Hop-on Hop-off Istanbul City Sightseeing Bus Tour: Tickets Advice

Touring a city on an open topped double decker tourist bus is very common in many major destinations in the world. And so for Istanbul. Here on this page, you will find everything you need to know about the hop on hop off Istanbul bus tour including insider advice. So it’s time to hop-on to discover more of Istanbul and hop-off to explore the most visited and popular landmarks in Istanbul. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the reasons why the Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is the perfect way to discover the city, and we’ll highlight some of the top attractions you can visit along the way.

What to Expect?

With so much to see and do, navigating the city can be overwhelming. That’s where the Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour comes to the rescue. This convenient and flexible tour allows you to explore Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems at your own pace.

Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is a cheap way to discover and explore the popular zones of Istanbul which you just couldn’t walk to and see in one day.

The sightseeing bus runs every 30/60 minutes and lets you see the most popular popular sights along the interesting and different districts and neighborhoods of the city. And what is great that you can all do it in a couple of hours.

With Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus tour tickets you’ll get:

Convenience and Flexibility

The Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour offers the ultimate convenience and flexibility for exploring the city. With a single ticket, you gain access to multiple bus routes that cover the most popular attractions and neighborhoods in Istanbul.

You have the freedom to hop on and off the buses as many times as you like, allowing you to tailor your itinerary to your interests and spend as much time as you desire at each stop.

Comprehensive Sightseeing Experience

Istanbul is a city rich in history, culture, and architectural wonders. The Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour takes you on a comprehensive sightseeing journey, ensuring that you don’t miss any of the iconic landmarks or hidden gems scattered throughout the city.

From ancient palaces and stunning mosques to vibrant markets and charming neighborhoods, this tour covers it all, giving you a well-rounded experience of Istanbul’s diverse offerings.

Informative Audio Commentary

As you ride on the bus, you’ll be provided with informative audio commentary in multiple languages.

This narration not only enhances your understanding of the attractions but also adds a layer of storytelling that brings the city’s history and culture to life. Listen to fascinating facts, historical anecdotes, and entertaining stories about the places you pass by, immersing yourself in the captivating narrative of Istanbul.

Panoramic Views and Photo Opportunities

The open-top buses used for the Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour offer unparalleled views of the city’s landmarks and scenery.

As you traverse the bustling streets, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of Istanbul’s skyline, the Bosphorus Strait, and the iconic bridges that connect the European and Asian sides of the city. Capture stunning photographs from the upper deck of the bus, ensuring that you have lasting memories of your Istanbul adventure.

Where to Buy Istanbul Hop On Hop Off Tickets

There are several options:

• Buy directly on the Bus on location.
• Buy via Get Your Guide, this is the best choice with free cancellation option.

Majority of the tourists prefer to buy the Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus tickets online, to avoid staying out of the bus due to crowd, also as its being more cheaper than buying on location. You can buy the tickets aboard on location for sure but note that it will be expensive and you’ll have to wait in queue, as the queue can get quite long during hot season.

Buying online will give you the cheapest price. Tickets are sent by email and you’ll just print out the voucher and show it to the driver, or just show it on your smart phone.

Book your tickets online

GetYourGuide or Viator offers the cheapest Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus ticket on the market. We recommend you to buy your ticket online from these providers.

Who should take the Big Bus Istanbul Tour?

We recommend this tour to all Istanbul visitors to see the city’s sights and landmarks in a very fantastic, efficient, convenient and cheap way. Better than to go out of your hotel, sit on a cafe and drink, while thinking how to start and plan your Istanbul days. You’ll save from your time for sure.

Hop-on Hop-off Istanbul city sightseeing Bus tour is a perfect choice especially for:

• First time visitors.
• Travelers that has short stay in Istanbul, such as Cruise passengers.
• The history and facts of the city while travelling with rich audio guide.
• Budget travelers to see the city’s main attractions.
• Families with kids and the elderly.
• Limited mobility travelers as the buses are wheelchair accessible.

Top Sights to Explore

During your Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour, you’ll have the chance to visit numerous iconic sights and attractions. Here are some of the top sights to explore:

1. Hagia Sophia: Marvel at the magnificent Byzantine architecture of Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its grand interior adorned with stunning mosaics and learn about its fascinating history.
2. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Admire the exquisite blue tiles that give this mosque its popular name. Step inside to witness the impressive domes, stained glass windows, and intricate calligraphy.
3. Topkapi Palace: Explore the opulent residence of the Ottoman sultans at Topkapi Palace. Discover its lavish courtyards, intricate chambers, and a remarkable collection of artifacts, including the famous Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond.
4. Grand Bazaar: Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Wander through its labyrinthine alleys and browse a wide array of goods, including jewelry, textiles, ceramics, spices, and more.
5. Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): Delight your senses at the Spice Bazaar, filled with aromatic spices, Turkish delight, dried fruits, and other enticing treats. Enjoy the vibrant colors and fragrances as you explore the market.
6. Bosphorus Bridge: Take in panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Strait from the iconic Bosphorus Bridge. Capture memorable photos of the city’s skyline and the waterway that separates Europe and Asia.
7. Dolmabahce Palace: Visit the lavish Dolmabahce Palace, a stunning blend of Ottoman and European architectural styles. Marvel at its grand chandeliers, marble staircase, and opulent furnishings.
8. Galata Tower: Climb the Galata Tower for breathtaking views of Istanbul’s skyline. Enjoy the panoramic vistas of the city, including the Golden Horn, historic peninsula, and the Bosphorus.
9. Suleymaniye Mosque: Discover the impressive Suleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece and one of Istanbul’s largest mosques. Admire its elegant design, serene courtyards, and peaceful atmosphere.
10. Istiklal Avenue: Stroll down Istiklal Avenue, the bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings. Experience the vibrant energy of Istanbul as you explore this lively avenue.

These are just a few highlights of the many sights you can explore during your Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. Each attraction offers its own unique charm, history, and cultural significance, adding to the rich tapestry of Istanbul’s heritage. Enjoy the convenience of the bus tour as you hop off and explore these remarkable landmarks at your own pace.

How to Use the Ticket Effectively

With the double decker Hop on hop off Istanbul City Sightseeing Bus Tour, you can get off at any of the designated stops (which means hop-off) and than explore the area and sights on foot at your leisure, and then you can catch the next bus (buses arrive the stops in every 30 mins/60 mins.) from any stop when you’re ready (which means hop-on) to move on and visit the other sights on the route.

The stops are all located close to the most visited and famous landmarks and attractions of Istanbul. The upper deck of the city sightseeing bus offers a great vantage point for the amazing panoramic views of the city and lets you take photos.

To make the most of your Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour ticket and have a seamless experience, here are some tips on how to use it effectively:

1. Plan Your Itinerary: Before starting your tour, take some time to research the attractions and stops along the bus routes. Identify the places you want to visit and create a rough itinerary to maximize your time.
2. Check the Bus Schedule: Familiarize yourself with the bus schedule and frequency. Note the operating hours of the tour and the intervals between buses at each stop. This will help you plan your day and ensure you don’t miss any buses.
3. Start Early: It’s advisable to start your tour early in the day to take advantage of the full day’s operating hours. This allows you to visit more attractions and spend ample time at each stop.
4. Listen to the Audio Guide: The Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour provides audio commentary in multiple languages. Listen to the informative commentary as you travel between stops to learn about the history, culture, and significance of the attractions.
5. Utilize the Hop-on Hop-off Feature: Take advantage of the flexibility offered by the hop-on hop-off feature. Get off at the stops that interest you the most and explore the attractions at your own pace. Remember to check the schedule for the next bus to ensure you don’t have to wait too long.
6. Stay Organized: Keep your ticket or pass easily accessible. You may need to show it to the bus staff when boarding, so have it ready to avoid delays. Consider using a lanyard or a ticket holder for convenience.
7. Bring Essentials: Carry essential items such as a hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a bottle of water. Istanbul can get hot during the summer, so staying hydrated and protected from the sun is important.
8. Plan Refreshment Breaks: Take breaks for meals or snacks during your tour. Istanbul offers a variety of delicious local cuisine, so make sure to sample some traditional dishes along the way.
9. Capture Memories: Don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the breathtaking views, architectural marvels, and vibrant atmosphere of Istanbul. Take memorable photos and share your experiences with friends and family.
10. Combine with Other Experiences: Consider combining your hop-on hop-off bus tour with other experiences such as a Bosphorus cruise or guided tours of specific attractions. This allows you to have a more comprehensive and immersive exploration of Istanbul.

Remember, the Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is not only a means of transportation but also an opportunity to discover the city’s hidden gems and popular landmarks. Enjoy the convenience, flexibility, and informative commentary as you explore the fascinating city of Istanbul at your own pace.

Where the Bus Tour starts?

You can start the bus tour at any of the many stops along the routes. The tour initially starts from the Sultanahmet Square, just across the Hagia Sophia, in the historical peninsula. The tour bus is really easy to find and it usually sits there waiting to go.

Book your tickets online by calendar

Istanbul: 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket and Scenic Cruise

Make the most of your time in Istanbul with this activity combo. Hop on and off a sightseeing bus for a whole day, sail down the Bosphorus Strait, and book an optional walking tour of the Asian side.

Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Istanbul

Explore Istanbul with open top double decker buses Hop on hop off 12 stops 2 and half hours route 24 hours ticket