Hidden Spots of Istanbul Tour – Full Day

Already ticked the most popular Istanbul tourist attractions off your list? How about spending a day exploring the city’s hidden gems? Your friendly Trip Guru will take you around the city and help you discover Istanbul’s most beautiful and lesser-known sites.

Our first stop of the day is Nakibent Cistern, a beautifully preserved sixth-century Byzantine cistern hidden underneath a carpet shop! We’ll explore this ancient water tank and marvel at marble columns, brick arches, and expansive space.

“Visited this store since the Basilica Cistern was closed. What a great, almost hidden find. The entire basement of a rug and ceramics store features a beautiful, cleaned-up, and well-lit cistern. The cistern also includes a historical information exhibit of the surrounding hippodrome area.” – Gerard, USA

Next, we’ll head to Basilica Cistern, the largest underground cistern in Istanbul – it is estimated to hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water! We’ll skip the long lines at the entrance and learn about the history of this ancient cistern, including how it was continually rediscovered over time.

Then we’ll make our way to the Million Stone, which is the last remaining stone of the 4th-century triumphal gate that served as the Byzantine zero-mile marker. This gate was considered the origin of all roads leading to the European cities of the Byzantine Empire.

After listening to the history of the Million Stone, we’ll head to our next stop, the Yedikule Dungeons Museum. Also known as the Yedikule Fortress, this fortified historic structure was once home to a notorious royal dungeon that housed notable figures throughout its history.

Up next is the Palace of Porphyrogenitus. Also known as Tekfur Palace, this well-preserved structure was originally built as an annex to the Blachernae Palace in the late thirteenth century. We’ll marvel at one of the best-preserved Byzantine palaces still standing in the city before heading to our last stop, Mihrimah Mosque.

While not as popular as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, Mihrimah Mosque is no less stunning in its beauty and design. This 16th-century mosque was commissioned by Mihrimah, the daughter of the sultan, and designed by the imperial architect, Mimar Sinan. Rumor has it that Mimar was desperately infatuated with Mihrimah and built the mosque to symbolize his love for her.

“Very harmonious, excellently preserved, and very attractive. Had a comfortable and relaxed visit admiring the mosque, the square, and the fountain.” – Miguel, Spain