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Big Bus Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off

star-4646 Reviews
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Fatih, Turkey
Big Bus Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off
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Big Bus Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off
Sultanahmet Square
Golden Horn!
See the sights of Istanbul!
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From $53.13

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Number of travelers
0 Adults1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults5 Adults6 Adults7 Adults8 Adults9 Adults0 Children1 Child2 Children3 Children4 Children5 Children6 Children7 Children8 Children9 Children0 Infants1 Infant2 Infants3 Infants4 Infants5 Infants6 Infants7 Infants8 Infants9 Infants
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon2 hours  (approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 6 more

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Overview

Istanbul is one of the world’s greatest cities, and this hop-on hop-off tour offers a truly flexible way to explore it. Board your open-top, double-decker bus at any stop along the two routes, and enjoy the views as you listen to the audio commentary. Then, create your own sightseeing itinerary as you hop on and off at any of the stops to visit highlights such as the spectacular Topkapi Palace, the UNESCO-protected Hagia Sophia, the Egyptian Bazaar, and more. Your ticket is valid for 1, 2, or 3 days and entry to select attractions.
  • Create your own personalized sightseeing itinerary and explore Istanbul at leisure
  • Hop on and off as often as you like on a choice of two routes around the city
  • Enjoy informative and entertaining commentary on board the bus
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From $53.13

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Free Wi-Fi
Commentary in 8 languages
Big Bus App, Map and Headphones

Departure Point

You may start this tour at any of the stops listed.
See itinerary

Return Details

You may disembark at any of the available stops.
Simply hop aboard the open-top, double-decker Big Bus sightseeing bus and set out to witness the landmark sights of Istanbul, one of the world's most intriguing cities.

Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is brimming with UNESCO-listed treasures and historical sites that testify to its days under Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule. Add in colorful bazaars, village-like neighborhoods, and the waterfronts along the Bosphorus Straits, and there’s a plethora of must-sees and attractions for visitors to explore.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views as you travel the two routes around the city and learn the stories behind the sights from the onboard audio commentary. (A complete list of stops can be found in the Itinerary section below.)

When you’re ready, hop off at any of the stops to sightsee at your leisure. Perhaps step off to visit the spectacular Hagia Sophia — the ancient UNESCO-listed showstopper that served as an Ottoman mosque and a Christian basilica — or the ornate Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans for more than 400 years.

Or maybe leave the bus to rove around the aromatic stalls of the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar), visit the opulent Dolmabahçe Palace, or to soak up the buzz of Taksim Square. These are just a handful of the many things you can see and do using your 1, 2, or 3 day pass on the hop-on hop-off Big Bus tour.

As an added bonus, you'll also enjoy a Bosphorus River sightseeing cruise and entry to select attractions.
Itinerary
Duration: 
2 hours 
Operating Schedule:
  Red Route/The City Tour Buses depart every 60 minutes from 11:00 AM until 17:00 PM We have introduced a number of new health & safety measures to reduce the risk associated with the spread of Covid-19 in line with government advice and requirements of the local health authorities. These include regular cleaning of buses and social distancing measures. To uphold these new safety and hygiene standards in keeping our guests safe during the Covid-19 Pandemic, we may have to operate a reduced service and changes to ticket inclusions. This may also include frequency of departures, changes to routes and reduction/removal of stops. Customers are advised to visit our website or to download our app to find out more about our new health and safety measures and for the most update service information.
Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet Square
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Eminönü İskele
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Tophane
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Turkish Maritime Lines
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Dolmabahçe Palace
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Deniz Müzesi Sanat Galerisi
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Beylerbeyi
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Taksim Square
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Şişhane 1
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Mısır Çarşısı
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Points of interest passed by on this route
Hagia Sophia Mosque
 
Topkapi Palace
 
Galata Tower
 
Galata Koprusu
 
Bosphorus Bridge
 
Taksim Square
 
Dolmabahce Palace
 
Naval Museum
 
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Tickets are open dated and can be redeemed on any travel date within one year of date selected at time of booking
  • Your ticket will be valid until the same time on the following day during the tour operation hours
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • OPERATED BY Big Bus - Turkey
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Big Bus Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off ?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travelers
See all safety measures taken by Big Bus Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off .
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Big Bus Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off ?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Big Bus Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off .
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Big Bus Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off ?
A:The policies on social distancing are:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
See all safety measures taken by Big Bus Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off .
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Big Bus Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off ?
A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
See all safety measures taken by Big Bus Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off .

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.0
star-4
646 Reviews
5 stars
305
4 stars
161
3 stars
63
2 stars
42
1 star
75

Reviews by Viator travelers

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 646 reviews
star-2
Meh
Visiter
, Jul 2021
No masks, no mask enforcement. Many outlets for the headphones don't work. I was missed that deluxe package (now vanished from my feed) included boat. Told "nope". Very bad traffic. Unsanitary.
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2 travelers found this review helpful
star-3
Interesting
John_B
, Mar 2020
Very vague, headphones didn't really work for the English. Other than that staff friendly and helpful.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-4
Big Bus Istanbul
Howard H
, Dec 2019
It was a rainy day, but a wonderful overview of IST. Our driver kept the speed to match the sights and we did not miss anything. Driver was very cautious and safe. I was able to take professional style images from the front of the bus.
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star-3
Good route with a lot of information given along the route but unreliable service.
Joseph_B
, Dec 2019
The ride was very good both on the red route and on the blue route. A lot of information is given during the ride. I was however very disappointed and annoyed that yesterday evening (Saturday) after using the bus in the morning and spending the day in the center my wife and l went to get the bus of 18.30hrs from TAKSIM Square but the bus did not turn up. We were there at 18.20hrs. We waited for the 19.00hra bus (the last one from Taksim Square) and although we remained there until 19.10hrs the bus came, once again. We then had to take a taxi to the hotel which cost us 100 Turkish liri. This is very unreliable.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-4
Reliable, good way to start your visit
Jorge G
, Sep 2019
The service was very good. Staff was helpful, spoke good english and was always wvailable to answer questions and give tips
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star-5
Excellent
Ertipl
, Aug 2019
Very informative and easy to find bus stops also included river cruise which was enjoyable, found the staff were helpful.
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star-3
Great way to see the Istanbul in general
Susan_M
, Jul 2018
The tour was great...the buses were timely even with the traffic. My only suggestions is for them to include discounts & offers to sights and attraction. This will give the tour more value for money.
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star-4
It was good, but they dont leave as...
Maureen C
, May 2018
It was good, but they dont leave as often as in other cities. Had to wait over an hour
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2 travelers found this review helpful
star-5
Friendly staff. I got to see all the...
Rabia_Y
, May 2018
Friendly staff. I got to see all the main attractions.
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star-4
A good value and a great way to get...
Brent G
, Dec 2017
A good value and a great way to get around the city however, I was unable to visit the Greek Patriarchate because the bus had entered the off-season schedule. It's not their fault per se, but I was still disappointed.
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star-1
My friends warned me not to buy this...
anatolykarpenko
, Dec 2017
My friends warned me not to buy this bus service, but I decided to check for myself. I made a mistake. Horrible experience for 120. I bought tickets for my parents and I for 2 days and we spent most of the time in the traffic jam. Overall, it is a Very disappointing service with a lot of disadvantages. The Routs and the stops are not the best. The intervals between the busses are not 15-20 minutes as usual, but an hour. If you will miss your bus, be ready to wait for an hour until the next one. Also the bus stops running at 4. On the second day we got of at our first stop and walked around. By the time we wanted to board the bus again it was after 4 and the last one already left. So, I totally wasted my money. Don't make my mistake. Walk around yourself and use public transportation.
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star-4
Both routes were well planned, we...
Stefan B
, Nov 2017
Both routes were well planned, we saw lots of things, the guide was nice and knowledgeable, everything was fine with one exception: Having enjoyed the marvelous Miniaturk for nearly two hours, we went to the Blue line stop 10 minutes ahead of time, just to be on the safe side, and had to wait for over 90 minutes for the next bus to come. When it finally arrived, the driver - a rather good-looking guy in snow-white shirt and with prestigious moustache just got off to buy some tea and have a friendly conversation with the car park guards. He did not even bother to say sorry. It didn't really matter because the weather was fine, none of us were in a hurry and it was nice sitting in the sun on pretty yellow benches but...
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star-4
Great time on the Big Bus - We got...
CATARINO C
, Nov 2017
Great time on the Big Bus - We got to see both sides of Istanbul and how diverse and amazing the city is. I can't wait to return and continue exploring ancient beautiful Istanbul!
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star-4
We use hop on hop off buses in all...
Clayton K
, Oct 2017
We use hop on hop off buses in all countries. It is a wonderful idea. I am just afraid it is not that good idea in Istanbul because of heavy traffic.
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star-5
Just what you need to see the city...
ANA_M
, Oct 2017
Just what you need to see the city in just one day! It's not cheap, but in a place where just a few people speak english is highly recommended! All the major monuments and places are here! Absolutely practical!
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star-5
Very useful tours. Better to take...
Nijaz L
, Aug 2017
Very useful tours. Better to take 2-day ticket so the first day you select your targets and the second day go directly to the most attractive sites. It would have been even better if it was running in the evening as well...
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star-4
It was good, but it took us a long time...
Sandra_C
, Jul 2017
It was good, but it took us a long time waiting for the next bus to pass by.
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star-5
Absolutely the best way to see...
Divya T
, May 2017
Absolutely the best way to see Istanbul. Couldn't have done it without the big bus Istanbul. I only had a few days in Istanbul so it seemed like the best option,and I wasn't disappointed. The blue mosque,the Egyptian spice market and the Bosphorus Bridge and the grand bazaar is a must.Istanbul is beautiful,the people are warm and the food is excellent and I'm definetly going back again. I would highly recommend.
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star-5
Istanbul.... You are spectacular...
Uliana L
, May 2017
Istanbul.... You are spectacular, interesting, diverse, controversial and so yummy!!! Turkey has so much to offer.
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star-5
Typical hop on and off experience, but...
Michael R
, Apr 2017
Typical hop on and off experience, but this tour provided outstanding sxperiences.
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