Istanbul: Circle City Food Walk, Ferry & Turkish Bath Tour

Summary

Baklava mornings, Bosphorus ferries, city stories and steam

You’ll taste real Turkish breakfast in Taksim Square, cross from Europe to Asia by ferry, sample baklava in Karaköy, wander colorful Balat streets, share laughs over kebabs in Kadikoy, and let go inside a traditional Turkish bath—with a local guide making every stop feel personal.

What’s the experience like?

It started with the sound of pigeons in Taksim Square and that strange hush before the city really wakes up. Our guide—Deniz—waved us over like we were old friends. I’d already been to the big sights, but this Circle Istanbul tour felt more like hanging out with someone who actually lives here. Breakfast was spread out on a table that looked too small for all those plates—cheeses, olives, honey so floral it almost stung my nose. Deniz kept passing bread and telling stories about his grandmother’s kitchen (he swears her simit was better than any bakery’s). I tried to keep up but honestly just wanted to eat everything.

Karaköy was next—a swirl of coffee smells and paint peeling off old shopfronts. We ducked into Gulluoglu for baklava (I still think about that pistachio crunch) and then wandered through streets where cats seemed to own the place. Crossing continents by ferry sounds dramatic but it’s just what you do here; twenty minutes across the Bosphorus, seagulls screaming overhead, tea glasses clinking. Kadikoy felt lighter somehow—maybe it was the breeze or maybe just being away from tourist crowds. Lunch at this tiny kebab spot was loud and fast; I got chicken doner dripping onto my hands and Deniz laughed at how messy we all were.

Balat surprised me—the colors of the houses are almost too much but then you see laundry strung between windows and old men playing backgammon outside synagogues. The air smelled like baking bread mixed with something sweet I couldn’t place. Later in Fener, we stopped for coffee in a café where the owner insisted we try his homemade lokum (I said yes before he finished asking). The Turkish bath at Viaport Marina? Okay—I’ll admit I was nervous about stripping down in front of strangers, but once you’re inside with steam everywhere and someone scrubbing your back like they mean it…well, you forget yourself for a bit.

We ended back near Istiklal Street as dusk crept in—everyone tired but kind of glowing. There’s something about walking all day, sharing food and stories with people who know these corners so well—it sticks with you longer than any postcard view ever could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Istanbul's diverse neighborhoods

• Meet at Taksim Square
• Enjoy traditional Turkish breakfast
• Taste baklava at Karakoy Gulluoglu
• Explore Karaköy district
• Take ferry to Kadikoy
• Have lunch in Kadikoy kebap house
• Discover Kadikoy neighborhood
• Visit Jewish district Balat
• Explore Greek Orthodox Patriarch and Fener
• Experience Turkish Bath
• Return to Taksim Square
• Lunch at traditional Meyhane restaurant

Top questions

How long is the Circle Istanbul tour?

The tour lasts a full day and includes multiple stops around Istanbul.

Does the tour include food?

Yes, it includes Turkish breakfast, baklava tasting, lunch at a kebab house, and other tastings during the day.

Is transportation provided?

All transportation during the tour—including ferry rides—is included.

Do I need to bring anything for the Turkish bath?

No special items needed; everything required for the Turkish bath is provided at Viaport Marina.

Is this tour suitable for people who don’t want to walk much?

No—the Circle Istanbul tour involves lots of walking through areas closed to traffic.

Are there vegetarian options for meals?

The main meals focus on traditional dishes like chicken doner kebab; vegetarian options may be limited.

What neighborhoods does the tour visit?

You’ll visit Taksim Square, Karaköy, Kadikoy (Asian side), Balat, Fener District, and Istiklal Street.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; meeting point is Taksim Square.

What’s included

Your day includes guiding from a licensed local expert throughout Istanbul’s neighborhoods; all transportation including ferries; traditional Turkish breakfast; world-famous baklava tasting in Karaköy; lunch at a boutique kebab house in Kadikoy; entry to an authentic Turkish bath experience; plus plenty of snacks and coffee stops along the way before returning to your starting point.