Straddling the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is a multicultural blend of both Asia and Europe. With 2500 years of history, stunning architecture, art, and a vibrant cosmopolitan nightlife, Istanbul has something for every traveler.

The best way to take in all the attractions that the city has to offer is to get on a Hop-on Hop-off bus. They are large, double-decker, open buses that run along a designated route and stop at famous attractions along the way. You can hop off at the attractions you want to visit and hop back on the next bus when you want to continue the tour.

Why Choose Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours?

Saves Money: Traveling around Istanbul can be expensive, but Hop-on Hop-off buses help you get around several attractions at affordable prices.
Easy and Convenient: Hop-on Hop-off buses work on a simple principle. You get off at any attraction you want and grab the next one to get to another destination.
Multilingual Audio Guides: The Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off buses are equipped with pre-recorded audio guides in almost 10 languages to make your experience an informative one.
Free Wi-Fi and Snacks: The Hop-on Hop-off buses also come with free Wi-Fi and snacks to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Visit the Top Attractions: The Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off buses pass through almost 11 top attractions of the city and you can also upgrade them to cruise through the Bosphorus Strait.
Freedom to Make Your Own Itinerary: If you book Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off bus tickets, you do not have to follow a fixed schedule. You can get off at any attraction and make your own itinerary as you go through the route.
Splendid Views: The open roof of the double-decker buses offers splendid views of the city and its landmarks.

Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off routes & timings

Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off

This Hop-on Hop-off bus tour offers a fantastic way to explore the city's rich history and vibrant culture at your own pace. Choose from the 1 or 2-day pass and get access to audio guides in 8 languages. Popular stops include the Taksim Square, Spice Bazaar, and Dolmabahce Palace.

TIMINGS

10am-4:45pm from Taksim Sqaure/Sultanahmet

FREQUENCY

Every 45 minutes

11 stops with optional 90-minute Bosphorus cruise

Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours Highlights

Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern is an underground relic that met the water needs of the people during the Byzantine era. It has 336 colonnades, that are illuminated by electric lights. Inside the cistern is a colonnade with carvings of peacocks and tree branches, in remembrance of the 7000 slaves, who sacrificed themselves during its construction.

Explore Basilica Cistern

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is a religious site, soaked in the multiplicity of the dynasties and cultures it has witnessed. It was originally built as a cathedral to serve as the primary place of worship for eastern Europeans. Later, it was converted into a mosque under the Ottoman empire and remained so for almost 500 years.

Explore Hagia Sophia

Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace is the largest palace in Turkey, a compelling architectural masterpiece, influenced by traditional Turkish, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles. It served as the residence of six sultans and a caliph from 1856 to 1924. One of its most striking features is the ceiling, made of 14 tonnes of gold.

Explore Dolmabahce Palace

Topkapi Palace

Once the Ottoman sultan’s primary residence, the Topkapi palace is filled with several wondrous objects like jewel-filled treasuries, courtyards, and spacious harems to accommodate the sultan’s partners.

Explore Topkapi Palace

Blue Mosque

The Sultanahmet mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, perfectly demonstrates the Ottoman architectural style. It is known for its six minarets, cascading grey domes, and gorgeous interiors that face the Hippodrome in the heart of Istanbul.

Explore Blue Mosque

Galata Tower

Originally named the Tower of Christ, the Galata tower offers scintillating views of the city, including the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus river, and the Historical peninsula. The 220-foot tower was built in 1348 and later turned into an astronomical observatory.

Explore Galata Tower

Taksim Square

The central station of the Istanbul metro network, Taksim Square is filled with shops and restaurants. The Gezi park, the domed church of Aya Triada, Huseyin Aga mosque, and Istiklal street are some major attractions in Taksim Square.

Sultanahmet Square

The Sultanahmet Square, also known as the Hippodrome of Constantinople was a race track that supported the social and sporting center of the city. Only four fragments of the original grand structure remain to this day.

Ortakay Mosque

The Ortakay mosque is situated on the waterside of the Ortakoy pier square, one of the most popular spots along the Bosphorus. The mosque was completed in 1854 or 1856 and remains open to visitors even in the present day.

Eminonu Square

The Eminonu square is a bustling spot between the Galata tower and the New mosque. It is purely a commercial waterfront of Istanbul, from where you can spot tons of ferries and boats whizzing past and docking, all day long.

Karakoy

If you love relishing seafood and shopping, you must visit Karakoy, which is lined with restaurants specializing in fish dishes. Most of the restaurants specializing in seafood are situated on the underside of the Galata tower.

Naval Museum

The Naval museum, located inside the Dolmabahce palace, is filled with almost 4000 artifacts related to Turkish naval conquests. It also contains a number of significant relics and military equipment pertaining to the Ottoman army.

Beylerbeyi Palace

An imperial summer residence built between 1861 and 1865, the Beylerbeyi palace is located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus river. Over the years, with the rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire, the palace has hosted several foreign guests.

Besiktas Bazaar

The Besiktas bazaar is one of the most popular Sunday markets in Istanbul. The bazaar is known for its universities, scenic views, shops, restaurants, and historic sites. The locals are friendly and often welcome visitors with smiles.

Egyptian Spice Bazaar

The spice bazaar in Istanbul is the largest market in Istanbul. Head to the bazaar for a fresh supply of nuts, honeycomb, spices, Turkish delights, caviar, Urfa pepper, sumac, dried oregano, dried figs, and mature Turkish cheese.

Hop-on Hop-off Visitor Tips and Guidelines

Check the Route: To make the most of your visit to Istanbul, check the routes of its Hop-on Hop-off buses and make your own itinerary. You can get off at any attraction and board the next bus from any spot.
Set Out Early: The Hop-on Hop-off buses start at 10 AM. It is best to arrive a little before that to reach attractions early to avoid overcrowding in the later hours of the day.
Book Tickets Online: It is best to book Hop-on Hop-off bus tickets online to avail yourself of great deals and discounts. Also, booking tickets online ensures that your spot is reserved in advance.
Follow the Dress Code: If you want to enter religious sites, make sure to cover your knees and shoulders.
Listen to the Audio Guide: Your Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket comes with pre-recorded audio guides in over 10 languages. Get expert insights, stories, and anecdotes as you cross off the top attractions of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions about Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours

Q. How do Hop-on Hop-off buses work?

A. The Hop-on Hop-off buses work on a simple principle. You get off at any attraction of your choice and board the next bus from any destination. You can visit many landmarks at affordable prices with Hop-on Hop-off buses.

Q. Does Istanbul have Hop-on Hop-off buses?

A. Yes, Istanbul offers Hop-on Hop-off buses to visit several landmarks in the city at pocket-friendly rates.

Q. Where can I buy Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off bus tour tickets?

A. It is best to buy Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off bus tour tickets online to avail of great deals and discounts. Booking tickets online also ensures that you can reserve your seats in advance.

Q. Can I buy Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off bus tour tickets online?

A. It is recommended that you buy Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off bus tour tickets online. Online bookings ensure that your seats are guaranteed in advance. If you set out early, you can cover more attractions before the overcrowding begins in the later hours of the day.

Q. What is the starting point of Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off buses?

A. The Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off buses start at 10 AM from Sultanahmet and pass through almost 11 major attractions in the city.

Q. How to get discounts on Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off bus tour tickets?

A. The easiest way to get great deals and discounts on Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off bus tickets is to book them online.

Q. How much do Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off bus tour tickets cost?

A. You can book the 1-day Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off bus tour tickets for €42. The cost for the 2-day sightseeing tour inclusive of the Bosphorus cruise amounts to €49.

Q. What do Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off bus tour tickets include?

A. The Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off bus tour tickets include visits to major landmarks of the city like Sultanahmet, Taksim Square, Blue Mosque, Ortakay Mosque, and so on. The Hop-on Hop-off buses pass through 11 major stops. The buses are also equipped with free Wi-Fi, snacks, and audio guides to make your experience a memorable one.

Q. What facilities are available in Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off buses?

A. Free Wi-Fi, snacks on board, and pre-recorded audio guides in over 10 languages are some of the perks of traveling in Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off buses.

Q. Which attractions does an Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off bus pass through?

A. The Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off buses pass through almost 11 stops namely Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, Dolmabahce Palace, Naval museum, Egyptian spice bazaar, and many others.

Q. What are the timings of Hop-on Hop-off buses in Istanbul?

A. The Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off buses run from 10 AM to 5 PM throughout the year.

Booking Istanbul Attraction Tickets: FAQs

What are some of Istanbul’s most popular attractions?

Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and Bosphorus Strait are some of Istanbul’s most popular attractions.

Where can I get Istanbul attractions tickets?

Istanbul tickets can be purchased online or on-site. It is recommended to buy them online to avoid last minute hassle and long queues.

What are some things to do in Istanbul?

There’s no shortage of things to do in Istanbul. You can explore the historic Old City, take a boat ride on the Bosphorus, visit a Hammam (Turkish bath), indulge in delicious Turkish cuisine, and shop at the Grand Bazaar.

Is Istanbul worth visiting?

Absolutely! Istanbul is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious food. You won’t be disappointed.

Is Istanbul wheelchair accessible?

While Istanbul has made efforts to become more accessible, it can still be challenging for those with mobility issues. Be sure to do your research before visiting and book accessible accommodations.

What are some unique experiences I must try in Istanbul?

Take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, watch a Whirling Dervish performance, and take a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus for some unique experiences in Istanbul.

What is the best time to visit Istanbul?

The best time to visit Istanbul is in the spring (April to May) or fall (September to November) when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller.

What are some of the must-try dishes in Istanbul?

Turkish breakfast, Turkish delight, and baklava are some of the must-try dishes in Istanbul.

How long should I spend in Istanbul?

Plan to spend at least 3-4 days in Istanbul to fully explore the city and its attractions.

How to get cheap tickets to Istanbul attractions?

Book your tickets online to get some great deals and discounts.

What are some of the best couple activities in Istanbul?

You can take a romantic sunset cruise on the Bosphorus, enjoy a couples’ hammam experience, and indulge in a private Turkish dinner.

What are some budget-friendly ways to enjoy Istanbul?

Visit free attractions like parks and mosques, explore local markets, and indulge in street food.

What is the best way to get around Istanbul?

Istanbul has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, metro, and trams. Taxis and car rental services are also available.

What kind of clothes should I pack for Istanbul?

Pack comfortable and modest clothing suitable for the weather. Respectful attire is required in mosques and other religious sites.

Will children enjoy Istanbul?

Yes, Istanbul has plenty of family-friendly activities, including theme parks, aquariums, and museums.

What are some off-beat locations in Istanbul?

The Chora Church, The SALT Galata, The Basilica Cistern, The Princes' Islands are some of the best off-beat locations in Istanbul.

Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours