The Other Tour — Local services in Beyoğlu

Anyone can go visit a country, a city and using guidebooks, get informed of all the touristy things to go see and do...and they even rate them as far as what you should and shouldnt miss...The Other Tour...and its specifically called the Other tour is unlike any other(no pun intended ) tour you can get. If your interested in getting a true flavor for what its like to live,breathe and be a part of Istanbul, then this is the tour to take. A tour though doesnt quite capture what this really is...its more of an Experience..and hence someday Fethi might consider calling it "The Other Experience". Once you meet Fethi you'll be in for a treat, a roller coaster of emotions,feelings, joy and excitement await you. Fethi is not only down to earth, he at times is mysterious,quirky,always interesting and he says whats on his mind. He will share with you lots of his experiences and feelings about life,religion and living in Istanbul as seen thru the eyes of a true native who loves his country and people. He doesnt hold words back and occassional may use some crude language, but thats who he is and you will love him for that. Children have also loved him if you've read any remarks on other sites, so bring the whole family. You'll spend a good portion of the day from 9 till maybe 11 or even 2 in the morning...hanging out with him and letting his being rub off on you...you'll get to see the Bosphorus in all its glory, sample yogurt like you've never tasted before, ride a camel bareback...(no only kidding)....but might be something added in the future...enjoy a Turkish Bath...thats been around for over 200 years...and sample a really delicious lunch in the comforts and hospitality of his wonderful mom....she exudes unconditional love for Fethi and you will cherish the time you spend with her..At night you will be treated to a Turkish restaurant for dinner where you'll get a chance to dance like a real Turk,of course to Turkish Music. You may even get to dance with the worm master dancer Trevor. Recently Fethi has brought in Trevor a shining star from the US of A who has also learned and is well versed in everything Istanbulian....he has done a number of these tours and from other comments is also an excellent authority on this city and country....and brings his own flair and fun to this wonderful experience....the cost is around 200 euros but from all that you get...you will feel at the end that its well worth it....so stop reading this review...reserve your spot with this man...and you will not...

If You Do One Thing in Istanbul… Make It The Other Tour

Looking for a cookie-cutter tour that follows the same worn path as everyone else? Then keep scrolling. But if you're ready to fall in love with Istanbul in a way that’s personal, eye-opening, and unforgettable, then The Other Tour with The Other Turk—the one and only Fethi, aka Monti—is your golden ticket.

From the moment we met Monti it felt less like joining a tour and more like being scooped up by an old friend who just so happens to know every hidden corner, unspoken story, and unbeatable shortcut in this electric city. Monti is equal parts philosopher, comedian, and streetwise insider—he'll make you laugh, make you think, and maybe even tear up a little (in the best way possible).

The days were packed with jaw-dropping sights, thought-provoking moments, and spontaneous joy. But what really sets The Other Tour apart is the people. Monti and his incredible team don’t treat you like clients—they welcome you like family. They know the artists, the chefs, the shopkeepers, the musicians. They open doors—literally and metaphorically—that most tourists will never even know exist. From secret rooftop views to back-alley tea stops, from home-cooked meals to school visits, we saw the soul of Istanbul, not just the surface.

Oh—and the perks? Let’s just say Monti knows a guy who knows a guy, and suddenly you're skipping lines, getting local prices, or sipping Turkish coffee in a spot that makes you feel like royalty.

This wasn’t just a tour—it was a connection. With a city. With a culture. With new friends. I walked away with a full heart, a camera roll bursting at the seams, and a promise to tell everyone I know: Don’t do the regular thing. Do The Other thing.

Five stars isn’t enough. Ten, maybe....

These guys are the best people in Istanbul, book whatever you can with them. My dad and I visited Istanbul from America a couple weeks back. Ahead of the trip, I tried booking football match tickets myself, but I found the process to be impossible and gave up. I contacted The Other Tour to set up a football tour, also ended up booking private airport transfers with them for a good price. The company founder Fethi worked with me diligently ahead of time to identify our team preferences and complete the Pasolig process. His English is perfect! Since we chose Fenerbahçe, our guides Ömer and Söner, the co-founder, met us early at the hotel and took the ferry with us over to Kadıköy. They educated us a little about the history of the area while we settled in for some beers and snacks at a local bazaar, unlike any of the touristy ones we had seen before. More than a few people actually came up to see why we were speaking English since we were in such a non-touristy area and some even had a round with us. We felt immersed in the local culture and were connecting with locals from start to finish. We picked up our tickets with no issues and had the best time at the match. Our guides took care of everything, making a terribly complicated process look effortless and allowing my dad and I to focus on enjoying the atmosphere, which was unlike anything we had experienced before. We had such a great time we ended up hanging out a few other nights while I was in town. I regret not having more time to take other tours with them and see more of the city from their perspective. Thank you Fethi, Söner, and Ömer (and I guess you too, Ruben Abi) for an unforgettable time...