Foodie Walk

Culinary delights of the streets and iconic Çiya Restaurant

COST
200 USD/person

DURATION
7 hours

MIN/MAX GROUP SIZE
2-12

DIFFICULTY
〈1〉2 3 4 5

Overview

Foodie Walk

Embark on a foodie walk that combines culinary delights with cultural insights as you explore Karaköy, Kadıköy, the Spice Market, and the historic Golden Horn, traversing two continents. Start your journey in Karaköy, a vibrant neighborhood on the European side, known for its historic buildings and rich blend of cultures. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll sample iconic street food and learn about the area’s history as a bustling port.

Next, visit the Spice Market, where the scents of exotic spices, dried fruits, and Turkish teas fill the air. Here, you’ll get a glimpse into Istanbul’s centuries-old trade routes and experience the heart of its traditional culinary culture.

Cross the Bosphorus to Kadıköy on the Asian side, known for its eclectic atmosphere and traditional markets. Explore its vibrant food scene, tasting local delicacies, and finish with a meal at the iconic Çiya Restaurant, famed for its authentic Anatolian cuisine and lesser-known regional dishes. This tour offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and gastronomy, making it an unforgettable journey through Istanbul’s diverse heritage.

Trip Information

Trip Highlights

Istanbul’s deep-rooted street food such as simit, börek, poğaça, muscles dolma, fried muscles, kokoreç, lahmacun etc.
Best baklava from Güllüoğlu.
Eminönü Square.
Golden Horn.
Galata Bridge.
Historic Spice Bazaar and Deli Market.
Ferry from the European side to the Asian side of the city and back.
Traditional Kadıköy market.
Fresh fruits from the market.
Olive tasting.
Sitting food tasting at iconic Çiya Restaurant.
Tea and coffee.

What’s Included?

Some of the bakery classics such as simit, açma and çatal çörek.
8-10 local delicacies to taste including baklava, muscles dolma, fried muscles, kokoreç, olives, fruits of the season, lahmacun, etc.
Sitting food tasting at the famous Çiya Restaurant.
Certified professional guide.
Ferry ride (round trip)
Guide’s expenses, etc.
Carbon footprint.
VAT.

Trip begins / ends

Karaköy Ferry Terminal/Karaköy Ferry Terminal

Location

Karaköy-Eminönü on Europe, Kadıköy on Asia.

FAQ

What is the itinerary like?

Meet at 08:15 at Karaköy Ferry Terminal.
Walk to a traditional bread bakery to grab some pastries.
Proceed to Güllüoğlu, the best baklava shop in the world to taste baklava.
Walk across the Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn and talk about the city’s ancient history.
Explore the Spice (Egyptian Bazaar) and its vibrant environs.
Take the public ferry to Kadıköy (ancient Kalkhedon) on the Asian side of the city and visit the culinary highlights of this charming neighborhood.
Sit at Çiya Restaurant to conclude the foodie marathon.
Continue exploring the back-streets of Kadıköy for arts and antiques.
Take the public ferry back to where we started.

Who would love this tour?

The foodie walk tour in Istanbul would appeal to a wide range of travelers, especially those with a passion for culinary experiences and cultural immersion, as well as cultural explorers, history buffs, families and small groups.

What is the best time to go?

The foodie walk tour in Istanbul is a fantastic year-round experience, thanks to the city’s rich culinary diversity and vibrant food culture that adapts to each season.

What to bring?

This tour is rewarding all year round. Please follow the weather forecast. Make sure you are dressed season-appropriate.
Comfortable walking shoes.
Personal water bottle.

How do we meet?

We meet at 08:15 in front of the Karaköy Ferry Terminal. Please find your guide carrying the Hike’n Sail sign.