Photo: Aysenur Ede , Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
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Live from old Istanbul: an evening walk on video
Your local guide
Elif Yılmaz
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Highlights
- Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, lit at dusk
- The Hippodrome's ancient columns, story by story
- Sultanahmet's side streets as they light up
- Old Istanbul settling into its evening rhythm
- Live questions answered as the walk continues
About this tour
This session walks Sultanahmet as evening sets in, from the square between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the ancient columns of the Hippodrome and a quieter side street beyond. The guide follows the neighbourhood's own pace as the light drops and the shopfronts switch on. It is a calmer side of old Istanbul than its daytime crowds.
The call opens with a sound check, then follows the three stops as the evening comes on, taking questions throughout rather than saving them to the end. A short list of what was covered is sent once the call finishes.
This suits anyone who prefers a city after dark or anyone missing Istanbul and wanting to spend time there again. It also suits those planning a first visit who want a feel for the old city's evenings.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 6 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Istanbul before heading out.
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Sultanahmet at dusk 17 min
As evening falls over Sultanahmet, the camera moves across the square between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque while their domes catch the last light, and the guide explains how the two buildings have faced each other for centuries.
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Hippodrome square 17 min
In the old Hippodrome square, the camera settles on the ancient columns still standing among the evening crowds, and the guide tells the stories behind each one as the lights around the square come on.
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A Sultanahmet side street 17 min
Down a side street away from the main square, the camera catches the smaller shopfronts and tea houses lighting up for the evening, and the guide answers questions as the walk winds back toward the water.
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Your questions 11 min
Time to ask anything about Istanbul: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 5 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Baklava and Kadıköy, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in Istanbul time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 12 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Istanbul, showing you Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
Do I need to know the history already?
No background needed. The guide explains everything as it comes up.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- We meet on Google Meet. Headphones help, the city can be loud.
Times shown in Istanbul time (GMT+3)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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Next: Sun 25 Oct · 12 seats left From 14,00 €
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