Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 68 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste worth booking?
Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste is a 5-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $150 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 68 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (68)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $150 per person
Kurtuluş is one of Istanbul’s most diverse neighborhoods, shaped by generations of Greek, Armenian and Sephardic Jewish communities alongside newer arrivals from eastern Turkey. Its multicultural history lives on in its bakeries, meze counters, dairy shops and grill houses. We’ll begin with a visit celebrating the neighborhood’s Greek heritage before tasting specialties from Erzincan, including rich kaymak with raw honey and aged tulum cheese. As we explore the backstreets, we’ll meet local artisans and sample Sephardic borekitas, Armenian topik, stuffed vine leaves and other classic meze. We’ll also stop for sizzling kebabs straight from the grill and, depending on the season, traditional boza or Turkish-style ice cream from a beloved family-run dairy. By the end of the day, Kurtuluş reveals itself as one of Istanbul’s richest and most welcoming culinary neighborhoods.
What you get
About this experience
Kurtuluş is one of Istanbul’s most diverse neighborhoods, shaped by generations of Greek, Armenian and Sephardic Jewish communities alongside newer arrivals from eastern Turkey. Its multicultural history lives on in its bakeries, meze counters, dairy shops and grill houses. We’ll begin with a visit celebrating the neighborhood’s Greek heritage before tasting specialties from Erzincan, including rich kaymak with raw honey and aged tulum cheese. As we explore the backstreets, we’ll meet local artisans and sample Sephardic borekitas, Armenian topik, stuffed vine leaves and other classic meze. We’ll also stop for sizzling kebabs straight from the grill and, depending on the season, traditional boza or Turkish-style ice cream from a beloved family-run dairy. By the end of the day, Kurtuluş reveals itself as one of Istanbul’s richest and most welcoming culinary neighborhoods.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Breakfast
Not included
- Private transportation
What you'll see and do
Kurtulus
Far from the tourist trail, get a taste of one of the last bastions of classic Istanbul flavors, including bread fresh from the tandir oven, a mind-boggling assortment of meze, sizzling kebab, old school ice cream and much more. On this full-day food tour, we will dig deep into the culinary traditions of one of Istanbul’s most culturally diverse and food-centric neighborhoods.
120 minutes here
Aya Dimitri Kilisesi
During the day in this unassuming historic residential neighborhood, a hive of small artisanal shops – charcuteries, meze counters, ice cream parlors, bakers, butchers, dairy specialists – uphold city traditions otherwise lost. After dark, a hopping scene of craft beer bars and kebab houses hold it down until the morning, when the weekly organic market attracts those serious about what they eat and cook with. To top it off, there’s a whole street lined with shops and restaurants devoted to the fabled breakfast spread of eastern Turkey’s Erzincan region. Not surprisingly, a visit to Kurtuluş can be an eye-popping and gut-busting experience. But step back from the table and you’ll notice a rich cultural diversity no longer present in most parts of the city, an open-minded attitude, a cosmopolitan air and laid back sophistication, particularly when it comes to food. That’s the Kurtuluş state of mind.
60 minutes here
Aya Nikola Kilisesi
When our movable feast in Kurtuluş has come to an end, you’ll see what we mean about what makes this neighborhood so unique, and, like many people, you may not want to leave. Not to worry: here in Istanbul’s most diverse streets, you are always welcome back.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
The meeting point is in front of the Carrefour Supermarket, Feriköy, Açık Yol Sk. 2-6, 34377 Şişli.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The meeting point is in front of the Carrefour Supermarket, Feriköy, Açık Yol Sk. 2-6, 34377 Şişli.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Culinary Backstreets Walks
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 68 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
9 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
68 verified traveler reviews for Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful food tour and excellent guide
This tour was excellent. I wish that I had done it when we first arrived in Istanbul rather than the end. It was very good value for money and covered not only the wide range of Turkish, but the social and historical context. Our guide, Gonca took us to many small, local businesses. I had the best Manti on the tour that I had tasted in Turkiye.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent experience
This tour was a wonderful experience. Benoit is an incredibly knowledgeable and delightful guide. The range of food choices accompanied by fascinating history was excellent, as was the pacing of the tour. I would highly recommend this slightly off the beaten track neighborhood tour to really understand the depth of Istanbul history
via Tripadvisor
Food with a story
Second tour with Backstreets (first was in Porto) and again was the highlight of the trip. Remziye‘s knowledge of food and the history of the area was fascinating and the day flew by. It was like hanging out with an old friend.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful review and for joining us again on another culinary journey. We are thrilled that your time exploring Istanbul's neighborhoods felt like catching up with an old friend, as building those authentic human connections is at the heart of our walks. Thank you for helping us support the local families and unsung heroes who preserve these beautiful culinary traditions.
via Tripadvisor
This is an authentic...
This is an authentic neighborhood food tour. If you want to avoid trendy and international, this tour takes you to hyper local establishments. Small family run establishments that have existed awhile with local customers. Quality food ingredients and traditional preparation methods. Our guide was a bonus. Ibrahim is an educated architect and well read historian so we got to many diverse conversations on culture that involved good but much beyond that as well. Highly recommended
via Viator
Fun food and walking tour
We had a great day, our guide Ibrahim was very personable and also quite knowledgeable . He took us around to try many different local foods and also talked about the neighborhoods and food inspirations. We really enjoyed our time on the tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you for this wonderful review and for spending the day exploring with us. We are so glad Ibrahim could share the neighborhood's history and local food inspirations with you. Thank you for supporting these unsung culinary heroes and helping us preserve their incredible traditions.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 24
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Culinary Backstreets Walks, who run 16 experiences we rank across 11 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 74.7.
See everything Culinary Backstreets Walks runsWhy this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste cost?
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Prices start at $150 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 Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste take?
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Plan for about 5 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 Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 68 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste?
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Around 24 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?
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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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste 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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste?
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Included: Lunch; Snacks; and Breakfast. Not included: Private transportation. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste?
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The meeting point is in front of the Carrefour Supermarket, Feriköy, Açık Yol Sk. 2-6, 34377 Şişli. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste offered in?
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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 Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste?
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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.
Is Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste?
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Across 68 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, knowledge and storytelling, the guide. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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