Istanbul: The Tasting City — Drinks & Plates
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September 2026
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Quick answer
Is Istanbul: The Tasting City — Drinks & Plates worth booking?
Istanbul: The Tasting City — Drinks & Plates is a 4-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $118 per person. It scores 48 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 48 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $118 per person
Kadıköy doesn’t perform Istanbul — it lives it. On this evening walk through the Asian side’s most spirited neighbourhood, you’ll taste your way through centuries of drinking culture: from an Ottoman confectioner founde
What you get
- A curated walk through Kadıköy's historic market district, Moda, and the Fenerbahçe waterfront
- Licensed guide specializing in Istanbul's drinking culture & history
- Seven drink tastings across seven historic Kadıköy venues
- All tastings included: Turkish coffee, şerbet, çay, craft beer, Anatolian wine, limonata & rakı
About this experience
Kadıköy doesn’t perform Istanbul — it lives it. On this evening walk through the Asian side’s most spirited neighbourhood, you’ll taste your way through centuries of drinking culture: from an Ottoman confectioner founded in 1777 to a wine bar pouring Anatolia’s oldest grape varieties, from a century-old pastry house to a meyhane where the rakı flows as the evening settles over the city. Seven stops. Seven stories: Turkish coffee, şerbet, çay, craft beer, native wine, limonata, rakı — each one rooted in a place, a tradition, a moment in this city’s long and layered history. One neighbourhood that quietly holds more of Istanbul’s soul than any postcard ever could. Maximum 6 guests. No tourist trail. Just the Asian shore, as locals know it.
What's included
Included
- A curated walk through Kadıköy's historic market district, Moda, and the Fenerbahçe waterfront
- Licensed guide specializing in Istanbul's drinking culture & history
- Seven drink tastings across seven historic Kadıköy venues
- All tastings included: Turkish coffee, şerbet, çay, craft beer, Anatolian wine, limonata & rakı
Not included
- Gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Additional food or drinks outside the tasting selections
- Transportation to the meeting point or from the end point
What you'll see and do
Kadikoy Iskelesi
We meet at the ferry terminal, where the Asian shore begins. From here, we walk into the heart of Kadıköy — a neighbourhood that has been feeding and watering Istanbul for centuries.
30 minutes here
Since 1923, this narrow Kadıköy institution has been roasting and serving Turkish coffee the old way — thick, unfiltered, unhurried. We begin here with a cup and lokum, and the first story: how coffee arrived in Istanbul and changed the way the city thought.
20 minutes here
Founded in 1923 by a Greek confectioner, It is one of Istanbul’s most quietly remarkable survivors. Over çay and chocolate, we trace the layered history of Kadıköy’s non-Muslim communities — and why this pastry house is still here when so many others are not.
20 minutes here
KadIkoy CarsIsI
Istanbul’s oldest confectionery — supplier to the Ottoman Imperial Palace since 1777. We pause here for şerbet, one of the city’s oldest drinks, and the story of a family business that outlasted empires.
20 minutes here
From the Ottoman palace to the 21st century: Kadıköy’s craft beer movement arrived quietly and is now one of the most vibrant in the city. We try a glass and talk about how drinking culture shifts — and what it says about a neighbourhood in transition.
20 minutes here
Every bottle on their list is Turkish — sourced from over 70 Anatolian producers. We sit, we pour, and we talk about what it means that Turkey has been making wine for 7,000 years and most of the world doesn’t know it.
20 minutes here
Between the wine bar and the meyhane, we slow down. Sofa’s garden is one of Kadıköy’s most quietly beautiful spots — a courtyard hidden from the street, where we pause for a limonata and let the afternoon settle before the final act.
20 minutes here
Fenerbahce
We end at a meyhane with history in its walls — rakı, meze, and the particular kind of conversation that only happens when the day has been long and the table is good. No sunset over the sea, but something better: the feeling of a neighbourhood that has fed people well for a very long time.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Easily reached by ferry from Eminönü (20 min), Beşiktaş (25 min), or Üsküdar (10 min). Your guide will be waiting at the Kadıköy ferry terminal entrance at 17:00. We recommend taking the ferry — it's the most scenic way to arrive on the Asian shore.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends in Fenerbahçe. To return to central Istanbul: take a taxi or ride-share to Kadıköy terminal (10-12 min), then ferry to Eminönü-Karaköy or Beşiktaş. Alternatively, buses 4, FB1, FB2 and 16D connect Fenerbahçe directly to Kadıköy terminal.
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 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Via Vestigia
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not suitable for those with severe food allergies (nuts, dairy, gluten, seafood)
- Gluten intolerance / celiac disease — bread, beer and meze may contain gluten
- Lactose intolerance — some tastings include milk-based items
- Vegan or strict vegetarian diets — most tastings are traditional and not substitutable
- Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers? This tour is designed around Istanbul's drinking culture and all seven tastings involve alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. We do not offer alcohol-free or caffeine-free alternatives. If you prefer not to consume alcohol or caffeine, this tour may not be the right fit — we'd hate for you to miss out on the full experience.
- How much walking is involved? Approximately 4-5 km at a relaxed pace through Kadıköy’s market district, Moda, and the waterfront. No rushing — we move at the rhythm of the neighbourhood.
- What drinks are included? Turkish coffee, Ottoman şerbet, Turkish tea, craft beer, Anatolian wine, fıstıklı limonata, and rakı — seven stops, seven stories. All tastings are included in the price.
- What is the group size? Maximum 6 guests. Small enough for real conversation, large enough for good energy.
- Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Istanbul? Yes — but it’s designed for those who want to experience the city like a local, not a tourist. Kadıköy is where Istanbul actually lives.
- What time does the tour end approximately? Approximately 4-5 hours. We finish at a traditional meyhane as the evening settles over Kadıköy.
- Should I eat before the tour? A light meal beforehand is recommended — the tastings are generous but this is a drinks tour, not a food tour. Arrive with an appetite but not on an empty stomach.
- Is rakı an acquired taste? What if I’ve never tried it? Absolutely no experience needed. Your guide will walk you through the ritual of drinking rakı the traditional way — with water, with meze, with stories. It’s one of the most memorable moments of the tour.
- How do I get to the Kadıköy ferry terminal? Kadıköy is easily reached by ferry from several European-side docks: From Eminönü: 20-25 minutes, From Beşiktaş: 15-20 minutes, From Üsküdar: 10 minutes. Ferries run frequently throughout the day. We recommend arriving by ferry — crossing the Bosphorus is the perfect way to begin the experience. Your guide will be waiting at the terminal entrance at 17:00.
- This tour includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic tastings. However, the experience is designed around Istanbul's drinking culture and several stops involve alcohol. We recommend this tour for guests aged 18 and over.
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 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
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 48
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul: The Tasting City — Drinks & Plates: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul: The Tasting City — Drinks & Plates cost?
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Prices start at $118 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: The Tasting City — Drinks & Plates 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 Istanbul: The Tasting City — Drinks & Plates worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 48 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 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: The Tasting City — Drinks & Plates?
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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 Istanbul: The Tasting City — Drinks & Plates suitable for kids and families?
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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 Istanbul: The Tasting City — Drinks & Plates?
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Around 0 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Istanbul: The Tasting City — Drinks & Plates 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 Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour, Istanbul Luxury Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Asian Side Stop, ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City 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.
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