
Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 661 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets worth booking?
Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets is a 6.5-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $150 per person. It scores 92 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 5/5 rating across 661 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 92 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (661)
- Duration
- 6.5 hours
- From
- $150 per person
On this full-day Istanbul food tour, we’ll eat our way across two continents, exploring the markets and backstreets of Karaköy on the European side and Kadıköy on the Asian side, connected by a ferry ride across the Bosphorus. We’ll begin in historic Perşembe Pazarı with a seasonal Turkish breakfast before wandering through the mariner market streets and stopping for tea in an Ottoman-era caravanserai. In Kadıköy, we’ll explore one of the city’s richest food markets, tasting Turkish coffee and regional specialties such as tantuni, lahmacun and Aegean-style meze. From there, we’ll continue toward Moda, discovering lesser-known neighborhood favorites before ending on a sweet note. Visiting a dozen or more small eateries along the way, this award-winning tour offers a deep dive into Istanbul’s extraordinary culinary culture.
What you get
About this experience
On this full-day Istanbul food tour, we’ll eat our way across two continents, exploring the markets and backstreets of Karaköy on the European side and Kadıköy on the Asian side, connected by a ferry ride across the Bosphorus. We’ll begin in historic Perşembe Pazarı with a seasonal Turkish breakfast before wandering through the mariner market streets and stopping for tea in an Ottoman-era caravanserai. In Kadıköy, we’ll explore one of the city’s richest food markets, tasting Turkish coffee and regional specialties such as tantuni, lahmacun and Aegean-style meze. From there, we’ll continue toward Moda, discovering lesser-known neighborhood favorites before ending on a sweet note. Visiting a dozen or more small eateries along the way, this award-winning tour offers a deep dive into Istanbul’s extraordinary culinary culture.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Breakfast
- Tea and coffee
What you'll see and do
Karakoy
The route for this Istanbul market tour draws from the Culinary Backstreets best-of lists in the European side’s Karaköy neighborhood and the Asian side’s Kadıköy, tied together by a Bosphorus crossing.
30 minutes here
Bosphorus Strait
We’ll hop the boat to Kadıköy on the Asian side and eat our way through that neighborhood’s market, which holds the highest concentration of traditional food shops and eateries in the city.
45 minutes here · Admission included
KadIkoy CarsIsI
Full market tour with lots of eating and drinking along the way.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Karakoy
Here we will visit some hidden stops and have some awesome bites
45 minutes here
Moda Park
We’ll continue on toward the lesser-explored culinary hotspots around the Moda area at the market’s edge, where an infectious neighborhood vibe and a sweet finish await us to conclude our Istanbul market tour.
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
The meeting point is the KIOSK SHOP adjacent to the Galata Bridge in Karakoy
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- 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
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum of 18 years old for Alcoholic Beverages
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 650 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
650 verified traveler reviews for Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly recommended
Daphne was an incredibly knowledgeable guide, so we learnt so much on this seven-hour tour. We enjoyed a wide variety of food and learned how each dish fits into Turkish history and culture. Highly recommended
via Tripadvisor
Culinary Backstreets is a must
I had read about Culinary Backstreets from a food writer who raved about their tours so when we finally went to Istanbul for the first time time, we knew we had to do a tour with them. Our guide Gonca was friendly, helpful and a fount of knowledge on Turkish history and customs. A food walking tour like this one is the best way to get your bearings in a new city and learn about the culture through food. We started our day with Turkish breakfast and walked all over, took the ferry from Europe to Asia, explored all the backstreets and most of all, ate a whole lot of good things - from borek to lahmacun, tantuni to kokorec, baklava to lokum and lots more incredible bites in between. This is a must for first time visitors to Istanbul or those who want to experience a city through its food.
via Tripadvisor
Start Chewing Turkey!
Daphne was delightful and the tour was revelatory, introducing us to places and flavors previously unknown. One slight niggle: the doner place on the Asia side was apparently not on the official itinerary. It should be as it is fascinating and delicious. It was great to get a sense of these family owned businesses. The trip encouraged us to make some discoveries of our own. Also the complimentary book is great.
via Tripadvisor
Great day on two continents
An all around great day! Our guide was knowledgeable and personable. I learned a lot around the culture and history of the foods we tasted. Loved experiencing real work-a-day neighborhoods in Istanbul.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful review and for exploring the real, work-a-day neighborhoods of Istanbul with us. We are so glad you enjoyed learning about the history and culture behind the foods we shared. Your visit truly helps us support the unsung heroes of the kitchen and preserve these beautiful culinary traditions.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour - great day exploring Istanbul
A brilliant way to be immersed in Istanbul beyond the obvious tourist spots. Ibrahim as an excellent guide - informative, caring, funny. Tour was relaxed and flexible as we followed our curiosity, meeting shop keepers and restaurant owners which brought the food to life. We would highly recommend this tour and Ibrahim!
Response from the operator: Thank you for the review. We are so glad you enjoyed exploring the daily life of Istanbul and connecting with the unsung heroes of the city's kitchens. Your support helps us preserve these traditional culinary crafts and the local communities that keep them alive.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 231
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
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 92
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets 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 Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets take?
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Plan for about 6.5 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 Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 92 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 661 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets?
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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 Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets?
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Around 231 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 6.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets 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 Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets?
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Included: Bottled water; Lunch; Snacks; Breakfast; and Tea and coffee. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets?
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The meeting point is the KIOSK SHOP adjacent to the Galata Bridge in Karakoy Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets 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 Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets?
+
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 Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets 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 Two Markets, Two Continents with Culinary Backstreets?
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Across 661 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.
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