and even shared personal recommendations for places to eat and visit after the tour. His attention to detail made the entire journey feel seamless and immersive. One of my favorite parts was how he effortlessly blended history, culture, and fun into the experience. Whether it was pointing out tiny architectural details with incredible significance, sharing local legends, or introducing us to tucked-away spots with breathtaking views, he kept us engaged every step of the way. If you’re visiting Istanbul and want to truly experience the city rather than just see it, Tolga is the guide you need. He made this tour unforgettable, and I can confidently say it was one of the highlights of my trip. Highly, highly recommended! Thank you, Tolga, for an incredible experience—I’ll definitely be back for another tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zhuojiej
Mar 19, 2025
Well planned and flexible tour of Taksim - Tolga is an excellent guide. He was on time for both the start and the end of the tour. He’s knowledgeable about the history of Taksim, and explained to me the story behind each location’s name. Along the way, he introduced to me some local foods so I wouldn’t stay hungry and helped me communicate with the venders, all without veering off much from the planned route and without delays to the schedule. At the end of the tour, he helped me find where I needed to go next. If anyone wants a tour with some local insight and flexibility, this would be a good choice.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cassie_m
Feb 16, 2025
Great experience! Tour... - Great experience! Tour guide was very knowledgeable and easy going. I really enjoyed the tour and learned lots
Review provided by Viator
907jonathont
Jan 21, 2025
Marvelous - A mesmerizing blend of cultures, with stops at the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. The guide was friendly and informative.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $41
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).