Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or how to brew the perfect Turkish tea, Istanbul Local Guides has you covered! We are ready to take you around Istanbul or all of Turkey, for one day or the duration of your trip.
Istanbul Local Guides are just that locals who care deeply about making your trip to our beautiful country an experience you will remember for a lifetime.
Delight in the sights, sounds, and smells of Istanbul: no other city on earth straddles two continents -Europe and Asia- and has been home to three great empires (Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman). In a city like this, it's important to have a local friend who can help you to navigate, all the while ensuring you the most personal experience possible. Istanbul Local Guides will fascinate you with the story of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, will wander with you (and help you bargain!) in our bazaars and spice markets, and host you in our favorite restaurants off the tourist track. If your interest is modern Turkish culture and politics, discovering the very best Turkish kebabs, or anything in between, we'll tailor-make a trip just for you. With Istanbul Local Guides, you'll get knowledgeable, experienced, and very friendly guides, all at an affordable rate.
Istanbul Tours By Local Guides
We specialize in private Istanbul tours, Cappadocia tours, Ephesus tours, Turkey Tours. Besides the classic tours, we offer you custom made tours.
Should your travels in Turkey extend beyond magnificent Istanbul, rest assured that Istanbul Local Guides is there to help you on every leg of your journey.
Feel free to contact us for any requests, questions you may have about our Istanbul private guided tours.
Aykut Ayik
Hi! I'm Aykut, your gateway to the enchanting city of Istanbul. Educated at Ege University’s Guidance Department, I’ve spent over a decade unveiling the secrets of this majestic city to curious travelers.
Living in Istanbul is a privilege, and guiding here is my passion. I craft tours with a personal touch, ensuring that every visitor leaves with memories that linger far beyond their journey’s end.
Whether you’re here for a brief encounter or a deep dive into the city’s soul, my commitment to excellence begins with your first message. Ready with tailored suggestions, I’ll help you craft the perfect itinerary.
Join me, and let’s embark on an unforgettable exploration of Istanbul, where every step tells a story. Let’s make your visit not just a trip, but a tale of discovery and delight.
Duygu Gumusay
Istanbul captivates me with countless wonders; it’s not just a city but a symphony of experiences. The Bosphorus’ gentle whispers, Taksim’s untold tales, Hagia Sophia’s grandeur, the Grand Bazaar’s intricate dance, and the aromatic allure of Turkish coffee are just the beginning.
For a fleeting visit, any city might suffice, but this is Istanbul—a tapestry of history and heartbeats. As a seasoned tour guide since 2006, I invite you to see Istanbul through the eyes of someone who adores every corner of it.
From grand tours of Turkey’s legendary sites to the intimate streets of Istanbul, my journey has been one of discovery and passion. Marriage turned my gaze fully to this city, where I lead exploratory walks through its vibrant heart. I understand the traveler’s quest for authenticity and offer a gateway to hidden treasures and culinary delights. Let’s wander together, savoring the city’s fusion of ancient and modern, on paths less trodden, in the city I love.
Semih Gumusay
Embracing the roles of a loving father and husband, my life is a tapestry woven with familial bonds and the vibrant threads of travel and cultural discovery.
Initiating my guiding odyssey in 2007, I credit my vocation to a mentor who left an indelible mark on my soul—my high school English teacher. My path also meandered through the halls of academia, imparting English at a prestigious university in Istanbul. While the city’s iconic landmarks are my canvas, its secret splendors are my muse.
Embark with me on an authentic voyage through Istanbul, as seen through the eyes of a native—a true Istanbulite. Experience the interplay of continents as the sun dips below the horizon and the Bosphorus’ waters reflect the day’s last light. In a city carved by the hands of empires, I offer you not just a tour, but a narrative woven from the very essence of history and modernity. Together, let’s uncover the soul of Istanbul, ensuring your visit becomes a chapter in your own epic story.
