Free travel audio guide to visit Istanbul's must-see spots

The soundtrack of your travel to Istanbul

Don't wait any longer to immerse yourself in the magic of Istanbul! Download our free tour audio guide now and start planning your next adventure. Without schedules, without groups, at your own pace... to discover what things to do, see or visit in Istanbul, whether you are just passing through or staying for several days.

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Our audio guide will accompany you in every corner of Istanbul, giving you privileged information and secrets that only an expert would know. Let your ears guide you and transform your trip into an unforgettable experience! It doesn't matter if you are an experienced traveller or a newcomer, this audio guide is perfect for everyone. Download it now and immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Istanbul!

About the city of Istanbul: Your comprehensive guide

Step into a captivating city where East meets West, and history, culture, and architecture blend seamlessly. Stroll through bustling bazaars, marvel at intricate mosques, and be sure to catch a view from the iconic Hagia Sophia. Whether you're a history buff or a culture vulture, you'll find something to love here. And hey, let's not forget the food—immerse yourself in the flavors of mouthwatering kebabs, baklava, and Turkish delight. Enjoy every moment!

Gastronomy: Delicious Discoveries

Istanbul, the city where East meets West, harbors an eclectic mix of flavors, aromas, and culinary traditions. Food enthusiasts must try a variety of local dishes and drinks that characterize this vibrant city. Start with a taste of Meze, a collection of small, flavorful dishes usually accompanied by the anise-flavored spirit, Raki. Meze consists of assortments like hummus, fava, and octopus salad.

The savory pastry, Börek, is a must-try, traditionally filled with cheese, minced meat, or vegetables and layered with thin dough known as Yufka. Another essential dish is Köfte, spiced meatballs made predominantly of lamb or beef and grilled or fried to perfection, often served with rice or bread.

Istanbul is also the birthplace of Döner Kebap, thin slices of seasoned meat stacked in the shape of an inverted cone and turned slowly on a rotating vertical rotisserie. Savor it in sandwiches or on plates, usually complemented with tomatoes, onions, and yogurt.

Sweet lovers will find joy in trying Baklava, a rich, sweet dessert pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened and held together with syrup or honey. For a taste of the local pudding, go for Kazandibi, a caramelized milk pudding, or Tavuk Göğsü, a unique dessert made with milk, sugar, rice flour, and chicken breast.

Exploring the local drinks is essential in understanding Istanbul’s gastronomy. Turkish Tea is the staple beverage, often consumed throughout the day, and it's as important culturally as it is gastronomically. Additionally, Turkish Coffee, renowned for its strong and flavorful brew, is a must-try for coffee aficionados.

When it comes to street food, Balık Ekmek, a simple yet flavorful fish sandwich, is a delightful choice, usually served with onions, lettuce, and tomatoes. Simit, a circular bread encrusted with sesame seeds, is also a ubiquitous and tasty snack, typically enjoyed with white cheese and tea.

Lastly, locals and visitors alike flock to taste the mouthwatering İskender Kebap, thinly cut grilled lamb bathed in hot tomato sauce, over pieces of pita bread and generously slathered with melted sheep butter and yogurt.

Comment: On each spot of the audio guide, we will provide you with the nearest recommended restaurants according to Google's users' opinions, ensuring you find the best spots to savor these traditional dishes and experience authentic Turkish gastronomy.

Transportation and getting around the city

Touching down in Istanbul, you’ve got a few options to roll into the city. The most common one is taking the Havaist shuttle buses; they're pretty comfortable and will get you to many key points in the city. But if you’re feeling more adventurous, the Marmaray train is another cool option, it’s fast and reliable, and you get to see a bit of the city as you travel.

Now, once you’re in the city, public transport is the way to go! Istanbul has a pretty slick network of trams, buses, ferries, and metro lines. Grab an Istanbulkart as soon as you can; it’s this smart card you can top up and swipe for most of the transport modes. You’ll find it at most kiosks and vending machines around transport hubs.

Hitting the pavements is pretty awesome too, especially around Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu. These districts are super walkable, full of historical sites, cool shops, and places to eat. So, lace up your comfy shoes and just lose yourself in the narrow streets and vibrant markets.

Feeling like hopping on and off? Then check out the Big Bus Istanbul. It's one of those cool double-deckers where you can soak up the city's vibes and jump off whenever you spot something interesting. You can snag tickets from their website or directly from the bus; they’re pretty flexible.

And let’s talk taxis. They're everywhere, and they can be a swift way to get around. Just make sure the meter’s running to avoid any haggling over the fare at the end of your ride. But, honestly, with the traffic in Istanbul, sometimes walking or public transport is the faster way to roll.

Finally, don’t miss out on the ferries! Seriously, they are the coolest way to travel between the European and Asian sides of the city, offering some stellar views and a breath of fresh sea air.

So, whether you’re busing, walking, or cruising on a ferry, there’s a transport vibe for every mood in Istanbul. Enjoy every moment in this city that’s teeming with history, culture, and unbeatable street food!

Key spots included in our audio guide and grouped for your 1, 3, 5-day trip or more:

1d : Hagia Sophia . Blue Mosque . Topkapi Palace . Grand Bazaar .

3d : Hagia Sophia . Blue Mosque . Topkapi Palace . Grand Bazaar . Basilica Cistern . Dolmabahce Palace . Spice Bazaar . Galata Tower . Bosphorus Cruise .

5d : Hagia Sophia . Blue Mosque . Topkapi Palace . Grand Bazaar . Basilica Cistern . Dolmabahce Palace . Spice Bazaar . Galata Tower . Bosphorus Cruise . Chora Church . Suleymaniye Mosque . Istiklal Street . Prince's Islands . Rumeli Fortress .

All : Hagia Sophia . Blue Mosque . Topkapi Palace . Grand Bazaar . Basilica Cistern . Dolmabahce Palace . Spice Bazaar . Galata Tower . Bosphorus Cruise . Chora Church . Suleymaniye Mosque . Istiklal Street . Prince's Islands . Rumeli Fortress . Museum of Innocence . Maiden's Tower . Fener & Balat Districts . Istinye Bay . Galata Mevlevi Museum . Sakıp Sabancı Museum . Ciragan Palace Kempinski . Sultanahmet Square . Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque) . Gülhane Park . Fatih Mosque .