ISTANBUL, TURKEY
For an unparalleled experience in Istanbul, secure the services of our amiable local tour guides. They excel at guiding you through the city, immersing you in the local ambiance. Whether you’re inclined towards iconic tourist spots or off-the-beaten-path discoveries, our Guides4me guides are ready to transform your preferences into reality. Feel the city’s pulse and unravel unique experiences under their expert guidance.
ONDER
Onder is LGBT friendly and speaks Azuri, English and Arabic.
Meet Onder, your friendly night receptionist at a centrally located hotel in Istanbul. With a wealth of experience in hospitality, Onder is dedicated to ensuring your stay is nothing short of exceptional. Beyond his professional role, Onder is a man of diverse interests and passions. From acting and opera to cinema and football, he brings a rich tapestry of experiences to every interaction.
When he’s not welcoming guests with a warm smile, Onder enjoys immersing himself in Istanbul’s vibrant cultural scene. Whether it’s exploring hidden gems tucked away in the city’s winding streets or indulging in the local cuisine, Onder’s enthusiasm for Istanbul is contagious. With his insider knowledge and genuine love for the city, he’s eager to share its secrets with you.
In his spare time, Onder prioritizes his health and well-being, hitting the gym a few times a week and enjoying leisurely swims. His commitment to staying fit mirrors his dedication to providing exceptional service to every guest. Trust Onder to be your guide to the captivating wonders of Istanbul, where every moment promises to be an unforgettable adventure.
Total cost for the guide services of Onder for one day (8 hours) = a booking fee of USD 33 via Paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or Crypto Currency plus USD 100 in cash to Onder after his services. This makes a total of USD 133.
This excludes any transport, entrance fees or any food & beverage costs.
“My time with Onder was terrific. He’s knowledgeable, professional, personable and accommodating. With him I felt like I was meeting an old friend… very comfortable. We saw all the big things on my list that I wanted to see. He taught me about how to mix Turkish tea. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to join me for my last day as he has a real job. Should I return to Istanbul (which I hope to do), I would request his services. ” – John, USA
“Very satisfied travelers with Onder in Istanbul. I think we will be friends for life. Thank you for everything and the good communication before, during and after our trip. Definitely will recommend your services as it made it easier experiencing Istanbul” – Jose and friends, USA
“Onder turned out to be the best guide we’ve ever used. He showed us everything we wanted to see. We could not have wished for a better guide. He was so friendly and great to talk to. It was a truly unforgettable experience” – Julie & Mags, Belgium
ÖMERR
Ömerr is LGBT friendly and speaks English, Turkish and a little bit of Kurdish.
Meet Omerr. Your Passionate Guide to Istanbul’s Hidden Stories. Omerr is not just a guide, he’s a storyteller, a world traveller. Also a passionate local host who brings Istanbul to life with every step. Formerly a journalist, Omerr has a natural curiosity and a deep love for people, culture, and conversation. Today, he channels that energy into hospitality, crafting unforgettable experiences for travellers from around the globe.
Based in the heart of Istanbul, Omerr blends his sharp eye for detail with a warm, welcoming personality. He’s an avid photographer and seasoned explorer who knows the city’s iconic sights and hidden gems like the back of his hand. But what truly sets him apart is his enthusiasm for sharing knowledge in a way that’s engaging, insightful, and always sprinkled with those “good to know that!” moments.
Whether you’re wandering through the ancient streets of Sultanahmet, exploring the bustling bazaars. Or discovering the city’s vibrant culinary scene, Ömerr makes every experience richer. With his background in journalism, he adds depth and storytelling to each tour, offering not just facts but context, history, and local flavour.
If you’re looking for a guide in Istanbul who is passionate, personable, and deeply knowledgeable, Omerr is the one to show you the soul of the city, one meaningful moment at a time.
Total cost for the guide services of Ömerr for one day (8 hours) = a booking fee of USD 33 via Paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or Crypto Currency plus USD 140 in cash to Ömerr after his services. This makes a total of USD 173.
This excludes any transport, entrance fees or any food & beverage costs.
“Ömerr was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was eager to share his culture and answered and explained all the questions we had for him. He did push us to try many things, even things we weren’t completely comfortable trying, but it added to the experience. We saw the Hagia Sofia, the Basilica, Topkapi museum, the Egyptian and Grand Bazaar. We had a filling lunch close to the Gülhane Park. we sat in a beautiful Mosque and experienced their tradition private prayer; we had many rooftop photo moments, we had a glass of wine on a rooftop next to the Galata tower. He was receptive to free-flowing our way through the tour and letting us decided as we went along. It was a lovely day but we were exhausted at the end and he was kind enough to walk us all the way into the hotel to make sure we got in safely. – Miro, USA
“Ömerr is very reliable and personable. He is able to show you Istanbul in a short time without feeling rushed or rushed. The shopping experience at the Egyptian Bazaar was particularly fun. Thank you very much for the great tour and the introduction to using local public transport. ” – Soeren, USA
SAID
Said is LGBT friendly and speaks English and Turkish.
Meet Said who is your trusted companion through the winding streets, lively markets, and hidden stories of magical Istanbul. He leads visitors through quiet alleys filled with the warm scent of fresh simit. Along the way, he shares laughs with locals and offers insights through playful Turkish jokes.
With Said, guests pause for steaming glasses of tea while listening to fascinating tales from the city’s rich past. He brings history to life with every step. Travellers explore ancient courtyards and admire historic wooden houses with charming balconies. Said helps them discover hidden corners perfect for photos that capture more than just a moment, they tell a story.
As evening falls, he often leads guests to the shores of the Bosphorus. There, they watch the lights reflect on the water and enjoy the peaceful beauty of Istanbul’s skyline. With Said, Istanbul becomes more than a destination. It becomes a stage. Every street walked, every flavour tasted, and every laugh shared becomes part of an unforgettable journey.
Total cost for the guide services of Said for one day (8 hours) = a booking fee of USD 33 via Paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or Crypto Currency plus USD 93 in cash to Said after his services. This makes a total of USD 126.
This excludes any transport, entrance fees or any food & beverage costs.
“Said was a wonderful guide through Istanbul. He translated for me when shopping and explained the city. Knew all the places to go and even went out of his way to find places I had only seen online that were off the tourist path. Made me feel safe as a women touring alone. ” – Sandra, USA
Our other destinations in Turkey are
Cappadocia, Cesme, Ephesus, Izmir, Kusadasi, Pamukkale and Sirince.
Experience the enchanting fusion of East and West in Istanbul.
Istanbul is where Europe meets Asia in a stunning blend of cultures. It’s an ideal destination for shore excursions from any cruise ship docking in the city. With limited time, a guided tour ensures you experience the very best of this unforgettable place.
Start your journey with a scenic ferry ride across the iconic Bosphorus Strait. This is the only city in the world that straddles two continents. It’s the perfect introduction to Istanbul’s unique energy and charm.
Next, step into the world-famous Grand Bazaar. This historic market is a maze of colours, scents, and sounds. Cruise visitors on shore excursions can explore stalls filled with exotic spices, handmade crafts, souvenirs, and delicious Turkish delights.
For those with evening shore leave, Taksim Square offers a taste of Istanbul’s vibrant nightlife. Bars, restaurants, and live music venues line the lively streets. It’s the perfect way to experience the city after dark.
No shore excursion would be complete without a visit to Dolmabahce Palace. Overlooking the Bosphorus, this grand residence of Ottoman sultans is full of opulence and history. It’s a highlight for many cruise ship passengers.
Istanbul also welcomes everyone with open arms. The city has a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, with inclusive spaces, friendly venues, and exciting events that reflect its diverse spirit.
Every moment in Istanbul is a chance to create lasting memories. Whether you’re here for a few hours or a full day, a shore excursion with a Guides4me guide ensures you make the most of your time. You’ll see the real Istanbul – and by the end, you won’t just have a guide, you’ll have a new friend.
The Cheapest Flights to Istanbul, per month
