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Istanbul
It’s called the crossroads of Europe, where East meets West. As such, Istanbul is a city you must explore at least once in a lifetime. Discover the magic of Turkey, separated into two halves by the iconic Bosporus overlooking the Black Sea with Asia in the distance. If there was ever a visual city, this is it. Which is why an audio tour is by far the best way to experience and enjoy every bustling inch of Istanbul.
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Urbs has made it super easy to curate your own self-guided audio tour of Istanbul, which you can enjoy at your own pace. Taking the admin out of travel, the app offers a wealth of sights and places of interest to add to your own audio guide. Download it and listen to it at your leisure, whether you’re walking the streets of Istanbul, or on a cruise setting sail from Galataport. All of this is available to access at the touch of your fingertips, with your guide tour available offline.
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Whether you’re travelling to Istanbul alone, or with company, you’ll never lose your way with a tour guide on your device.
The Urbs Way
Listen & discover
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Enjoy 4+ hours of audio content written by cultural experts
Explore 60+ fascinating cultural locations
Discover 80+ restaurants, cafes, bars and shops recommended by local writers
Plan your route
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Plan your perfect day with our unique route plotting function
You can also use one of our curated routes which can be amended according to interests, schedule and budget
Book tickets
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Find out which locations require tickets
Book attractions and activities in advance to avoid the queues
Time to explore Istanbul
There’s no shortage of sights and culture to immerse yourself in when it comes to Istanbul. From world-famous attractions like the Hagia Sophia, to rooftop bars and souks – it’s time to free your diary and delve into Turkey. Get ready, your journey starts here!
Famous landmarks
You’ve seen it in photos and on the screen, now experience the Istanbul Bosphorus for yourself on a Bosphorus Cruise. This famous Strait is a regionally significant waterway, separating Europe from Asia. It also makes for a wonderful addition to your travels, situated on the bank of the Black Sea. Tours can take as little as two hours, or as long as six, depending on your preference.
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An impressive building of the Ottoman Empire, the Dolmabahce Palace is beautifully preserved for all to enjoy in the BeÅŸiktaÅŸ district. Bring your walking shoes on your audio tour, as there are 285 rooms, 44 halls, 68 toilets and 6 Turkish baths to explore.
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To get under the skin of Turkey, a visit to Topkapi Palace is well worth your time. Walk and explore this centrally located sprawling museum and be sure to take plenty of photos to show friends at home. As a former business centre for the Ottoman Empire, and a previous residence of the sultans, the intricate detail and decoration offer a glimpse of Turkey’s rich history.
Shopping
If there’s only one experience to add to your self-guided audio tour, make it the Hagia Sophia Tour. This stunning mosque is one of the most iconic of all, adorned with mosaics and paintings. You can enjoy a fleeting visit or a more in-depth tour when you download the Urbs app.
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There’s nothing quite like a visit to the local souks on a visit to Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops and a staggering 250,000 to 400,000 daily visitors. If you want to explore Istanbul in the most traditional sense, add this to your to-do list.
Cool cafes and lively nightlife
Food and entertainment go hand in hand in this social city. You won’t have to walk far to stumble across an impressive restaurant either. Be sure to add the area of Kadıköy to your walking route, if you want to experience bustling cafes and nightlife galore. If you prefer a more casual approach, the Bomonti district has a growing foodie scene with Saturday and Sunday the best days to stroll around.
Benefits of a self-guided audio tour
It takes no time to pick out your favourite places and add them to your itinerary for a self-guided audio tour of Istanbul. But there are even more benefits when using the Urbs app, here are just a few:
No roaming charges
Don’t worry about roaming charges, the Urbs app is available offline, making it easier than ever to enjoy a walking tour of Istanbul.
Tech benefits
There are many useful features in the app. These include the ability to view and book tickets in advance, saving you time and money, and the ability to download your pre-made audio guide and listen to it wherever you find yourself. Finally, there’s no need for an internet connection!
Information at your fingertips
Whether you want to access a pre-existing tour and save time, get inspiration for our own route, or learn from an expertly written audio guide, everything you need is available when you download the app to your device – this includes both iPhone and Android devices.
Find something new
Alongside popular tourist sights, we have a unique selection of recommendations by local experts. Our library is packed with hundreds of cultural sites, museums, restaurants and shopping spots.
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