Taste Street Bites of Istanbul with a Foodie Guide + Ferry

Tour Description

Highlights

• All included! Discover Istanbul's street food scene with a local foodie guide
• Taste simit from a historic bakery, sucuk sandwiches, cig kofte and wet burgers
• Enjoy a ferry ride across the Bosphorus from Europe to the Asian side
• Explore vibrant streets of Karaköy and Uskudar to admire historical landmarks
• Visit secret spots most tourists miss, including rooftop churches

This is a 100% all-inclusive experience where every single food tasting, traditional drink, and your intercontinental ferry ticket is covered in the price. Tasting-sized small portions at each location, but with so many delicious stops along the route, it adds up to a highly satisfying journey. Highly recommended to come hungry and get ready to explore!

Begin your tour at the magnificent 18th-century Tophane Fountain on the European side. Walk through the vibrant streets of Karaköy, admiring historical landmarks like the Kılıç Ali Paşa Mosque. Discover secret spots most tourists miss, including fascinating historical churches built directly on the rooftops of Karaköy.

Stop at a historic, local bakery to buy freshly baked, sesame-crusted simit (Turkish bagel) straight from the oven. Slip away from the crowds into a secret, centuries-old han (historical courtyard). Sit at a traditional tea house, enjoying your warm simit with freshly brewed Turkish tea, starting the day exactly like real Istanbulites.

Dive into the fast-food culture of the city, tasting heavily spiced sucuk ekmek (Turkish sausage sandwich) and the legendary wet burger (islak hamburger). Walk near the historical Galata Bridge, enjoying the sea breeze and stunning views of the Old City and the Golden Horn. By the water, taste the famous balık dürüm (freshly grilled and spiced fish wrap), a must-try Istanbul street food staple.

Hop on a public ferry to cross the Bosphorus from Europe to the Asian side (Üsküdar). Enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of the historical peninsula from the deck. Stepping off the ferry in Üsküdar, feel the captivating contrast between the two continents. Üsküdar is one of Istanbul's oldest, most authentic residential districts, steeped in rich Ottoman history. Before diving back into the food, get a cultural introduction to this traditional neighborhood. Walk through the bustling historical market (çarşı) where locals do their daily shopping, and hear stories about the magnificent waterfront mosques designed by the legendary architect Mimar Sinan.

Immersed in this deeply rooted neighborhood culture, taste traditional lahmacun (crispy Turkish flatbread), spicy and vegan çiğköfte, and refresh your palate with a glass of tangy local pickle juice (turşu suyu).

Grab traditional helva and walk down to the Üsküdar coastline. Sitting right across from the iconic Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi), end your journey tasting historic lokum (Turkish Delight) paired with a classic cup of traditional Turkish coffee, soaking in the magical Bosphorus view.

Meeting Point

Important Notes & Guidelines