Istanbul Street Food Tour and Picnic

Meet your guide near Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar, and start your street food tour with a stroll around the impressive foodie market. Discover the stalls that are true local favorites and run your tastebuds past delicacies such as pastirma, artisan cheeses and some of the finest Turkish delight from a long-established sweet maker.

While exploring and chatting with the friendly traders, your guide will buy delicious treats for you to sample on the next leg of your tour — your visit to Istanbul’s Asian side. Foods bought will vary on the season, but expect to dig into delicacies such as pastirma, olives, halva (a sweet made with sesame flour and honey), simit (bagel-like bread with toasted sesame seeds) and traditional Turkish cheeses.

Leave the bazaar and walk to nearby Eminönü Port on the Bosphorus. Here, catch a ferry to Üsküdar on Istanbul’s Asian shore, enjoying the views as you travel between the two continents of Europe and Asia.

On arrival, stroll along Üsküdar’s waterfront past cafés and mosques, and follow your guide to a traditional tea shop with panoramic views of the Bosphorus and Maiden’s Tower, the medieval tower that rises from the water. Absorb the setting as you enjoy some Turkish delight and a traditional Turkish tea or yogurt drink, and chat to your guide about the country’s culinary culinary culture and traditions.

After relaxing with great refreshments and conversation, take the metro back to Eminönü Port, where your tour finishes. Return to your hotel with directions from your guide, or, if you wish to enjoy the evening in the city center, ask your guide for insider tips on where to go.