The Other Tour offers an immersive, full-day journey that dives deep into the heart of Istanbul, far beyond the touristy facades. Unlike most city tours, it challenges participants to dedicate a whole day to explore the real, vibrant Istanbul—a city that has grown to be 400 times larger than ancient Constantinople. The experience takes guests off the beaten path, revealing a metropolis of at least 20 million people, with diverse neighborhoods, rich cultural interactions, and authentic moments.
Through intimate encounters with locals, visits to family homes, schools, street markets, and even casual games, The Other Tour reveals the complex layers of Istanbul’s history and modern life. The journey through hidden streets and bustling squares showcases the city’s sprawling extent, from the historic core to the lively outskirts, offering an unparalleled view of the cultural mosaic that defines this magnificent city.
2024 was a fantastic year for The Other Tour, with a special focus on The Bosphorus and the Asian Side of Istanbul. In 2025, we’re excited to prioritize Golden Horn neighborhoods as well!
We are a family-owned travel agency based in Istanbul. We have been offering alternative city tours of Istanbul since 2011.
Experience Istanbul with our comprehensive city tour - skip the usual historic sites to focus on the present-day wonders of the city.
The Other Tour is booked privately and costs 300 Euros per person. This includes all the costs during the entire adventure, no hidden fees!
Go beyond touristy hotspots to uncover Istanbul’s authentic soul. Explore vibrant neighborhoods, connect with locals, and experience the city’s cultural and social fabric through unique activities that showcase its true essence.
We kick off at 9 AM, driving along the scenic Bosphorus to discover Arnavutköy and nearby neighborhoods, celebrated for their beauty and charm.
On our private boat, we cruise past historic mansions along the Bosphorus. We disembark in Kanlıca to savor the area’s famous yogurt.
Crossing to the Asian side, we explore picturesque Kuzguncuk and enjoy a delightful homemade lunch in a local’s home.
Back to the European side via ferry, we explore Balat and Fener’s vibrant streets and visit a local school to connect with the community.
Unwind with a traditional scrub and massage in a historic Turkish bath, a rejuvenating pause before the evening festivities.
The night unfolds at a lively Turkish tavern with dinner and dancing, or perhaps a magical dinner cruise—it’s always a surprise!
Istanbul's best alternative city tour
The Other Tour is an immersive Istanbul experience, taking you beyond tourist spots to explore local culture with activities like home-cooked meals, school visits, and Bosphorus cruises. As a travel agency, we also offer personalized travel planning in Istanbul and Turkey, crafting custom itineraries and unique experiences tailored to each traveler.
© 2024 The Other Tour - Istanbul by Eren Nergiz Travel.
© 2024 The Other Tour - Istanbul by Eren Nergiz Travel.