Istanbul Walking Tour: Explore History, Food, and Hidden Corners

Uncover Istanbul’s hidden gems and culinary delights on a small-group walking tour. Taste Turkish delicacies, explore markets, and savor baklava and coffee.

Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - The day will begin at the iconic Spice Market. We’ll start by mingling with the vibrant crowds and purchasing delectable breakfast items such as the renowned simit, cheese, olives, honey, and clotted cream, along with mouth-watering Turkish delights from a 246-year-old shop.

  • Tahtakale District - After our shopping spree, we’ll enjoy our breakfast, followed by a unique Turkish pide baked in an old oven within a historic building dating back to 1888.

  • Eminonu Square - Turkish coffee is always best after a perfect meal. Next, we’ll savor some coffee while observing the bustling streets of the Grand Bazaar.

  • Süleymaniye - The ideal time to taste the famous döner is right after. We’ll visit a small food stall that’s been in business since 1970, possibly offering the best döner in town!

  • Grand Bazaar - No trip to Istanbul is complete without strolling through the lively streets of the Grand Bazaar, known as the world’s first shopping mall. We’ll explore the unique Grand Bazaar like true locals, discovering the finest kebabs freshly prepared for us in the hidden eateries around the bazaar.

  • Gallery Cemberlitas - Before heading to the charming streets near the magnificent Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, it’s time to treat ourselves to the famous Turkish dessert, Baklava!

What's Included
  • Complimentary bottled water provided
  • Tasty snacks included
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch during the tour
  • Start your day with a complimentary breakfast
  • Unlimited tea and coffee available
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Discover Istanbul’s historical peninsula and taste a range of Turkish delicacies on this half-day, small-group tour. Meet your guide in the morning in Istanbul’s Old City, and be sure to come hungry: you have a day of feasting ahead of you. Explore the markets, enjoy traditional Turkish food, savor famous baklava, sip Turkish coffee, visit multiple restaurants and discover Istanbul’s must-try dishes.

  • This intimate, small-group tour is limited at just five participants
  • Step off the main tourist trail, eat like a local, go off the beaten path to discover hidden places.
  • Sample a wide range of dishes, enjoy Turkish coffee, kebap, baklava and more
  • Visit old markets, different neighborhoods, restaurants and cafes
  • Ideal for first-time visitors and food lovers
  • All food tastings and beverages included.
Location
Tahmis Sk. 1B
Tahmis Sokak
Meeting point of the tour is Spice Market main gate. For easy navigation, there is a little store named Shozy Spice Bazaar next to the gate and the gate opens to a large square.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(68 Ratings)
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Catherinev765
Aug 17, 2024
We loved this tour and the food. - Sude was out Wonderful guide. We had lovely times exploring new foods, sweets, special hidden coffee house, and Sude was a happy and interesting you g woman who has much family history here.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
979ruane
Jul 5, 2024
An Epic Day Out in Istanbul - What an epic day out in Istanbul, exploring both sides of this magnificent city! We spent a full day walking through various parts of Istanbul, immersing ourselves in its rich history and vibrant culture. Our tour guide, Ozkan, was fantastic. He provided fascinating historical insights and introduced us to hidden gems throughout the city. From the bustling spice markets to delightful local treats, every moment was memorable. All in all, I totally recommend this tour. It was an unforgettable experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
18adharap
Jun 19, 2024
Tour with Ozcan excellent - Ozcan gave us the best tour possible, he was incredibly patient with us, showed us places we would have never went without him. The restaurants he showed us were delicious! The places were incredible and he had a little historic background behind every place we went. We were all fascinated by the tour. It was amazing to get to know some major places in the city! 100% recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emeliah_12
Jun 8, 2024
Wonderful tour with Didem - We had an amazing food tour with Didem. She was so friendly and welcoming. All the food was delicious and Didem’s local knowledge was very impressive. Would recommend to anyone, great way to get your bearings in the city, eat local food and learn about local culture
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Helen_m
May 21, 2024
Excellent food and history - The history of the food and the different sources of the food. Everywhere we went was interesting and accessible. Well organised and the guides knowledgeable and friendly.
Review provided by Viator
Anna
May 2, 2024
The Best Tour of Istanbul - DeeDee’s communications before the tour were excellent and this set the tone for the whole tour. She was patient and knowledgeable. Excellent around. The food places she took us were great and in the end we couldn’t eat any more! But we did go back to several places. She gave us recommendations for a Turkish Breakfast which was also excellent. Communication after the tour was also excellent. I can’t recommend this enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juhsz_r
Mar 16, 2024
Had a very good and fun time! - Our tour guide Sude was very very nice, she knew anlot about the local history and the places we went to. I would HIGHLY recommend taking the service as a first adventure because the guide will tell you how to avoid bad places to spend money at. Overall we had a blast!
Review provided by Viator
Gina_c
Apr 24, 2024
I hate to leave a bad... - I hate to leave a bad review as our female guide was so sweet but would like to offer some constructive feedback and an honest review for other travelers. We were told we were meeting our female guide who was there in addition to a male guide. No problem with this, but it does add to cost when tipping and good info to have ahead of time. I don’t feel these two were passionate about food the way other tour guides I have had are. On food tours you typically have a set agenda/menu with sampling all while receiving information about the history and culture of the food and area. On this tour we spent a lot of time ordering and waiting. In the first almost two hours we had walked far , waited, and only had so far eaten something very similar to american pizza. Our conversation was lovely but very casual and mostly amongst the other guests on the tour. The female guide did answer a lot of general questions we had about Turkey. I would recommend the hosts add dishes that will be intriguing to guests and come with more dialogue to talk through. We left the tour still hungry and disappointed.
Review provided by Viator
Lisa_d
Apr 19, 2024
A disappointing tour - The guide was sweet and kind, but not a foodie. The place was slow and not a lot of information was shared. I have been on several food tours and they were incredible experiences. Unfortunately this was disappointing
Review provided by Viator
Ebony_b
Apr 9, 2024
Guide didn't show up - Guide didn't show up leaving me standing alone in the middle of the square. Did not receive any contact saying the tour had been cancelled, I had to get in touch with them to find out what was happening.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 5 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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