Some people study a city. Others are raised by it. Ezgi Tilki belongs to the second group. Born and raised in Istanbul, she is a licensed professional tour guide with a national guiding license that covers all seven regions of Türkiye – yet her heart (and most of her work) beats in Istanbul.
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Endless Energy, Real Warmth
Our honest impression of Ezgi? “Bitmeyen bir enerjisi var” – she has energy that just doesn’t run out. She is genuinely smiley and positive, not just during the tour but also after it. Unlike many guides who are exhausted and grumbling once the day is over, Ezgi finishes her tours still joking, still kind, still caring about whether her guests had the best possible day.
She also has a very high-level gift for conversation and storytelling. Ezgi can talk to anyone – from a shy teenager to a retired historian – and find the tone that makes them feel comfortable. Her stories are never a dry list of dates; she weaves history, local gossip, cultural nuance and personal experience into something alive and easy to follow.
Travelers often comment that spending a day with Ezgi feels less like “having a guide” and more like exploring Istanbul with a very knowledgeable local friend.
What Kind of Tours Does Ezgi Offer?
Ezgi designs flexible, private tours based entirely on your interests and pace. Here are some of the experiences you can build with her:
Classic Old City & Timeless Landmarks
Perfect for first-time visitors who want to understand why Istanbul has been fought over for millennia. Together, you might explore the Hippodrome, Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar – but at a human pace, with regular breaks, context and conversation.
Hidden Streets & Photo Walks
Ezgi loves photography, so she is naturally drawn to photo-friendly itineraries. Think colorful backstreets of Balat and Fener, rooftop views over the domes of the Old City, narrow lanes in Karaköy, or sunset along the Bosphorus. She helps you find angles, stories and moments – not just “Instagram spots”.
Food-Focused Istanbul
With a special interest in food tours, Ezgi is a fantastic companion for anyone who wants to eat their way through the city. From simit and menemen at a local breakfast joint to family-run lokanta, street foods, meyhane and dessert stops, she’ll build a route that reflects your comfort zone (adventurous or gentle) and dietary needs.
Cross-Continent City Days
One of Ezgi’s favorite styles of day is the classic “two continents, one city” experience – starting in the historic peninsula or Beyoğlu, then crossing by ferry to Kadıköy or Üsküdar.
It’s an easy way to feel the difference between European and Asian Istanbul while still keeping the day relaxed and enjoyable.
Beyond Istanbul – All of Turkey
Because her guiding license covers the entire country, Ezgi can also be part of longer itineraries: Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, the Mediterranean coast or Eastern Turkey. For travelers who prefer to keep one guide throughout their trip, she’s an excellent choice to connect Istanbul with the rest of Turkey.
Why We’re Excited to Work with Ezgi
We’ve always believed that the right guide can change the way you experience a city. There are many licensed guides in Turkey, but not many who combine professional training with Ezgi’s level of warmth, stamina and curiosity.
Her background with Guided Istanbul Tours – one of the city’s best-known agencies and a long-time TripAdvisor favorite – means she has already guided thousands of people from all over the world.
She understands different travel styles, different expectations and different cultural sensitivities. Bringing that experience into our more intimate, flexible style of touring was an easy decision.
Touring Istanbul with Ezgi: What to Expect
Ezgi is simply fun, engaging, and full of life.
- A day designed around you – pace, priorities and energy levels are adjusted on the fly.
- Honest conversation – about history, daily life, politics, music, sports or whatever you’re curious about.
- Zero “scripted” feeling – you won’t get a memorized speech; you’ll get a real person who knows her city.
- Plenty of laughs – that endless energy and smile are contagious.
- Memorable stories – walk away with the kind of stories you’ll want to share with friends and family long after the tour.
Get in Touch to Book Ezgi
Fill in the form below and we will check with Ezgi to see if she’s available on that date. If not, we can look for alternatives in similar style.
