Istanbul: European and Asian Side Guided Foodie Walking Tour

Discover the vibrant culinary landscape of Istanbul on this guided walking tour. Explore iconic markets, savor traditional Turkish dishes, and sample local drinks as you traverse the city’s European and Asian sides. With an intimate group size and knowledgeable local guides, this 5.5-hour adventure promises an immersive experience that tantalizes the senses. Whether you’re a foodie or simply seeking a deeper connection to the city’s rich culture, this tour offers a unique opportunity to…

Key Points

• This guided walking tour explores the food and culture of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul over 5.5 hours.
• The tour visits 8-9 eateries, focusing on traditional Turkish dishes like kebabs and baklava, and includes 4 local drink samples.
• The tour is limited to 10 participants and is conducted in English, with guides praised for their knowledge and cultural insights.
• Highlights include discovering hidden gastronomic gems and the variety of local food experiences, though the tour may not accommodate dietary restrictions.
• The tour includes round-trip ferry transportation and all food tastings, but is not suitable for those with mobility issues or who are vegan.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Istanbul: European and Asian Side Guided Foodie Walking Tour offers an immersive culinary experience in the vibrant city of Istanbul. Priced at $135 per person, this 5.5-hour tour is limited to 10 participants and conducted in English.

Visitors can expect a diverse range of traditional Turkish dishes, from kebabs to baklava. The tour includes round-trip ferry transportation, all food tastings, and local drink samples.

It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella, as the tour operates rain or shine. Advance booking is advised, as this popular tour is likely to sell out.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at Viyana Kahvesi Sirkeci, a popular cafe near the Legacy Ottoman Hotel.

The tour begins at Viyana Kahvesi Sirkeci, a popular cafe near the Legacy Ottoman Hotel.

Over the course of 5.5 hours, you will visit 8-9 different eateries on both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

Key locations include the iconic Spice Bazaar, the bustling Kadıköy market, and the charming Moda district.

Along the way, travelers will enjoy a guided tour, sample traditional Turkish dishes like kebabs and baklava, and experience the vibrant local food culture.

This diverse and flavorful itinerary offers a unique opportunity to discover hidden gastronomic gems across the city.

Tour Experience and Reviews

What do travelers say about the Istanbul foodie walking tour experience? The tour boasts an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 651 reviews.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides who provide valuable insight into the history, culture, and significance of the dishes. As Dean from the US highlighted, the tour offers a "depth and variety" of local food experiences.

Tracie from the UK recommended the tour for discovering "hidden gems", while Adianna from Germany enjoyed the "variety and recommendations".

Included Features

According to the overview, the Istanbul foodie walking tour includes several key features that enhance the experience for participants. These include round-trip transportation by ferry, a guided walking tour, all food tastings and 4 local drink samples, as well as tips. The tour does not provide hotel pickup or drop-off services. The included features are summarized in the following table:

| Included | Not Included |

| — | — |

| Round-trip ferry transportation | Hotel pickup and drop-off |

| Guided walking tour | Vegan or vegetarian options |

| All food tastings | Accommodations for mobility impairments |

| 4 local drink samples | |

| Tips | |

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Not Suitable for

Although the Istanbul foodie walking tour offers a diverse culinary experience, it may not be suitable for certain travelers.

The Istanbul foodie walking tour offers a diverse culinary experience, but may not be suitable for certain travelers.

The tour isn’t recommended for:

1. People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as the tour involves extensive walking and navigating through markets and neighborhoods.

2. Vegans, as the tour focuses on traditional Turkish dishes that often include meat, dairy, and other animal-based ingredients.

3. Those with dietary restrictions or allergies that can’t be accommodated, as the tour provides a set menu of food tastings.

What to Bring

Travelers should bring a few essential items for the Istanbul foodie walking tour. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the tour involves extensive walking through bustling markets and neighborhoods.

An umbrella or light jacket is also recommended, as the tours operate rain or shine. Participants should keep their hands free to sample the delectable Turkish delights, so a small backpack or purse is ideal.

Bringing a water bottle is also advisable to stay hydrated during the 5.5-hour experience. With these simple preparations, guests can fully enjoy the flavors and culture of Istanbul’s vibrant food scene.

Tour Operation

The Istanbul foodie walking tour operates rain or shine, ensuring visitors can fully enjoy the city’s vibrant culinary landscape regardless of the weather.

The tour takes participants on an adventure through both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, visiting 8-9 different eateries along the way.

Key points about the tour operation:

1. The tour group size is limited to 10 participants, providing an intimate and personalized experience.

2. All food tastings and 4 local drinks are included, allowing travelers to savor the diverse flavors of Turkish cuisine.

3. Tips are also included, eliminating the need for participants to worry about additional costs.

Meeting Point

The meeting point for the Istanbul foodie walking tour is Viyana Kahvesi Sirkeci, located near the Legacy Ottoman Hotel. This convenient starting point ensures participants can easily find the group and begin their culinary adventure. To help you prepare, here’s a quick reference guide:

| What to Bring | What’s Included | What’s Not Included | Meeting Time |

|—————|—————–|———————|————–|

| Comfortable shoes | Round-trip ferry | Hotel pickup/drop-off | Check availability |

| Umbrella | All food tastings & 4 drinks | Mobility assistance | Likely to sell out |

| – | Tips | Vegan accommodations | – |

The tour operates rain or shine, so be ready to explore Istanbul’s vibrant food scene regardless of the weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify an official dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are recommended for the day-long walking tour. Casual and casual-smart attire would be suitable.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour package includes all food tastings and local drinks, so bringing outside items is not allowed. Participants must consume the provided items as part of the guided experience.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?

The tour doesn’t accommodate dietary restrictions such as veganism. However, participants with other dietary needs should contact the tour operator in advance to discuss any accommodations that may be possible.

How Physically Demanding Is the Walking Tour?

The tour involves substantial walking, with 8-9 stops on both sides of the Bosphorus. Participants should be able to walk comfortably for extended periods. The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Add Optional Activities?

While the tour has a fixed duration, travelers can’t extend it or add optional activities. However, they can choose from similar tours that offer more flexibility or personalized experiences to meet their preferences.

The Sum Up

The "Istanbul: European and Asian Side Guided Foodie Walking Tour" offers an immersive culinary experience, guiding visitors through the vibrant food scene of this dynamic city. With knowledgeable local guides, participants savor traditional Turkish dishes, explore iconic markets, and discover the flavors that make Istanbul a world-class gastronomic destination. This tour provides an intimate and comprehensive introduction to the city’s diverse culinary heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: