Istanbul Street Food Tour and Picnic

Check out Istanbul’s tantalizing street eats on a 2.5-hour tour of the city’s street food scene! Led by a food-loving local guide, the tour visits two of Istanbul’s most vibrant and bustling food markets: the Spice Bazaar and Galata Bridge. Look beyond traditional on-the-go staples of kebabs and flatbreads to discover locally loved favorites such as ‘pastirma,’ pickled vegetables and syrup-soaked doughnuts. Sample several specialties, and then finish the tour with a picnic overlooking Galata Bridge.

Numbers are limited to 12 on this small-group tour, ensuring personalized attention from a guide.

Meet your guide by 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, sampling delicacies like 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 the food for your picnic. The foods vary per season, but expect treats like pastirma, olives, nuts, halva (sweet pastry), simit (bagel-like bread with toasted sesame seeds). Choose from a traditional yogurt drink or soft drink, too.

Stroll away from the bazaar, walking along Galata Bridge – a place that bustles with market stalls, all catering to Istanbul’s commuters. A haven for gourmands on the move, the market here stocks tasty delights such as roasted chestnuts, spicy pickled vegetables, and sweet doughnuts soaked in syrup. Peruse the stalls and pick up some treats if you wish (own expense), and then walk to a grassy area nearby for your picnic.

Settle down on the grass and tuck in to your feast as your guide talks to you about picnic traditions and popular Turkish snacks. After relaxing with great food and conversation, stroll to Eminonu Port in the center of town (close to all amenities), where your tour finishes.

• Local guide
• Samples
• Picnic food and drink
  

• Gratuities (optional)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off