Istanbul: Ottoman Dress-Up & Rooftop Photo Shoot

If you’re wandering through Istanbul’s historic streets and want a memorable keepsake of your trip, this Ottoman dress-up and photo shoot experience offers a playful, culturally rich way to capture your Istanbul adventure. Located right next to the Basilica Cistern, this activity blends history, fun, and a bit of glamour into a single, well-priced package.

What immediately grabs your attention is the chance to dress like a sultan, warrior, or queen in authentic Ottoman costumes—a chance to feel like you’re stepping into history. Then there’s the stunning rooftop setting with Hagia Sophia as your backdrop — a view that makes every photo special. Plus, the green screen option adds a creative twist, letting you be placed into dramatic historical scenes or fantasy worlds.

A potential consideration is the cost—at just 7 euros, it’s hard to beat for a professional photo shoot, but it only covers the costume, digital photos, and the session. If you’re after physical prints or customized albums, you’ll need to pay extra. This experience is best suited for those who love fun, culture, and capturing unique souvenirs of their trip. It’s ideal for families, couples, or friends who want a memorable activity with a dash of theatricality.

Key Points

• Authentic Ottoman costumes let you step into the shoes of historical figures or mythical characters.
• Professional rooftop photos provide an unforgettable backdrop of Hagia Sophia.
• The green screen option offers customizable, dramatic digital backgrounds.
• All photos are digitally delivered, making sharing easy.
• The experience is affordable at just 7 euros, including costume rental and photos.
• It’s suitable for all ages and perfect as a fun, cultural souvenir.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why You’ll Love This Experience

This activity is a delightful way to blend Turkey’s imperial past with a bit of lighthearted fun. We loved the way it makes history feel tangible—by dressing up and becoming part of it—even if just for a few minutes. The rooftop setting with Hagia Sophia towering in the background is genuinely impressive and offers fantastic photo opportunities that will make your friends back home jealous.

The professionalism of the photographer and staff is evident, ensuring that even those uncertain about posing will be guided to get great shots. The digital delivery means you don’t have to worry about carrying physical prints around Istanbul or the expense of a photo album, and you’ll have high-res images ready for social media or printing.

A possible drawback is that the experience is relatively brief—about an hour—and the included package is quite basic. If you’re looking for a full-fledged costume experience or physical souvenirs on-site, you might find yourself paying extra. Also, arriving on time and dressing comfortably underneath your costume will help you make the most of your session.

This tour works best for history buffs, family groups, couples, or anyone who appreciates a light-hearted, memorable activity that captures the essence of Istanbul’s regal past in a modern, creative way.

What To Expect in Detail

The Starting Point: Legends of Istanbul

Your adventure begins at Legends of Istanbul, a location steeped in the city’s storied past, just steps from the Basilica Cistern. This proximity is a real plus—no long travel times or complicated logistics involved. It’s a neat, historic setting that primes you for a day of discovery and fun.

Choosing Your Costume

Once you arrive, staff will assist you in selecting from a variety of authentic Ottoman-era costumes—themed options include Sultans, Hürrem Sultan, Ottoman Warriors, Byzantine Empresses, Medusa, and more. The staff’s help ensures you wear the costumes comfortably and look your best. The costumes are designed to evoke the grandeur of Istanbul’s past, making your photos look regal and lively.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Rooftop Photo Shoot with Hagia Sophia

The highlight is the professional photo session on a rooftop with panoramic views of Hagia Sophia. You’ll be guided into natural poses, with the photographer capturing the grandeur of the setting. The views are breathtaking—this is a rare opportunity to combine culture with beautiful scenery.

Green Screen Magic

If you opt for the green screen option, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of digital backgrounds, such as palaces, Ottoman courts, or even fantastical scenes. This adds a creative dimension, letting you be placed into scenes of your choosing—perfect for making your photos truly unique.

Photos and Delivery

After the shoot, you’ll receive high-resolution digital images via email or direct download. Many reviews mention how professional and high-quality these photos are, making for excellent souvenirs or social media posts.

Additional Details

The experience costs 7 euros, which includes costume rental, a photography session, and digital photos. It’s a straightforward, all-inclusive price that offers fantastic value, especially compared to typical photo studio prices in tourist areas. Remember, this fee doesn’t include printed photos or physical albums, which are available for purchase on-site if desired.

Analyzing the Value

At 7 euros, this experience is incredibly cost-effective considering the professional quality of the photos and the stunning setting. Travelers have noted that the staff are friendly, helpful, and efficient, making the experience enjoyable rather than rushed. The fact that it’s private group and led by English-speaking staff helps ensure a smooth, personalized experience.

Given the close proximity to key sights and the flexibility to choose different characters, this activity offers a convenient and memorable add-on to a day of sightseeing. Plus, being able to share these images with friends or family back home adds to the value.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers often mention the stunning views on the rooftop as a major highlight, with many commenting on how they appreciated being able to “feel like royalty for a moment.” Some noted that the photos turned out beautifully, with one saying, “The pictures look so professional and capture the moment perfectly.” Others enjoyed the fun atmosphere—”It was hilarious dressing up in Ottoman costumes and taking pictures with my family.”

A few reviews suggest arriving early and wearing comfortable clothing underneath—this small tip helps ensure you’re dressed appropriately and can don the costume easily.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This activity suits travelers of all ages who are looking for a fun, lighthearted way to engage with Istanbul’s history. It’s particularly good for families, couples, or groups of friends who want a memorable activity beyond sightseeing.

If you love photo opportunities with a cultural twist, you’ll find this experience rewarding. It’s also perfect as a unique souvenir that’s both personal and visually striking. However, if you’re after a deep dive into history or elaborate costume experiences, this might be more playful than comprehensive.

The Sum Up: Why You Should Consider It

This Ottoman dress-up and rooftop photo shoot offers a fantastic combination of history, humor, and stunning scenery. For the price, you’ll get professional-quality images, a memorable experience, and a fun story to tell. It’s a quick but impactful way to capture a different side of Istanbul—regal, playful, and utterly unique.

If you’re seeking a light-hearted activity that yields beautiful, high-quality photos with an unbeatable view, this experience is well worth your time. It’s especially fitting for those who want a cultural keepsake without the hassle of complicated arrangements or high costs.

In short, this activity provides great value for anyone wanting to feel like Ottoman royalty for a day, with photos that will make your friends wish they were there. It’s a cheerful, memorable addition to any Istanbul itinerary—one that will leave you with stunning images and a new story to tell.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be fun for all ages. Kids can enjoy dressing up and posing, making it a family-friendly activity.

How long does the photo shoot last?
The entire experience typically takes about an hour, giving plenty of time for dressing up, posing, and selecting your favorite shots.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable clothing underneath the costume is recommended for easy dressing. No other special items are required.

Can I choose my character?
Yes, you can select from various characters like Hürrem Sultan, Sultan Mehmed, or an Ottoman Warrior. The staff will help you with the choice.

Are the photos high quality?
Absolutely. You will receive high-resolution digital images that are professionally edited, ready for sharing or printing.

Is it accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that most travelers can enjoy it.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, making it a flexible booking option.

Can I buy printed photos or albums?
Yes, physical copies are available for purchase on-site if you prefer tangible souvenirs beyond digital images.

This activity is a playful, culturally themed photo experience that balances fun with quality. It’s perfect for travelers looking to add a touch of the regal past of Istanbul into their holiday photos, all while enjoying a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here: