Embark on a sensory journey through Istanbul, savoring local drinks and stories across continents. Discover hidden gems with a passionate local guide.
Embark on a sensory journey through Istanbul, savoring local drinks and stories across continents. Discover hidden gems with a passionate local guide.
- Kadikoy Iskelesi - The meeting point is at the ferry terminal, marking the start of the Asian shore. From this location, the journey leads into the vibrant heart of Kadıköy — a neighborhood that has been nourishing Istanbul for centuries.
- Osmanağa - Since 1923, this narrow establishment in Kadıköy has been dedicated to roasting and serving…
- Kadikoy Iskelesi - The meeting point is at the ferry terminal, marking the start of the Asian shore. From this location, the journey leads into the vibrant heart of Kadıköy — a neighborhood that has been nourishing Istanbul for centuries.
- Osmanağa - Since 1923, this narrow establishment in Kadıköy has been dedicated to roasting and serving Turkish coffee in the traditional manner — thick, unfiltered, and leisurely. The experience begins here with a cup and lokum, accompanied by the first story: the arrival of coffee in Istanbul and its transformative impact on the city’s culture.
- Caferağa - Established in 1923 by a Greek confectioner, this venue is one of Istanbul’s quietly remarkable survivors. Over çay and chocolate, the layered history of Kadıköy’s non-Muslim communities is explored — and the reasons why this pastry house remains when many others have not.
- Kadikoy Carsisi - Known as Istanbul’s oldest confectionery, it has been a supplier to the Ottoman Imperial Palace since 1777. Here, there is a pause for şerbet, one of the city’s oldest beverages, and the tale of a family business that has endured beyond empires.
- Sakız Sokak - From the Ottoman palace to the modern era: Kadıköy’s craft beer movement emerged quietly and has become one of the most dynamic in the city. A glass is sampled, and the discussion turns to how drinking culture evolves — and what it reveals about a neighborhood in transition.
- Ferit Tek Sokağı - Every bottle on their list is Turkish — sourced from over 70 Anatolian producers. Here, there is time to sit, pour, and discuss the significance of Turkey’s 7,000-year history of winemaking, which remains largely unknown to the world.
- Şair Latifi Sokak - Between the wine bar and the meyhane, there is a moment to slow down. Sofa’s garden is one of Kadıköy’s most serene spots — a courtyard hidden from the street, where a pause for a limonata allows the afternoon to settle before the final act.
- Fenerbahce - The journey concludes at a meyhane steeped in history — with rakı, meze, and the unique conversations that arise after a long day at a welcoming table. While there may not be a sunset over the sea, there is something even better: the sense of a neighborhood that has been nourishing its people for a very long time.

- Curated walk through Kadıköy’s historic market district, Moda, and Fenerbahçe waterfront
- Seven drink tastings across seven historic Kadıköy venues
- All tastings included: Turkish coffee, şerbet, çay, craft beer, Anatolian wine, limonata & rakı
- Licensed expert guide specializing in Istanbul’s drinking culture & history
- Curated walk through Kadıköy’s historic market district, Moda, and Fenerbahçe waterfront
- Seven drink tastings across seven historic Kadıköy venues
- All tastings included: Turkish coffee, şerbet, çay, craft beer, Anatolian wine, limonata & rakı
- Licensed expert guide specializing in Istanbul’s drinking culture & history
- Gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Additional food or drinks outside the tasting selections
- Transportation to the meeting point or from the end point
- Gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Additional food or drinks outside the tasting selections
- Transportation to the meeting point or from the end point
Kadıköy doesn’t just showcase Istanbul — it embodies it.
During this afternoon stroll through the Asian side’s most vibrant neighborhood, experience a journey through centuries of drinking traditions: from an Ottoman confectioner established in 1777 to a wine bar serving Anatolia’s oldest grape varieties, from a century-old pastry shop to a meyhane where…
Kadıköy doesn’t just showcase Istanbul — it embodies it.
During this afternoon stroll through the Asian side’s most vibrant neighborhood, experience a journey through centuries of drinking traditions: from an Ottoman confectioner established in 1777 to a wine bar serving Anatolia’s oldest grape varieties, from a century-old pastry shop to a meyhane where rakı is enjoyed as the evening descends upon the city.
Seven stops. Seven tales: Turkish coffee, şerbet, çay, craft beer, native wine, limonata, rakı — each deeply connected to a location, a tradition, a moment in this city’s rich and intricate history.
A neighborhood that quietly captures more of Istanbul’s essence than any postcard ever could.
Maximum 6 guests. No tourist paths. Just the Asian shore, as the locals experience it.
- Not suitable for those with severe food allergies (nuts, dairy, gluten, seafood)
- Gluten intolerance / celiac disease — bread, beer and meze may contain gluten
- Lactose intolerance — some tastings include milk-based items
- Vegan or strict vegetarian diets — most tastings are traditional and not substitutable
- Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers? This tour is designed around Istanbul’s drinking culture and all seven tastings involve alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. We do not offer alcohol-free or caffeine-free alternatives. If you prefer not to consume alcohol or caffeine, this tour may not be the right fit — we’d hate for you to miss out on the full experience.
- How much walking is involved? Approximately 4-5 km at a relaxed pace through Kadıköy’s market district, Moda, and the waterfront. No rushing — we move at the rhythm of the neighbourhood.
- What drinks are included? Turkish coffee, Ottoman şerbet, Turkish tea, craft beer, Anatolian wine, fıstıklı limonata, and rakı — seven stops, seven stories. All tastings are included in the price.
- What is the group size? Maximum 6 guests. Small enough for real conversation, large enough for good energy.
- Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Istanbul? Yes — but it’s designed for those who want to experience the city like a local, not a tourist. Kadıköy is where Istanbul actually lives.
- What time does the tour end approximately? Approximately 3.5-4 hours. We finish at a traditional meyhane as the evening settles over Kadıköy.
- Should I eat before the tour? A light meal beforehand is recommended — the tastings are generous but this is a drinks tour, not a food tour. Arrive with an appetite but not on an empty stomach.
- Is rakı an acquired taste? What if I’ve never tried it? Absolutely no experience needed. Your guide will walk you through the ritual of drinking rakı the traditional way — with water, with meze, with stories. It’s one of the most memorable moments of the tour.
- How do I get to the Kadıköy ferry terminal? Kadıköy is easily reached by ferry from several European-side docks: From Eminönü: 20-25 minutes, From Beşiktaş: 15-20 minutes, From Üsküdar: 10 minutes. Ferries run frequently throughout the day. We recommend arriving by ferry — crossing the Bosphorus is the perfect way to begin the experience. Your guide will be waiting at the terminal entrance at 17:00.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.