City: Istanbul
Top Things to do in Istanbul
What to do and see in Istanbul, Turkey: The Best Food Tours
The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip: an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there. Kick your trip off at the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.
Restaurants in Istanbul
1. Istanbul Small-Group Sightseeing and Culinary Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Enjoy this culinary walking tour for small groups at Beyoglu, Istanbul. Walk from Taksim Square to Golden Horn and explore all the tastes Istanbul has to offer.
Inclusions: Nibbles and lunch, Professional local guide
Exclusions: Drinks
Reviewed By L4826TUadrianad
I booked a tour in Kapadokkia, everything was perfect; they are flexible and very reactive. All went on very well.
2. Istanbul Culinary Tour for Layover Passengers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This is a perfect tour program option for transit travellers who have a couple of hours layover between their flights in Istanbul. The tour focuses on the history, and the food the of the city’s most dynamic areas. During this private tour, you will visit Taksim, Istiklal Street, Beyoglu, Karakoy, Eminonu, Spice Market. This private tour introduces you to the art of Turkish cuisine and the history of Istanbul. Last minute passangers can contact us and we will arrange the tour as soons as possible.
Inclusions: Airport/Departure Tax, Food tasting, Lunch, Snacks, Wine tasting, Local guide, Private tour, Round-trip private transfer, Air-conditioned vehicle, Breakfast, Dinner, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Krystal L
This description was the best choice of what TripAdvisor had. What we actually had was a 16 day private tour of western and central Turkey focusing on archeology and history. There were 5 of us on this fabulous adventure. It wasn't exactly easy because of COVID and the lockdowns for citizens around Ramadan. We had to be tested both before and after the trip even though we are vaccinated and lots of shops and restaurants were closed BUT........ It was the GREATEST trip imaginable! Ertunga made sure we never lacked for anything, found us great restaurants and the accommodations were so special. Still, the highlights were the sites and the learning and the beauty of Turkey. We often had the popular sites all to ourselves. The sail boating on the Aegean Sea was terrific. I could list 100 things that were wonderful. Ertunga Ecir went above and beyond to give our group a superior and unforgettable trip -or-a-lifetime.
3. Private and guided VEGETARIAN / VEGAN tour of Istanbul
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
The tour takes you off the beaten track so you can sample the real tastes of Istanbul and experience delicious Turkish delicacies you may not have known existed. While discovering local markets you will also gain an overview of Turkish history and culture while appreciating the unique architecture of Istanbul. Whether you are a food expert or just love food the Istanbul Food Tour will fulfill your eating dreams.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Breakfast, Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea
Exclusions: Private transportation, Gratuities, Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By lancek319
Quality of tours is often influenced by the tour guide. Of all the tour guides we have had, Furkan stood atop of the list. He was so knowledgeable & pleasant & kind. Every minute we spent together was absolutely precious. When we return to Istanbul in the future, I would definitely seek out Furkan.
4. Private and guided Istanbul food tour - Taste of Istanbul
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 64 reviews
From kebabs to baklava to Turkish delight, Turkish food is famous the world over. While many people have enjoyed more than the odd kebab in their time, there is so much more to Turkish food than just kebabs as you will discover on the 6-hour Istanbul Food Tour. The tour takes you off the beaten track so you can sample the real tastes of Istanbul and experience delicious Turkish delicacies you may not have known existed. While discovering local markets you will also gain an overview of Turkish history and culture while appreciating the unique architecture of Istanbul. Whether you are a food expert or just love food the Istanbul Food Tour will fulfill your eating dreams.
Inclusions: Beverages, Breakfast, Food tasting, Professional guide, Private tour
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities, Transportation to/from attractions
Reviewed By GlobeExpress
I did a tour with Furkan some years back. I emailed what I wanted to do and he made it happen perfectly. Met me at my hotel, moved me between a series of places I chose and was patient and knowledgeable. I wandered solo through Grand Bazaar with his tips in mind. He took me for coffee with some of his friends - we had mind bending Turkish coffee and Apple tea in an alley off Taksim Square. Quite special. Hopped into cabs, trams, boats and a Sky way. And he finished the day with a gift for my daughter which she has. I will contact him when I next visit Istanbul. Very highly recommend!
5. Guided Food and Culinary Walking Tour of Istanbul
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Looking for a special activity for your company, family, or friends? Our 4-Hour private Istanbul food tour will take you off the beaten path and immerse you in local history and culture. Walk with one of our expert guides as you spoil yourself by strolling through open-air markets, stepping into one of Istanbul’s most famous delicatessens, and having beverages along with food samples that vary according to the time and season.
Inclusions: Food tasting, Professional guide, Private tour, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea
Exclusions: Gratuities, Transportation to/from attractions, Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By lancek319
Quality of tours is often influenced by the tour guide. Of all the tour guides we have had, Furkan stood atop of the list. He was so knowledgeable & pleasant & kind. Every minute we spent together was absolutely precious. When we return to Istanbul in the future, I would definitely seek out Furkan.
6. Street Food Tour in Istanbul
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Enjoy the culinary Street Food Delicacy of the Ottoman Empire. Our small group Istanbul Food Tours take you through the city's culinary backstreets and to those authentic local spots you might not find on your own.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Food tasting, Coffee and/or Tea, Professional guide, Hotel pickup, Local taxes, Lunch, Snacks
Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Hotel drop-off
Reviewed By chakameh123
I contacted them to schedule a pick up to go to the airport and it was so professional and friendly and rates were reasonable! The gentle picked me up right on time it was snowing that day and he made sure he got all my luggage and helped me in the car and when we got to the airport he found a guy to help with my luggage spoke perfect English the car was clean and I felt safe and taken cared of ! Next time I visit I will definitely use his services for the tours as well !
7. Evening Food and culture Tour - Dinner in Asia dessert in Europe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Dinner in Asia, deserts in Europe? Conquering the top sights of Istanbul and tasting Turkey’s best cuisine can feel like a big task when the city is nestled across two continents and seven hills. This evening tour will make the city feel much smaller when your local guide shares the flavors of Turkey in a progressive dinner across Europe and Asia.
Inclusions: English speaking local guide., Travel on public trams., Food sampling at the food market., Entree, main course and dessert as baklava or kunefe and ice cream., Four soft drinks over the evening , Nargile ( Hookah ), Dinner, Snacks, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Extra food and drinks not included above., Shopping expenses., Tipping to the guide. ( recommended amount 5-10 Turkish USD per person
Reviewed By 883marijam
We booked 'Ultimate Istanbul Tour' for our family (2 adults + 2 teenagers) - 8 hours walking tour to visit major sites and historical places in the city. What we got, was a wonderful day spent wandering through rich history of the city, and the region, visiting all sites that were listed in the offer... But, thanks to our guide Iskender, we got lot more - we were privileged to reveal some hidden places, great viewpoints and feel the vibe of the city. Shortly - unforgettable day spent with very kind and professional guide...
8. Istanbul: Evening food tour in Kadikoy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Discover typical Turkish flavors with a gourmet guide. Step into Kadikoy on the Asian side for an evening experience. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Istanbul crossing the Bosphorus on a commuter ferry. Follow your expert guide to discover where local Istanbulites go to eat and socialize. At each stop, sample local food served alongside plates of the popular appetizers called ‘meze.’
Inclusions: Street food and all samplings on the go are included., food tasting, Expert guide, Bosphorus cruise tickets on the commuter ferry
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Liam_617_A
My tour guide Çiğdem was a wealth of knowledge! I booked this tour as well as the Topkapi Palace tour for the same day. I booked this as a group tour, but ended up being just me on the tour due to the small number of visitors during this time. I had visited this site briefly as part of a separate tour of the old city, but a return for this in-depth look was well worth it. Great for serious history enthusiasts and the curious public.
9. Taste of Turkey on Two Continents: From European Istanbul to Asian Kadıköy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Discover the local tastes of Istanbul in both continents Europe and Asia with stops in local eateries and food markets. Start with a local breakfast on the European side before taking a ferry to Asian side of Kadiköy neighborhood where we introduce you to lots of local food culture while filling your stomach at the same time. We make sure nothing remains out, from home-style dishes to delicious kebabs and Turkish delights. Our passionate tour guide will take you to eateries and food shops, beloved by the area’s locals, and we know you will fall in love with them too. We promise you will love it!
Inclusions: All the foods, drinks and snacks , Ferry ride from Europe to Asia and back to Europe, Professional guide, Small-group tour
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratitude
Reviewed By khallile2021
I've already reviewed the Haghia Sophia and Topkapi Palace tour, but as we also did this tour with Erol as our guide I will copy/paste that review here. Apologies for the late review Erol! You were an incredible tour guide for the three days that you showed us around Istanbul. Not only is Erol a very knowledgeable tour guide, he is also very friendly and genuine. I can say without exaggeration that having Erol as a guide made our trip to Istanbul. Thank you again and I will definitely recommend your services to anyone that travels to Istanbul.
10. Taste of Two Continents Food Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 794 reviews
Get a taste for both sides of Istanbul. Indulge in a market breakfast in Europe in the heart of the historic Old City, before going to Asia and exploring the fashionable streets of Kadıköy. We’ll make 10 different stops during our walk with a variety of samples at each – enough to fill your belly to the brim with all the amazing Turkish flavours! From home-made dishes and street foods, to traditional kebabs and Turkish ice cream – the Taste of Two Continents tour is your chance to immerse yourself inside Istanbul’s food scene and acquaint yourself with Turkish culture and habits.
Inclusions: Around 5-6 exciting and local non-alcoholic drinks., 10 uniquely different eateries and restaurants, multiple tastings at each, Friendly, knowledgeable and passionate English-speaking tour guide, A day filled with culinary, cultural, historic and personal anecdotes, with a local insider’s view
Exclusions: Gratuities, No vegetarian food options at 2-3 of the food stops, No vegan food options at 4-5 of the food stops
Reviewed By henryh12345
Loved the variety of food and variety of neighborhoods that we trekked through - super The Mussel man place was awesome; never would have discovered it otherwise. The other half loved the pide and ice cream. Lastly, thank you Mehmet for the good chats!
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