The Istanbul hop-on hop-off bus (typically operated by Big Bus or Busforus) provides a comprehensive, double-decker tour connecting major historic and modern sites across both European and Asian sides. The route starts at Sultanahmet Square and covers key locations like Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Taksim Square.
If you're visiting Istanbul for the first time, a Hop-on Hop-off tour is the perfect introduction to the city. You'll see all the top attractions, from the Hagia Sophia to the Grand Bazaar to the Naval Museum, without worrying about directions or transport. It's an easy, stress-free way to get a feel for the city.
Classic Tour (Blue route): All central London sights and London's Museum Quarter. Essential Tour (Red route): Includes Madame Tussauds, King's Cross, Hyde Park and Regent's Park. Museum Tour (Orange route): Pass by V&A South Kensington, Natural History Museum, Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace.
On our 2 hours 30 minutes long tour, you will be shown the highlights of Istanbul with the best possibilities to take photographs. Commentary available in 8 languages , English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Russian, and Turkish.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour City Sightseeing Istanbul 🇹🇷 | Things to do in Istanbul 2023 | Turkey Vlog
Is Istanbul a walkable city?
Istanbul is a largely walkable city, with major attractions like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Sultanahmet Square, all within a short walk of each other.
How much time do you need to visit Grand Bazaar Istanbul?
Recommended Span of Visit: 2 – 4 Hours depending on needs and availability. Tips and Things to Know Before You Visit: Grand Bazaar is very big and shops can be very similar in narrow corridors. If you are looking to spend extra time, consider visiting with a guide.
Can I ride hop on hop off Istanbul bus tour with an E pass?
Explore Istanbul's top sights at your own pace with unlimited hop-on hop-off double-decker bus rides. istanbul E-pass includes discounted Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour.
Yes, tipping is expected in restaurants. In small and casual eateries, rounding up the bill is enough. For example, if the bill is 190 TL, leaving 200 TL is polite. In mid-range restaurants, leaving 5–10% is common.
Yes, the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, as well as on the first day of religious holidays. In the Grand Bazaar, there are about 4,000 stores employing about 35,000 people, spread on 60 covered streets.
What's the difference between a bazaar and a market?
A bazaar is a market that has rows and rows of little shops selling miscellaneous stuff — like tube socks, velvet paintings, and corn on the cob. Bazaar is originally a Persian word, and means "marketplace" all over the Middle East. The word was picked up by the Italians, and spread through Europe and into English.
Street robbery and pickpocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. Be aware of your personal belongings and make sure they are always secure.
Credit cards and debit cards are accepted all over Türkiye, but it's also a good idea to have some lira with you. If you're visiting a market like the Grand Bazaar, you may find that cash is preferred.
Will it be hard to get by with only English? Turkish is the official language of Turkey and English is widely spoken in Istanbul; visitors are often surprised by the relatively high level of English spoken by most Turks. An attempt to use Turkish is very much appreciated and considered good manners, though.
When taking a bus tour, you are bound by the tour's timetable rather than your own. This might mean that you're traveling too quickly or that you're waiting on others. To keep up with the timetable, you're often obliged to rush or forgo things entirely. This can be a significant disadvantage.
The Crown Jewels is a definite must-see – it's home to an impressive collection of diamond-encrusted state crowns alongside many other precious treasures, from historic gold chalices to royal robes.
Where can I purchase KL Hop On Hop Off tickets? Tickets can be purchased online, on the bus, at authorized hotels and agents, or at the kiosk at Sungei Wang Plaza (Stop No. 01). Additionally, tickets can be booked online at Trip.com.
The UK's £2 bus fare cap, originally ending in 2023, was extended multiple times and eventually transitioned to a £3 cap in England (outside London) from January 2025 to December 2025, funded by the government to help with living costs. However, some regions, like Liverpool City Region and Telford, have stepped in with local funding to keep their specific £2 caps running longer, with Liverpool aiming for 2026, while the national scheme shifted focus to the £3 cap to support bus services long-term.
Tootbus London, formerly The Original Tour is a London bus tour operator using open-top double-decker buses. Based in Wandsworth, it is a subsidiary of First Bus London.
