Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides
Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides

Outty Ranking 85 5.0 · 252 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $132
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Outty Ranking

85/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 252 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides worth booking?

Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides is a 5-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $132 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 252 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
85 / 100
Rating
5/5 (252)
Duration
5 hours
From
$132 per person

Taste your way through Istanbul’s European and Asian sides with a local food expert. Explore lively markets, neighborhood cafés, and local eateries while discovering regional specialties and the stories behind Türkiye’s food traditions. Begin with a generous Turkish breakfast: kaymak with honey, sesame-crusted simit, cheeses, olives, pistachio and hazelnut spreads, and menemen—eggs cooked with tomatoes, green peppers, and spices. Continue with local favorites, including a fish wrap with spices and pomegranate sauce, and mussels stuffed with fragrant, seasoned rice. Your guide will help you discover delicious bites you might otherwise walk past. Finish with künefe: crisp, golden pastry filled with melting cheese, soaked in sweet syrup, and topped with pistachios, served alongside traditional Maraş ice cream. Enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the Bosphorus, sip Turkish tea from a tulip-shaped glass, and experience Istanbul through its food, everyday life, and warm hospitality.

What you get

    About this experience

    Taste your way through Istanbul’s European and Asian sides with a local food expert. Explore lively markets, neighborhood cafés, and local eateries while discovering regional specialties and the stories behind Türkiye’s food traditions. Begin with a generous Turkish breakfast: kaymak with honey, sesame-crusted simit, cheeses, olives, pistachio and hazelnut spreads, and menemen—eggs cooked with tomatoes, green peppers, and spices. Continue with local favorites, including a fish wrap with spices and pomegranate sauce, and mussels stuffed with fragrant, seasoned rice. Your guide will help you discover delicious bites you might otherwise walk past. Finish with künefe: crisp, golden pastry filled with melting cheese, soaked in sweet syrup, and topped with pistachios, served alongside traditional Maraş ice cream. Enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the Bosphorus, sip Turkish tea from a tulip-shaped glass, and experience Istanbul through its food, everyday life, and warm hospitality.

    What's included

    Included

    • Çay. Turkish black brew tea serve in the tulip shaped glasses
    • Iskender. Lamb cooked on charcoal on top of pitta bread cubes with tomatoes, butter and yoghurt sauc
    • Midye ; Mussels stuffed with rice and spices cooked in the shell serve with lemon
    • Ferry tickets. Ferry tickets to and from Uskudar neighborhood in Asian side
    • Balık dürüm. Grilled mackerel fish wrap in lavash bread with salad, pomegranate sauce and spices
    • Turkish coffee. Coffee brew on sand or charcoal
    • Turk kahvesi & Çay ; Turkish coffee or Çay ( tea ) options
    • Maraş Dondurma. Famous Turkish ice cream made from goats milk and roots of mountain orchids roots.
    • Künefe. A dessert made of angels hair noddles, cheese, honey and pistacho
    • Menemen. Made from tomatoes, green peppers, eggs and spices.
    • Börek. Filo pastry wrapped with minded meat, cheese, potatoes, spices and butter.
    • Breakfast

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • No vegetarian food options at 2 of the food stops.
    • No vegan food options at 4 food stops

    What you'll see and do

    1. Eminonu Square

      Meeting with the group. Our guide will give information about the tour and we will walk to the dairy store to shop for the breakfast.

      10 minutes here

    2. Misir Carsisi

      Start your day with a delicious local breakfast near the Spice market. Enjoy the breakfast shopping with your gourmet guide at the local dairy store. Taste some of the mouth watering pastrami, Kaymak ( buffalo cream) with organic honey, cheese varieties, sesame bread bread ( simit ), Menemen which is made of tomatoes, onion, green peppers and eggs. Taste the yummy pistacho and hazelnut pastes, variety of cheeses, Acuka paste with accompany of the Turkish çay ( tea ) in a tulip shape glass.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Bosphorus Strait

      Enjoy the ferry ride with a great view of Istanbul. It is an amazing experience which will take you from Europe to Asia in only twenty minutes!! Learn about the sites you see from the ferry from your historian guide. Be ready to visit a unique local food market to sample some of the delicious local foods away from the tourist spots.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    4. KadIkoy CarsIsI

      Walk in to the Kadikoy food market and feel that you are the only tourist around. Enjoy the stories behind the food by your gourmet guide. Start with a slice of sun dried beef pastrami and grape leafs stuffed with rice and spices. Taste a mouth watering Lahmacun ( local Pittza with minced meat of lamb & beef, onions, tomatoes and paprika ) cooking in a stone oven with the wood fire. Sample the unique mussels stuffed with rice and spices that it doesn’t taste like any other mussels you might tried before. Enjoy tasting İskender kebap which is made from the finely slices kebap on top of pitta bread with tomatoes, butter and yoghurt sauce at place where Doner kebap was invented.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    5. KadIkoy CarsIsI

      After filling the belly with the delicious local food it is time to take a coffee break at a cafe which runs by a Kurdish family. The best coffee is know when it is made on charcoal and in a copper jar. After you drink your coffee ask your guide to read your coffee fortune for you. If you are not a coffee drinker then try Menengic kahvesi ( coffee made from the seed of wild pictachio trees ). This is unique flavor to Southeast Turkey and a must try thing.

      20 minutes here · Admission included

    6. Bosphorus Strait

      Enjoy the breeze of the Bosporus once again to land in Karakoy the modern part of Istanbul.

      20 minutes here · Admission included

    7. Take a stroll into the back streets of Karakoy neighborhood and sit at a small family run business to sample a fish wrap stuffed with salad, spices and pomegranate seeds and molasses.

      30 minutes here

    8. We will end this tour with the most delicious but less know dessert call Kunefe which is made from angles hair noodles, cheese, pistachio and honey syroop. It will be accompany of the unique Maraş dondurma ( Turkish ice cream made from goats milk ).

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Istanbul

    Our meeting point is “ Itimat Fabrika Satış Yeri/Magazasi ” it is a dairy store. Please wait in front of the shop till our guide comes to you and ask for your name. On Google map : İtimat Fabrika Satış Yeri https://maps.google.com?g_st=ic

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    This tour will end in Karakoy neighborhood near Karakoy ferry pier ( European side ) after the dessert. The ending point is just across the Galata bridge over the Golden horn which is 10 minutes waking to the starting point. Our guide will help you how to get back to your hotel.

    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 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    My Local Guide lstanbul

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Not recommended for people who have serious allergies

    Photos

    Menemen, cheese, simit bread with sesame, hazelnut paste and çay tea, Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian SidesBalik-Ekmek. Fish&bread. Popular in Istanbul, Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian SidesOlives from Mediterranean coast, Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian SidesUskudar local market, Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian SidesKadikoy local market. Sun dried vegetables and herbal teas., Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian SidesTurkish bread with sesames, Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 245 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    8 mentions

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

    Traveler reviews

    245 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    238
    4 star
    6
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    jessnich173 · October 2026

    Book this tour!

    This tour was phenomenal! It is one of the best tours I’ve ever done. Burak, our guide, was knowledgeable, friendly and engaging. I couldn’t recommend this tour more highly. Don’t eat before hand - there is so much amazing local foods you will want as much space as possible.

    via Tripadvisor

    Jessica_N · October 2026

    Book this tour!

    I had very little time in Istanbul as I was here for work and had this tour recommended. It was phenomenal and one of the best tours I have ever done. The food was exceptional and our guide Burak was knowledgeable, engaging and insightful. This experience will stay with me for a long time. Book this tour.

    via Viator

    MariaVictoria_N · October 2026

    This guided tour is a...

    This guided tour is a fantastic way to experience Istanbul’s rich history and traditional cuisine. (One of the highlights for me was visiting the Asian side of Istanbul—it added a wonderful dimension to the experience!) A special mention goes to our guide, Binnur, who made the tour even more enjoyable. She was warm, knowledgeable, and incredibly generous in sharing her insights and personal experiences with us. I highly recommend booking this tour on your next visit to Istanbul. It’s a wonderful way to discover the city, its culture, and its amazing food!

    via Viator

    Sara_H · October 2026

    Definitely a must do— ask for Binnur!

    Binnur was fantastic! From Spice Market to tips on haggling, to historical information and delicious varieties of Turkish food— our tour was everything we could’ve hoped for. 10/10, no notes, would recommend 🩷

    via Viator

    Rob_H · October 2026

    This Tour was the Very Best Choice for Us

    We took this tour on our first full day in Istanbul, and we are very glad we did. Burak was really the perfect tour guide for us…knowledgeable, kind, a great communicator, and very knowledgeable on all things Istanbul and Turkey. We had a lot of food over the five hours or so of the tour, but it was well-spaced in terms of time and distance. We enjoyed all of the dishes as well as the coffee, tea, and “pistachio coffee”. We also loved that we got to experience both continents during this tour…breakfast on the European continent, lunch on the Asian continent, and then back to Europe for a bit of decadent dessert. Burak surprised us with the choices of food as well. I thought I could predict most of the dishes, but I was delighted to be wrong. Finally, the limited size of the tour group is so very valuable as it allows for much better interaction and learning. We left with full bellies and a much greater appreciation for this city and its people.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for such a thoughtful review! We’re delighted that spending your first full day with Burak gave you a deeper appreciation of Istanbul and its people. He’ll be very happy to hear your kind words. From breakfast in Europe to lunch in Asia and a sweet finish back in Europe, we’re glad you enjoyed the pace, the unexpected flavors, and those special coffee stops! It’s also wonderful to hear that our small group size made it easier to connect, ask questions, and learn along the way. Thank you for choosing My Local Guide Istanbul. We hope to welcome you back for more delicious discoveries!

    via Viator

    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
    88
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by My Local Guide lstanbul, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.0.

    See everything My Local Guide lstanbul runs

    Why this scores 85

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)98
    Review evidence (18% weight)85
    Booking momentum (14% weight)82
    Value for money (12% weight)49
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)86
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides cost?

    +

    Prices start at $132 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 Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides 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 Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 252 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 Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides?

    +

    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 Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides 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 Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides?

    +

    Around 88 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides 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?

    +

    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 Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides?

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    Included: Çay. Turkish black brew tea serve in the tulip shaped glasses; Iskender. Lamb cooked on charcoal on top of pitta bread cubes with tomatoes, butter and yo; Midye ; Mussels stuffed with rice and spices cooked in the shell serve with lemon; Ferry tickets. Ferry tickets to and from Uskudar neighborhood in Asian side; and Balık dürüm. Grilled mackerel fish wrap in lavash bread with salad, pomegranate sauce and. Not included: Gratuities; No vegetarian food options at 2 of the food stops; and No vegan food options at 4 food stops. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides?

    +

    Our meeting point is “ Itimat Fabrika Satış Yeri/Magazasi ” it is a dairy store. Please wait in front of the shop till our guide comes to you and ask for your name. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides 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 Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides?

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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 Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides 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 Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides?

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    Across 252 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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