Begin your food journey by joining a walking tour of the Spice Bazaar. Indulge in a variety of dishes including kebabs, simits, baklavas and other Turkish delights. Make sure to savour the legendary doner kebabs at the historic Karadeniz Pide and Kebab Salonu. Complete it with a sweet dessert consisting of bite-sized turkish delight morsels at Hafiz Mustafa, the oldest dessert shop nearby the bazaar.
Head out to the buzzing waterfront district of Besiktas, known for its local fish markets serving fresh seafood. Satisfy your cravings with grilled sea bass, shrimp and calamari. Drop by the small kiosks around the market serving popular mezes (Turkish-style tapas) and warm bread to pair with your meal.
Indulge in a hearty Turkish breakfast at the trendy Karakoy Lokantasi, famous for its secret cheese recipe from the Black Sea region, organic bread, and variety of mezes. Book in advance as the wait is usually long. After breakfast, take a stroll along the Bosphorus waterfront and take in the breathtaking views of the city.
Take a ferry ride across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of Istanbul, where you will discover the lively Kadikoy Market, filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and authentic Turkish delights. Explore the seafood and meat stalls, followed by a delicious lunch at Ciya Sofrasi, serving regional dishes from across Turkey. End your day with some exhilarating street performances and live music.
If you have more time, explore the local coffee houses like Mandabatmaz and Kronotrop, and indulge in delicious Turkish coffee. Visit the famous rooftop bar of 360 Istanbul for the spectacular city view, and enjoy some cocktails. If you have less time, select a food tour that covers multiple destinations. Remember to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid waiting in lines.