This image shows two small, ornately decorated cups filled with frothy Turkish coffee, with coffee being poured from a traditional copper cezve. The setting evokes the cultural charm of a food tour in Istanbul, showcasing the rich coffee tradition.

9 Things To Know Before Booking A Food Tour In Istanbul

Whenever my husband and I visit a new city, one of the first things we do is book a food tour—it’s our favorite way to connect with local culture, get the lay of the land, and, of course, taste some incredible food.

During our three days in Istanbul, we took a six-hour Istanbul food tour that spanned both the European and Asian sides of the city. From trying the famous Turkish coffee to sampling Turkish delight, Turkish ice cream, and so much more, it was an unforgettable experience and a great way to start our trip.

But let me tell you, it was a long day, and there are a few things you should know before booking your own food tour.

In this post, I’m sharing everything I learned from exploring Istanbul through its food—what to expect, what to pack, and the key tips to make your food tour a success.

This guide will help you make the most of your food tour in Istanbul and enjoy every bite like a true local foodie. Let’s get started!

This image features a group of people sitting at a table in a street-side café, enjoying a spread of traditional Turkish dishes during a food tour in Istanbul. The table is set with small plates of assorted foods, and the background shows a charming urban street scene with historic architecture.

Best Food Tour In Istanbul

If you’re thinking about booking a food tour in Istanbul, this is the one I’d tell any friend to take.

My husband and I did it on our first day, and it was honestly one of the highlights of our trip and the best food tour we’ve ever taken anywhere!

It’s a small group tour that lasts about six hours, and the best part is you get to eat your way through both Europe and Asia. Taking the Bosphorus ferry between continents while exploring incredible food spots is such a unique way to experience Istanbul.

The day starts with a traditional Turkish breakfast—think warm bread, cheeses, olives, and my personal favorite, honey, and cream—and it just gets better from there. We tried all kinds of delicious Turkish foods, from kebabs and stew to desserts like Turkish delight and Turkish ice cream.

Our guide was amazing, taking us to local places where people from the neighborhood actually eat, not just touristy spots. Along the way, she shared stories about the food, the culture, and the history of the city. It felt like more than a food tour—it was a chance to really discover Istanbul in such a memorable way.

If you love food and want to experience the heart of Turkish cuisine while learning about the city’s history, I can’t recommend this tour enough.

It’s a long day, but so worth it—you’ll thank me later!

➡️ Click Here to Book The Istanbul Food Tour We Did!
This image shows a vibrant street food stand in Istanbul labeled "Reks Kokorec," specializing in kokoreç, a traditional Turkish dish. The stall displays skewers of grilled meats alongside menu boards featuring various food options, while two people stand in front—one smiling and another enjoying the atmosphere.

9 Things To Know Before Booking A Food Tour In Istanbul

Let me tell you about 9 key things you should know before booking an Istanbul food tour. These tips will help you figure out if it’s your kind of adventure, what it’ll be like, and how to get ready so you can enjoy every bite!

1. A Food Tour Should Be The First Thing You Do in Istanbul

If you’re planning to visit Istanbul, trust me on this—book your Istanbul food tour for your first full day in the city.

Istanbul is huge, very busy, and full of winding streets that can be overwhelming when you first arrive.

A food tour is the perfect way to get your bearings while tasting your way through the city. Not only will you discover incredible local food, but you’ll also learn a lot about Istanbul’s history, culture, and how to navigate the city.

When my husband and I did our food tour on our first day, it completely changed how we explored Istanbul for the rest of our trip.

We picked up tips on which foods to order (and how to order them!) so we didn’t feel clueless when eating on our own. Plus, our guide took us to neighborhoods and hidden streets we never would have found as tourists.

Your guide will also be able to answer all your questions, from using Uber in Istanbul to tipping in Turkey or other important things to know about visiting Turkey.

It’s such a fun and helpful way to get to know Istanbul right from the start!

This image captures the interior of a colorful pickled goods shop during a food tour in Istanbul, with jars of pickles and preserved foods neatly displayed on shelves and counters. A guide appears to be explaining something to a group of people who are attentively listening, adding to the immersive culinary experience. The shop’s vibrant decor and wide selection highlight Istanbul’s rich food culture.

2. Buy Your Tour Tickets Early Online

Food tours in Istanbul are incredibly popular, and for good reason—they’re one of the top things travelers love to do when exploring the city.

The best culinary tours often fill up fast, especially during peak travel season, so it’s smart to book your tickets online in advance so you don’t miss out.

3. Book The Earliest Tour

If you can, book the earliest food tour option.

Starting early gives you a head start before the city gets busy and popular spots like the Spice Bazaar become crowded with other visitors.

Besides, you’ll not want to miss the traditional Turkish breakfast.

This image shows a group of people gathered at an outdoor market in Istanbul, engaging in a food tour. The guide, holding a shopping bag labeled "Murat," appears to be explaining something, while the group observes stalls filled with dried goods and spices. The bustling atmosphere and vibrant market setting highlight the city’s rich culinary traditions.
This image showcases a vibrant spice shop in Istanbul, with large barrels overflowing with colorful spices like paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon sticks. Shelves are packed with jars, bottles, and packaged goods, creating a visually rich and aromatic environment. Two shopkeepers are engaged in conversation, emphasizing the authentic and bustling atmosphere of a traditional Turkish bazaar.

4. Istanbul Food Tours Can Last For Hours

An Istanbul food tour can easily last six hours or more, especially if it covers both continents.

The city is incredibly diverse, with so many different foods to try, and the guides want you to experience as much as possible. From the best street foods to full sit-down meals, you’ll get a real taste of Istanbul’s unique culinary scene.

Local guides are passionate about their food and culture and take pride in sharing it with travelers. They’ll introduce you to a variety of dishes, explain their history, and even share stories about the neighborhoods you’ll visit along the way.

It’s not just a food tour—it’s a deep dive into Istanbul’s heart and soul. So, go mentally prepared for a long day.

This image depicts a bustling outdoor market in Istanbul, with vibrant stalls offering dried goods, spices, and other local products. Kate, with long blonde hair, wearing a black dress and white sneakers, walks through the cobblestone pathway, surrounded by shoppers and vendors under a backdrop of historic architecture.
This image captures a picturesque cobblestone street in Istanbul, lined with colorful buildings, quaint cafés, and small shops. The scene exudes charm with vibrant awnings, outdoor seating, and blooming flowers, while people stroll leisurely under a bright blue sky.

5. You Will Be Walking A Lot!

Get ready to cover some serious ground on your food tour of Istanbul!

You’ll most likely explore both the European and Asian sides of the city, as well as several of the neighborhoods in both.

The tour is not just about eating. It’s also a walking tour with plenty of opportunities to take in the sights between sampling the local foods.

Also, it’s important to mention that the streets in Istanbul can be uneven with cobblestones, so make sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes for all the walking you’ll be doing.

This image showcases a plate of traditional Turkish cuisine, featuring stuffed grape leaves (dolma), roasted vegetables, and a side of fresh parsley salad. The table is set with additional plates of dips, bread, and glasses of water, hinting at a communal dining experience during a food tour in Istanbul.
This image features a selection of Turkish appetizers, including creamy dips like hummus and tzatziki, a vibrant beet salad, spicy red pepper spread, and small meatballs. Alongside, there is a plate of flatbread and a dish of crumbled dessert, offering a balanced mix of savory and sweet flavors. The setup highlights the diverse and flavorful elements of Turkish cuisine.

6. Go Hungry and Pace Yourself

Show up hungry because you’ll be trying more than 10 delicious courses of food during your tour.

Some of the dishes are meant to be shared with the group, but other dishes will be a full serving just for you.

I highly recommend you start slow, and definitely don’t try to finish everything you are served!

It’s tempting to eat everything in sight, but you’ll want to pace yourself. Just take a few small bites of everything to get a taste, but save room for a lot more food still to come.

7. Wear Pants That Stretch

Of all the tips, this might just be the most important!

With all the incredible food and lots of it you’ll be eating on the tour, you’ll want to stay comfy.

Trust me, this is not the day for tight jeans! Give yourself some breathing room, and wear stretchy pants, or a comfortable dress.

🧳 If you’re wondering what else to wear in Turkey, I’ve got you covered with my guide on what to wear in Turkey as a woman. It’s full of tips to help you feel comfortable and culturally appropriate while exploring!

8. Take a Water Bottle

With all the walking and eating you’ll do, you’ll definitely want to have a water bottle handy.

When my husband and I did our tour in April, it was surprisingly warm, and we found ourselves getting really thirsty as the day went on. We didn’t pack a water bottle and regretted it, so take my advice—bring one along with you!

This image features Kate sipping a glass of vibrant red pickle juice, inside a pickling shop in Istanbul. Behind her, jars of pickled and preserved goods add to the lively ambiance, while the shop's colorful and cultural decor enhances the immersive food tour experience.
This image highlights two slices of toasted bread topped with a savory mix of tomatoes, herbs, and spices, served on a wooden plate. Accompanying the dish are two glasses of Turkish tea, creating a perfect pairing for a flavorful snack.

9. Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

Trying different foods is part of the adventure on this food tour, but not everything will be for you—and that’s okay!

When I came across dishes like the lamb intestines sandwich or pure pickle juice, I’ll be honest, I passed. Some things just didn’t appeal to me, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Don’t feel pressured to try something you’re not comfortable with. The guides want you to enjoy the experience, and there will be plenty of other amazing dishes to try.

Stick with what sounds good to you and have fun exploring the best of Turkish culture through food!

This map illustrates key neighborhoods in Istanbul, marked with colorful boundaries: Galata (green), Sultanahmet (red), and Kadikoy (blue). It highlights landmarks like the Galata Tower, Kapalı Çarşı (Grand Bazaar), and Kız Kulesi (Maiden's Tower), offering a visual guide to prominent areas of interest for exploring the city's rich history and culture.

Where To Stay

If it’s your first time in Istanbul, I’d definitely recommend staying in the Sultanahmet neighborhood. It’s where all the main attractions are, like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, and you can walk to everything.

📍Valide Sultan Konagi – This budget-friendly hotel is a hidden gem. The traditional Turkish breakfast is delicious, and the views of the Bosphorus Strait from the terrace are stunning. It’s in a quiet location but still within walking distance of all the main sites. My husband and I stayed here during our trip, and we loved it. Highly recommend!

📍Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton – This midrange hotel has an unbeatable location just steps from the Hagia Sophia. Plus, their spa is absolutely gorgeous! It’s the ideal place to relax after a long day of exploring the city.

📍Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet – For a true luxury experience, this hotel is hard to beat. The rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, making it one of the most memorable places to stay in the city.

This image shows the entrance of a spice and natural products shop in Istanbul named "Arifoğlu," with its green awning and signage prominently displayed. The storefront is adorned with hanging dried peppers and spices, baskets filled with herbs, teas, and natural goods, as well as shelves of copperware and packaged items. The vibrant display invites visitors to explore the rich variety of Turkish flavors.
This image features a colorful spice and dried goods stall in Istanbul, showcasing a vibrant assortment of Turkish products. The display includes dried fruits, herbs, spices, teas, and lokum (Turkish delight), with hanging dried peppers and garlic adding a rustic touch. The warm lighting and rich variety of goods highlight the bustling and aromatic atmosphere of a traditional Turkish market.

FAQs

Have more questions? Here are some common ones about Istanbul’s food that might help as you plan your visit.

Is Istanbul a foodie city?

Absolutely! Istanbul is a dream for food lovers. From its traditional dishes like kebabs and pide to street food like simit and stuffed mussels, the city is packed with amazing foods to discover.

What is the most popular dish in Istanbul?

It’s hard to pick just one, but if I had to, I’d say kebabs are the best. You’ll find all kinds of kebabs, but don’t miss the döner kebab—it’s served everywhere and is so good.

Is Istanbul cheap or expensive?

Istanbul is one of the cheaper big cities I’ve explored. But It really depends on how you travel. You can find super affordable street food, great meals, and easy public transportation that won’t cost much. But if you’re into luxury dining or high-end hotels, then it can get expensive.

Can I eat street food in Turkey?

Absolutely! Street food is a huge part of the Turkish food scene, and it’s delicious and totally safe to eat. Some of my favorite meals during my trip came from street food vendors. Just look for busy stalls where locals are eating—that’s always a good sign.

This image captures a serene moment Kate gazes out over the Bosphorus Strait from the deck of a ferry. The deep blue water reflects the bright sky, with the cityscape of Istanbul visible in the distance. The scene highlights the beauty and tranquility of crossing the iconic waterway that divides Europe and Asia.


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That’s a Wrap

Booking a food tour in Istanbul is one of the best decisions you’ll make for your trip. And now that you know these nine tips, you’re all set to have the best experience.

Trust me, you’ll leave with a full belly and some of the best memories of your trip.

Catch ya later!