Istanbul: Beyoglu Food Tour with Market Walk & Raki Tasting

Summary

Turkish flavors on Istiklal Street with local meyhanes, baklava and raki

You’ll taste your way through Istanbul’s Beyoglu district alongside a local guide—sampling street foods like içli köfte, sipping raki in lively meyhanes, sharing laughs over fresh baklava near Taksim Square, and ending with Turkish tea by the water. Expect real conversations, new flavors (some you can’t pronounce), and memories that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You have to try this,” our guide Cem said, handing me a tiny plate of içli köfte right off the street vendor’s cart in Beyoglu. It was still warm — crispy outside, soft and almost buttery inside. The smell of frying bulgur mixed with the faintest whiff of raki from somewhere behind us. I tried to repeat the name (“içli köfte”), but Cem just grinned and shook his head. There was music coming from a side alley — someone playing saz, I think — and for a second it felt like the whole neighborhood was moving around us.

We wandered past Galata Tower (it really does loom over everything) and ducked into Flower Passage. The air changed there — cooler, smells of grilled fish and lemon from the meyhanes tucked inside. Our group was small enough that we could actually hear each other talk (I liked that), so when we sat down for meze plates — creamy hummus, pickled things I couldn’t name — it felt more like dinner with friends than a tour. Someone ordered raki; I tried a sip and honestly, it’s got a kick, but you kind of get why locals linger over it. Cem told us stories about how Beyoglu used to be full of artists and poets, not just tourists.

On Istiklal Street the crowds were wild but not unfriendly — kids running between cafes, old men playing backgammon out front. We stopped for dürüm kebab (the bread is softer than I expected) and then baklava at this tiny place near Taksim Square where the syrup dripped down my fingers. Turkish coffee after that: thick as mud but somehow comforting. By then my stomach was full but I kept thinking about how every stop seemed to have its own rhythm — quick bites here, slow sips there.

I still think about that moment by Galata Bridge when the sun hit the water just right and all you could hear was ferry horns and people laughing nearby. We finished with tea at some marina cafe; nobody rushed us out. If you’re looking for a food tour in Istanbul that feels more like wandering with an old friend than ticking boxes… well, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Istanbul Beyoglu Food and Culture Tour

• Pass by Karaköy district
• Pass by Golden Horn inlet
• Pass by Galata Bridge
• Pass by Galata Tower
• Walk Istiklal Street
• Visit St. Anthony of Padua Church
• Eat Dürüm Kebab
• Try İçli Köfte street food
• Explore bars and fish meze restaurants
• Visit a traditional meyhane
• Pass by Beyoğlu neighborhood
• Pass by Taksim Square
• Eat Baklava and Turkish ice cream
• Pass by Beyoglu European quarter
• Finish with Turkish Tea

Top questions

How long does the Istanbul Beyoglu food tour last?

The tour lasts around four hours from start to finish.

Is food included on this Istanbul food tour?

Yes, all snacks, desserts, drinks like raki or Turkish coffee are included in your booking.

Where does the food tour take place in Istanbul?

The main stops are in Beyoglu (Pera), including Flower Passage, Istiklal Street, Galata Tower area, Taksim Square and nearby markets.

How many people are on each tour?

The group is limited to eight travelers for a more personal experience.

What kind of foods will I try on this Istanbul food tour?

You’ll sample meze plates, kebabs (dürüm), içli köfte, baklava, mussels and more local specialties.

Are alcoholic drinks part of the experience?

Yes—raki (anise-flavored liquor) is offered at traditional meyhanes along with other beverages if you wish.

Is public transportation used during the tour?

Yes—a funicular ride is included as part of getting around Beyoglu.

Is there an age limit for joining this food tour?

The minimum age is 12 years old; drinking age for alcohol is 18+.

What’s included

Your half-day includes all tastings—meze plates, street snacks like içli köfte or kebab wraps, desserts such as baklava or ice cream—plus Turkish coffee or tea and even raki if you want to try it. You’ll walk between stops with your professional guide using public transport where needed; everything’s covered except your appetite.