Istanbul Food Tour with a Local Guide

A day of Turkish food, the local way

Istanbul is one of the great food cities of the world, and the best of it is not in the tourist restaurants of Sultanahmet. On this full-day food tour a local guide takes you to the neighbourhoods where Istanbul people eat: a breakfast table in Beşiktaş, the street food of Taksim and Beyoğlu, a tea garden by the Golden Horn, a famous kebab shop in Aksaray and, in the evening, a dinner of Turkish classics in a district few visitors ever see.

In between you walk the Hippodrome with your guide and take a break in the Grand Bazaar for apple tea or Turkish coffee, so the day mixes food with the history of the city. You travel like a local, by tram, and your guide explains every dish, where it comes from and how to order it. Groups of friends and families can book the tour privately, with hotel pickup and the menu adapted to your tastes.

Food tour highlights

• Turkish breakfastCheeses, olives, jams, pastries and simit in Beşiktaş.
• Beyoğlu street foodA walk from Taksim through Beyoğlu, tasting as you go.
• Tea and Turkish coffee in EminönüWith a view of the Golden Horn; nargile for those who want it.
• A famous kebab lunchIn Aksaray, a very local experience.
• The Hippodrome and the Grand BazaarA two-hour guided walk and a tea break in the bazaar.
• Dinner and künefeThe finest Turkish dishes, then the famous cheese dessert.

How the day goes

1. 08:00 Breakfast in Beşiktaş
   A traditional Turkish breakfast with handmade pastries, cheeses and jams.
2. Taksim and Beyoğlu
   A walk through the 19th-century European quarter with street food tastings.
3. Eminönü
   Tea and Turkish coffee by the water, with views of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.
4. Sultanahmet
   About two hours of guided walking around the Hippodrome and the old city.
5. Lunch in Aksaray
   Kebabs at one of the city's best-known kebab houses.
6. The Grand Bazaar
   Free time and a tea break in the covered market.
7. Dinner
   A rest at your hotel, then dinner of Turkish specialities, finished with künefe.

What is included in the food tour

Good to know before you go

• Tell us about any dietary needs or allergies, such as vegetarian or gluten-free, when you book.
• Come hungry and wear comfortable shoes: the tour includes a lot of walking.
• Small-group departures run with 6 to 12 guests from €180 per person; families with children under 6 should book the private tour.
• Please give us a mobile number so your guide can reach you on the day.

What our guests say about our cruises

Booking, payment and cancellation

1. RequestSend your date, group size and wishes. No prepayment.
2. Your plan and priceWe reply with a tailored itinerary and a written price, usually within the hour.
3. On the dayPay in cash in euro, US dollar or Turkish lira.
4. 24+ hours beforeCancel or change your date free of charge.
5. Under 24 hoursLate cancellations and no-shows cannot be refunded.

If a cruise is cancelled because of bad weather or an official warning, you choose a new date or cancel at no cost. These terms are for guided tours and shared cruises; private yachts have their own private tour terms.

Food tour FAQ