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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.05mi
Map Pin
Hoca Paşa, Alemdar Cd. No:17, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
POI 1 Tour Image
Let's Go!
Let's go! I'll share a short history lesson as you follow your navigation toward Gulhane Park.

The history of Istanbul is a mesmerizing tale that spans over two and a half millennia. Originally founded as Byzantium by the Greeks in 657 BC, it later became Constantinople, the glorious capital of the Roman Empire in 330 AD. With the rise of the Byzantine Empire, Istanbul blossomed into a center of art, culture, and trade. Its iconic structures, such as the majestic Hagia Sophia and the grand Hippodrome, were testament to its grandeur.

In 1453, the city underwent a momentous transformation when the Ottoman Turks, led by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, captured Constantinople, renaming it Istanbul. The city became the thriving capital of the mighty Ottoman Empire for centuries, witnessing the construction of architectural wonders like the Topkapi Palace and the Süleymaniye Mosque.

With the fall of the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century, Istanbul underwent significant changes and became the vibrant cultural and economic center of the newly established Republic of Turkey. Today, Istanbul stands as a living testament to its diverse and storied past, where Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern influences coexist harmoniously, enchanting visitors with its rich history, captivating architecture, and vibrant spirit.

Please keep following your navigation.

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Place #2
Distance: 1.45mi
Map Pin
Cankurtaran, Soğuk Çeşme Sk. No:11, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
POI 3 Tour Image
Gulhane Park
Please turn left here and enter Gulhane Park.

This amazing space has a captivating history that dates back centuries. Originally part of the royal gardens of the Topkapi Palace, it was a private retreat for the sultans of the Ottoman Empire. In 1912, it was transformed into a public park, welcoming locals and visitors alike. The park witnessed significant historical events, including the announcement of the Imperial Edict of Tanzimat in 1839, which introduced political and legal reforms. Today, Gulhane Park offers a serene escape with its lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and tranquil atmosphere, providing a glimpse into Istanbul's rich past amidst its natural beauty.

There's so much to explore here so feel free to do so! Our next stop is the Archaeological Museums. The navigation will guide you there whenever you are ready.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Let's Go!
Map Pin Place 2 Gulhane Park
Map Pin Place 3 Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Map Pin Place 4 Topkapi Palace Museum
Map Pin Place 5 Aya Irini
Map Pin Place 6 Hagia Sophia
Map Pin Place 7 Snacks
Map Pin Place 8 Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)
Map Pin Place 9 The Blue Mosque
Map Pin Place 10 Hippodrome of Constantinople
Map Pin Place 11 Enjoy the shops and cobblestones
Map Pin Place 12 Cemberlitas Sutunu
Map Pin Place 13 Nuruosmaniye Mosque
Map Pin Place 14 Grand Bazaar
Map Pin Place 15 Istanbul University
Map Pin Place 16 Suleymaniye Mosque
Map Pin Place 17 Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market)



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How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

What's included?
  • A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
  • Earphones (highly recommended).
  • Smartphone.
  • Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.

Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural

+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided walking tour includes 17 stops, covering top attractions such as Let's Go!, Gulhane Park, Istanbul Archaeological Museums, Topkapi Palace Museum, Aya Irini.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Let's Go! (Address: Hoca Paşa, Alemdar Cd. No:17, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided walking tour designed to be completed on foot through walkable areas and city highlights.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided walking tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you.
+ Is this a walkable tour?
Yes, this tour is fully walkable and designed to follow a comfortable route through pedestrian-friendly areas.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There is one thing that you need - A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour) and comfortable walking shoes! But here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a mobile charger/battery. 2. Bring earphones for the best experience. 3. Bring a bottle of water and dress appropriately according to the weather forecast.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. Just follow the route (cross streets carefully using crosswalks) and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue the from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!