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Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour

Skip the tourist traps and truly discover Istanbul with our top-rated guided food tour, which takes you to delicious, lesser-known food spots loved by locals

    ClockIcon 3½ - 4 hours
    LocationMaincolorIcon Istanbul’s Spice Market
    CutleryIcon 7 stops
    GroupIcon 12 people max
    WorldIcon English
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StarIconStarIconStarIconStarIconStarIconOver 74,000 5 Star Reviews

Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour

CheckIcon Skip the overpriced tourist traps
CheckIcon Uncover the city's history and culture
CheckIcon Exclusive food tours in over 90 cities worldwide

Discover Istanbul with our top-rated guided food tour, which takes you to delicious, lesser-known food spots loved by locals

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    ClockIcon 3½ - 4 hours
    LocationMaincolorIcon Istanbul’s Spice Market
    CutleryIcon 7 stops
    GroupIcon 12 people max
    WorldIcon English

What you'll do

On our Secret Food Tour: Istanbul - Spice Market and Historic Centre, you’ll explore the best spice market in Turkey, get lost like locals between backstreet shops and food stalls, and taste your way through the city’s mouthwatering local cuisine.

 

You’ll discover the famous spice bazaar, the most colourful, fragrant - and often most fun - place in the city, as visitors can taste all the goods vendors have to offer. We’ll also teach you what to buy, how to bargain, and the difference between real and fake saffron.

 

Make your way around the historical monuments and beautiful secret mosques as you learn about the fascinating history of our food and culture. By the end of your tour, you'll have sampled some of Istanbul's most delicious dishes and gained a better understanding of our culture and history.

SEE ITINERARY

Navigate through the crowds of the world-famous spice market with your expert guide, tasting and learning how to shop for spices and what you can prepare with each one.
Sample wonderful teas and Turkish delights.
Dine on mouthwatering köfte meatballs in a local hole-in-the-wall spot tucked between the mosque and the market.
Dine on grilled fish brought straight from the fish market and prepared by local fishermen at a family-run stall.
Head to our charming seaside spot, where you’ll savour a selection of mezze, homemade breads, and kebabs grilled and baked right before your eyes, all while enjoying a beautiful view of the sea.
End the tour with a traditional dessert in Istanbul's trendiest district.
As with all our tours, there's also a delicious Secret Dish.

*Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.
*Please note: We can’t accommodate pets on our food tours.

What is a Secret Food Tour?
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Photos of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour
Photos of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour
Photos of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour
Book Your Tour

This tour only available as a private tour. Click Here

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If you have any issues with payment, please email us at [email protected] with the city, date and time of tour, and how many adult and child's tickets you need so we can assist you.

If a tour is fully booked, or you are looking to book a *Group or Private Tour - please email us about Group & Private Tours options.

*Please note - Group & Private Tours are specifically organised for your group and therefore subject to a premium price.

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Photos of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour
Photos of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour
Photos of Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour
What you'll taste

THE FOOD

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Mezze
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Homemade bread
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Grilled meat
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Turkish delights
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Menemen
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Fish wrap
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Baklava
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Dessert
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Our Secret Dish

THE DRINKS

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Coffee
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Tea
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Water
Meeting Spot

We'll meet at Hamdi Restaurant, Eminönü
If you have any questions. Please email us.

Hamdi Restaurant, Eminönü

See on Google Maps

Monday - Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Your guide will be waiting with an orange umbrella so they are easy to spot.
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WHY ISTANBUL’S SPICE MARKET AND EMINÖNÜ?

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BOOK NOW!
Istanbul Spice Market & Historic Centre Food Tour (Eminönü)
See Our Other Secret Tours in Istanbul
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Secret Food Tours: Istanbul - Kadikoy
(4.96)
75.99
Secret Food Tours: Istanbul - Kadikoy
Flag TagLocals Favourite

On our Secret Food Tour: Istanbul - Kadikoy, you’ll enjoy some of the best classic Turkish foods and discover the stories behind the city’s most important dishes with each bite offering a taste of history.

Duration3 - 3½ hours
LocationIstanbul Kadikoy
Stops6 stops
Max People10 people max
More Cultural/Historical Tours
(5)
More Cultural/Historical Tours

By embarking on our Secret Food Tours: Istanbul, you'll get to experience the charming and less visited areas of the city alongside a knowledgeable guide who'll make you feel right at home. We'll share the food and culture of this amazing historic city as you sit and chat among the locals, gaining a unique perspective on this amazing city. Taste the flavors that have shaped Turkey into the country it is today, as we go on adventure through time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I order?

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That is very easy! Go to our "Book Now" page, where we detail our tours. Select your tour and the time of your tour and book it! Are you looking for something special or are you organizing an event? Just email us at Group & Private Tours and we will do our best to arrange something that suits you. After your booking is made, we will send you an automatic e-mail confirmation. If you have any questions before booking, feel free to contact us via email

*Please note if you are using a special promo code then enter it in the "Voucher Code" section before you select the amount of tickets you would like to purchase*

What is included in the food tour?

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All the delicious food and drinks.

 

Where is the meeting spot?

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You can find the meeting spot here and if it's not clear you can always contact us.

We will meet at Kadikoy metro station exit 4, right outside the station. There is a white ferry building on the left and on the right there is a big area with a huge Turkish flag and a statue with stairs. There are several exit gates at Kadikoy metro station, if arriving by metro follow the signs for Exit 4. As you are exiting the station you will see our meeting spot to your right. Our guide will be standing at the stairs of the statue to greet you holding a Secret Food Tours orange umbrella, so we are easy to spot!

For the people who will come by ferry, after exiting Eminonu or Karakoy ferry station you just need to walk 150 meters to the right along the seaside and you will see the stairs of the statue. If you're coming with the Besiktas ferry the statue and meeting point will be on your left after exiting the ferry. Behind the Turkish flag and statue there is a brown Haldun Taner Theatre Building which has a shelter. If it is a rainy day we will meet at the closest corner of theatre building under shelter.

»»CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS««

Where the tour will end?

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We will end our tour near the Galataport in Karakoy.

Is your food tour suitable for a vegetarian or someone with other dietary requirements?

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You can always tell our guides of any food allergies or special dietary requirements. We will adapt the menu so you can fully enjoy the tour! If you have any doubts or concerns, feel free to email us at [email protected] before booking. Unfortunately, this tour is not gluten free however it can be arranged to be suitable for vegetarians.

I am traveling with my family, is the tour ok for infants/children?

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Children are quite welcome and it's free for any child 2 years or under. We can give them non-alcoholic drinks and you are free to enjoy the tour with your entire family of all ages.

I don't drink alcohol. Can I book your tour?

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There is one alcohol drink in this tour, but it can be easily changed to non-alcohol drink. Just inform our guide before your tour starts if you have any special request. During the tasting, water is available in most of the food houses.

Is there enough food during your tour?

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Think of the tour as a tasting menu. As we travel you get many delicious treats that comprise a meal with desert, fruit, and snacks. You will not feel hungry after the tour.

Where do I add my discount voucher?

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I would like to take your tour but it is already fully booked. Is there a way I can do the tour?

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Our tours are often sold out very quickly. If the date you requested is not available, please do not hesitate to email us and we can see if there is anything we can do.

Is there a lot of walking?

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To join our food tour, you must wear comfortable shoes. There will be around 45 minutes to one hour of walking, but it is not too difficult and is broken up between food stops. The guide walks at the pace of the tour members.

How many people max are on this tour?

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We take 10 people maximum on the main tour and 8 people maximum on the brunch tour. If you are more than 10 people, please do not hesitate to email us and will try to see if we can accommodate.

I cannot find a way to print the confirmation. Is it OK if I have it on my phone?

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You do not have to print your voucher. A confirmation on your phone will be fine!

If I purchase a voucher as a gift, or am given a voucher how long is it valid for?

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All of our vouchers expire one year from the date of purchase.

Can I choose my own cheese and meat?

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Our guide will take care of everything. Should you wish to try something special, please inform our guide and they will do their best to make you happy.

Where does your food come from?

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Top-quality, fresh and local!

What if it rains or I change my plans?

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Unfortunately, the weather is unpredictable in Istanbul especially in fall and winter seasons. Bring an umbrella with you. We will try routing not to be bothered by rain that much. In the case that a huge storm is approaching and any considerable difficulties and risks are predicted, the tour will be cancelled for your safety. We do not issue refunds as per our terms and conditions. We also inform you that we never cancel a booking even if we have only 2 people! However we do reserve the right to cancel the tour if we feel the weather is extreme, and we cannot run the tour due to this for more info see our Terms and Conditions.

Can I pay the tour in cash?

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You must book directly on our website. We do not accept cash payments. Our online payment is safe, secured and SSL protected.

Why do we need to pay for a booking fee?

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The booking fee that you have to pay is up to our ticket provider and we can't change it. All our clients need to pay for it upon booking. The booking fee charged contributes to the cost of the ticketing system to provide an excellent service to our customers.

Foreign Transaction Fees

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A few banks have charged their customer an extra fee while booking with us (this isn't the booking fee but another fee added by the bank). We think this is unfair, if this happens let us know by showing us in your bank statement and we will refund this fee as a gesture of good will.

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