Pera, Another Side of Istanbul: Free Tour of Galata & Karaköy
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Explore Galata and Karaköy on a unique tour of European Istanbul! Discover the history of the medieval merchants who were drawn here by the Silk Road and experience an unforgettable adventure.
Learning the origin of the expression “¡es la Pera!” is just the beginning of this unique tour through this neighborhood, which tells another of Istanbul’s many stories. This tour, with its surprising nooks and crannies, anecdotes, and legends, goes far beyond simply learning about its colossal tower, visible from every corner. The Silk Road and Marco Polo, the Almogavars and Tirant lo Blanc, Cervantes, and a 9th-century scientist from Málaga, among others, will accompany us on this stroll through its hidden alleys. We look forward to seeing you!
We’ll be using public transportation, so we recommend having an IstanbulKart, though it’s not required.
Meeting point
Hotel Nordstern Karaköy
Before you go
- Length
- About 2h 30min
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Usual start times
- 14:30 (Istanbul time)
- Coming up
- 21 departures in 3 months, 2 this week
Questions about this tour
How much does this tour cost?
Nothing up front. You book for free and tip your guide at the end. Many travellers tip around €5 to €15 per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
How long does it take?
About 2h 30min.
Where does it start?
The meeting point is Hotel Nordstern Karaköy. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
What languages is it in?
Upcoming departures are in English and Spanish. Pick your language in the calendar to see only those.
When does it run?
21 departures are listed in the next three months, 2 of them in the next 7 days, usually at 14:30. Times are local to Istanbul.
Do I need to book?
Booking is a good idea: groups are limited and popular times fill up. Create a free Tripsora account, pick a day and time, and press Book to finish with the tour provider.
Can I bring my dog?
The tour provider lists this tour as pet friendly.
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Pet friendly
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