10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour
Istanbul, Turkey

10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour

Outty Ranking 70 5.0 · 80 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $107
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Outty Ranking

70/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 80 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is 10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour worth booking?

10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour is a 4-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $107 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 80 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
70 / 100
Rating
5/5 (80)
Duration
4 hours
From
$107 per person

On our Secret Food: Istanbul Spice Market & Galata Tour, you'll explore The best spice market in Turkey, get lost like locals in the backstreet shops and food stalls and taste your way with mouth-watering local cuisines. You'll discover the famous Spice Bazaar - it's the most colorful, fragrant, and often the most fun place in the city – as visitors can taste the goods on offer. We'll show you what to buy and how to bargain - such as the difference between real and fake Saffron. Also, make your way around the historical monuments, secret beautiful mosques and learn about the fascinating history of our food and culture. At the end of your tour, you'll have sampled some of Istanbul's most delicious dishes and gained a better understanding of our culture and history.

What you get

    About this experience

    On our Secret Food: Istanbul Spice Market & Galata Tour, you'll explore The best spice market in Turkey, get lost like locals in the backstreet shops and food stalls and taste your way with mouth-watering local cuisines. You'll discover the famous Spice Bazaar - it's the most colorful, fragrant, and often the most fun place in the city – as visitors can taste the goods on offer. We'll show you what to buy and how to bargain - such as the difference between real and fake Saffron. Also, make your way around the historical monuments, secret beautiful mosques and learn about the fascinating history of our food and culture. At the end of your tour, you'll have sampled some of Istanbul's most delicious dishes and gained a better understanding of our culture and history.

    What's included

    Included

    • Baklava
    • House baked bread
    • Water
    • Freshly baked pide bread
    • Our delicious Secret Dish
    • Turkish Delight
    • Refreshing Tea or coffee
    • Raki (anise-flavoured, alcoholic drink)
    • Non-alcoholic options
    • Deserts
    • Best grilled meat
    • Multiple mezze

    Not included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off

    What you'll see and do

    1. First, you will experience the most colorful, fragrant, and often the most fun place in the city. Here you'll learn a couple of important facts about Turkish breakfast and try traditional Turkish breakfast dish and Turkish tea in one of the best places in town.

      30 minutes here

    2. Then you'll discover the famous Spice Bazaar with your expert guide tasting and learning how to shop for spices and what to prepare with each one. Sample wonderful teas and Turkish delights. We'll show you what to buy and how to bargain - such as the difference between real and fake Saffron.

      25 minutes here

    3. You'll learn about Turkish Coffee History and see the oldest coffee roastary. You'll make your way around the historical monuments, secret beautiful mosques and learn about the fascinating history of our food and culture.

      15 minutes here

    4. You’ll dine on mouthwatering Kofta meatballs with a traditional drink in a locals hole in a wall spot tucked between the Mosque and the Market.

      30 minutes here

    5. You'll cross the Galata Bridge to explore a unique and different side of town. You’ll try Turkish bagel while enjoying the view of the monuments.

      20 minutes here

    6. You’ll head to our secret rooftop dining room with a view over the city for a selection of mezze, homemade breads and Kebab grilled and baked in front of your eyes with a traditional drink that will accompany your food.

      45 minutes here

    7. You’ll dine on grilled fish cooked straight from the fish market by the fisherman at a family run stall.

      20 minutes here

    8. You’ll get lost like locals in the backstreet shops and food stalls. You'll experience our secret delicious dish and learn how to eat it.

      15 minutes here

    9. You’ll try traditional dessert with Turkish coffee in Istanbul's trendiest district.

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Istanbul

    We'll meet at Hamdi Restaurant, Eminönü. Your guide will be waiting with an orange umbrella so they are easy to spot.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Options you can book

    • Private Tour Option

      Duration: 3 hours Multiple Mezze: House baked bread Chicken Shish Kebab Turkish Delight Freshly caught Fish Freshly baked Pide Bread Kokorec Baklava Private Local Guide

    • Public Tour Option

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Secret Food Tours

    Know before you go

    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Comfortable shoes are recommended
    • Please inform us of any dietary restriction you may have

    Photos

    10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour, photo 210 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour, photo 310 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour, photo 410 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour, photo 510 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour, photo 610 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 80 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    7 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    80 verified traveler reviews for 10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    79
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Sarahsc22 · September 2026

    Best Istanbul Food Tour

    Erbil was our guide and he was absolutely wonderful! We had a group of 18 ladies and he took us to the very best locations, shared some of the history, gave a time to peruse the Egyptian spice market after sampling some Turkish Delight at one stop. We tried a wide range of Turkish food and enjoyed walking between locations and getting n to know more about the city. Highly recommend, Erbil and this tour!

    Response from the operator: Thanks for fitting Secret Food Tours into your trip. We appreciate the review and the time you spent with us. Hope the rest of your travels went smoothly!

    via Tripadvisor

    leahmY2040UH · September 2026

    Wonderful Istanbul food tour!

    Erbil was an excellent food tour guide. He provided a great summary of the spice market and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend a food tour with Erbil. 5 stars!

    Response from the operator: We’re glad you stopped by to share your experience with Secret Food Tours. Thanks for spending the afternoon with us. We hope you took a few good memories from the tour with you!

    via Tripadvisor

    lolamour · September 2026

    Wonderful experience!

    This is a great tour and a great way to experience the city. Our guide, Sercan, was wonderful. Friendly and knowledgeable, patient with our questions. We were never rushed and there was not a dull moment. He made the experience feel like traveling with friends. I only wish I could hear more from Sercan!

    Response from the operator: We’re pleased to hear the tour was a good addition to your visit. Our team enjoyed having you with us and introducing you to some of the area’s character. We hope to welcome you back to Secret Food Tours!

    via Tripadvisor

    bobincabo · September 2026

    Food with Erbil

    Great tour. We r still full. Erbil was fun and informative.

    Response from the operator: Thank you, and please know how much we enjoyed having you along. We’re delighted the tour gave you a closer look at the city’s food scene and local character. Secret Food Tours was happy to be part of your visit!

    via Tripadvisor

    H9504QSchristinep · September 2026

    Spice Market Food Tour in Istanbul, Turkey

    Erbil Eraslan was a very knowledgeable and personable guide during this spice food tour. It was a total pleasure. We tried so many good items and saw so much of the Turkish culture along the way. I would highly recommend this tour! You also won't be hungry by the end of the tour. We tried so many yummy foods!

    Response from the operator: We had a lovely time showing you around. Sharing the city’s food and local character with interested guests is something our guides genuinely enjoy. Thanks for choosing Secret Food Tours!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $107 to $613
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    28
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Secret Food Tours, who run 207 experiences we rank across 112 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.6 and 17 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Secret Food Tours runs

    Why this scores 70

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)96
    Review evidence (18% weight)67
    Booking momentum (14% weight)61
    Value for money (12% weight)48
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)81
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.

    How much does 10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $107 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does 10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour take?

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    Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.

    Is 10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 80 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule 10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is 10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book 10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour?

    +

    Around 28 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does 10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Istanbul?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Istanbul?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in 10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour?

    +

    Included: Baklava; House baked bread; Water; Freshly baked pide bread; and Our delicious Secret Dish. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for 10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour?

    +

    We'll meet at Hamdi Restaurant, Eminönü. Your guide will be waiting with an orange umbrella so they are easy to spot. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is 10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to 10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    What do travelers say about 10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour?

    +

    Across 80 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, food and drink, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    What booking options are available for 10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Private Tour Option, Public Tour Option. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for 10 Tastings of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour.

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