Istanbul Food Tour Across Two Continents with Spice Bazaar and Ferry
Sample 25 tastings at 8+ stops spanning Europe and Asia with a local guide
Istanbul is the only city in the world that sits on two continents, and this is the only food tour that lets you taste both sides in one day. Begin with a traditional Turkish breakfast in the centuries-old Spice Bazaar, then sail across the Bosphorus to Asia's modern Kadıköy district. Over eight stops, you'll savor baklava, Turkish coffee, kebabs, famous dondurma, and more. By the end, you'll get why being split between two continents makes Istanbul's food scene unlike anywhere else on earth.
What You Get With This Tour
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Local foodie guide
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8+ tasting stops
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25 Turkish tastings
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Walking tour of Spice Bazaar, Kadıköy market, and Moda
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Round-trip Bosphorus ferry
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Guide tips
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Hotel pickup and drop-off
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide near the Spice Bazaar
Your food adventure begins in Istanbul's historic Old City at Viyana Kahvesi Sirkeci, just steps from the legendary Spice Bazaar. Look for your guide holding a sign, ready to introduce you to the flavors that make Turkish cuisine unforgettable. -
2
Traditional Turkish breakfast in Europe
Start your morning at a charming tea house overlooking the New Mosque. Spread out before you are locally sourced cheeses, briny olives, crusty bread, creamy honey, and fresh tomatoes, all paired with steaming Turkish tea served in tulip-shaped glasses. -
3
Explore the Spice Bazaar
Step into the aromatic chaos of the Spice Bazaar, where merchants have traded for over 450 years. Breathe in saffron, sumac, and dried rose petals while your guide points out the best stalls and shares stories of the spice traders who shaped Istanbul's food culture. -
4
Ferry across the Bosphorus
Board your ferry and glide across the Bosphorus Strait from Europe to Asia. Watch the skyline shift from minarets to modern neighborhoods as the salty breeze hints at the fresh flavors waiting on the other side. -
5
Turkish coffee and baklava in Kadıköy
On the Asian side, settle into a local café where thick, aromatic Turkish coffee is brewed in traditional copper pots. Pair it with flaky baklava dripping with honey and layered with crushed pistachios. -
6
Street food at Kadıköy market
Wander through the lively Kadıköy market, weaving past vendors selling fresh fish, spices, and produce. Taste dolma with tender rice and herbs wrapped in grape leaves, crispy lahmacun topped with spiced meat, and smoky kokoreç grilled to perfection with oregano and chili. -
7
Classic kebab at a family restaurant
Stop at a beloved family-run spot known for serving some of the juiciest kebabs in Istanbul. Watch as lamb or chicken sizzles over charcoal, then enjoy each tender, smoky bite with grilled peppers, fresh herbs, and warm pide bread. -
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Your tour ends at Kadıköy Ferry Terminal
After your final tasting, your guide walks you to Kadıköy Ferry Terminal and helps you catch the return ferry to Eminönü (near the Spice Market) or Karaköy. Your ticket is included, so you can relax and enjoy one last view of the Bosphorus.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible, as some restaurants include stairs.
Dietary Restrictions: This tour is not recommended for vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free travelers. Vegetarian options are available at six to seven stops. Please contact us at with any special dietary restrictions or allergies, so we can do our best to accommodate you.
Weather Advisory: This tour runs rain or shine. If rain is forecast, you might want to bring an umbrella for short walking distances between food stops.
Please Note: Exact stops and food items may vary based on availability and season.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your 5.5-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking food guide
Walking tour through Old City and Kadıköy
8+ tasting stops with 25 traditional Turkish foods and drinks
Round-trip ferry transport across the Bosphorus
5 local non-alcoholic drinks
Walking tour of Spice Bazaar, Kadıköy market, and Moda
Maximum group size of 10
What to bring:
Comfortable shoes
Camera
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, this tour is family-friendly. Children aged five and younger are welcome at no charge. The walking pace is relaxed with plenty of food breaks, making it enjoyable for families.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible as some restaurants include stairs. The tour involves walking between stops with a total distance of about 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles), with a maximum of 10 minutes between stops. If you have specific mobility concerns, please contact us at support@thetourguy.com before booking.
How much walking is involved?
This is a walking tour with a total distance of about 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles). You'll walk a maximum of 10 minutes between stops, with plenty of time to rest and enjoy tastings at each location.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian options are available at six to seven of the eight stops. However, this tour is not recommended for vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free travelers due to the nature of traditional Turkish cuisine. Please contact us at support@thetourguy.com with any allergies or dietary restrictions so we can do our best to accommodate you.
Does this tour run in all weather?
Yes, this tour runs rain or shine. If rain is forecast, you may want to bring an umbrella for short walking distances between food stops.
