Tours/Istanbul/Culinary Backstreets of the Bazaar Quarter
Culinary Backstreets of the Bazaar Quarter
5.0(143)Istanbul5h 30min
VIATOR5.0(10)TRIPADVISOR5.0(133)
+2 photos
At a glance
Duration
5h 30min
Price from
$150 / person
Location
Istanbul, Türkiye
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 143 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 7
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Within 24h
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Culinary Backstreets Walks
Meeting point
We will meet at the entrance of Çorlulu Ali Paşa Medresesi, just off Yeniçeriler Caddesi. Look for the main archway entrance that leads into the tea garden area.
Description
The area around Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is a maze of historic hans, workshops and tiny eateries serving the merchants and artisans who work here every day. On this full-day tour, we’ll explore its backstreets through the food and people that keep the neighborhood’s traditions alive.
We’ll begin with tea and pastries in the courtyard of an 18th-century religious school before sitting down for menemen with sweeping views over the Grand Bazaar. From there, we’ll taste döner at a tiny kiosk and seasonal home-style dishes at a neighborhood esnaf lokantası.
As we continue through Ottoman-era trading inns and craft districts, we’ll meet traditional artisans and taste freshly baked flatbread, kokoreç and other local specialties. We’ll finish with a milk-soaked cake with Albanian roots — a sweet ending to a day spent discovering the Bazaar Quarter beyond the storefronts.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, and Sat
Start times
9:30 AM
Next available
Sat, Oct 17
Adult (ages 13+)
$150
Child (ages 7–12)
$75
Infant (ages 0–6)
$25
In demand: 9 of the next 26 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 14.
Tour Options
Culinary Backstreets of the Bazaar Quarter
Itinerary
Grand Bazaar
300 min
Istanbul’s Bazaar Quarter is one of the world’s biggest open-air commercial centers and a historic center of small craftsmen who still carry on their tradition in the atmospheric caravanserais. On this 5-hour Grand Bazaar food tour, we will eat with these craftsmen.
What's included
Included
Soda/Pop
Lunch
Snacks
Breakfast
Coffee and/or Tea
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
143 reviews
5
140
4
3
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Istanbul
Rated higher than 76% of 987 reviewed tours in Istanbul
Starting price $150 is 31% above the typical $114 for tours of similar length in Istanbul
Excurgo comparison of 3,635 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Culinary Backstreets of the Bazaar Quarter take?
Culinary Backstreets of the Bazaar Quarter lasts about 5h 30min. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does Culinary Backstreets of the Bazaar Quarter cost?
Prices start at $150 per person for this Istanbul experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Culinary Backstreets of the Bazaar Quarter run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, starting at 9:30 AM.
How much does Culinary Backstreets of the Bazaar Quarter cost for children?
Children aged 7–12 pay from $75, adults from $150.
Does Culinary Backstreets of the Bazaar Quarter sell out?
It can: 9 of the next 26 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Culinary Backstreets of the Bazaar Quarter for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is We will meet at the entrance of Çorlulu Ali Paşa Medresesi, just off Yeniçeriler Caddesi. Look for the main archway entrance that leads into the tea garden area. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Culinary Backstreets of the Bazaar Quarter offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 7 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Is Culinary Backstreets of the Bazaar Quarter worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 143 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Culinary Backstreets Walks.
Reviews(143)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
J
jillm506
October 10, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Exemplary food & history tour of Istanbul's Bazaar
Esin was our guide. She was amazing! From the beginning, she guided us on a very thorough tour of the Bazaar and backstreets of Istanbul. We got to try so many different foods and drinks of the locals. Meanwhile we learned a lot about the history of Istanbul & Turkey. She took us places we never would have seen, while getting a thorough tour of the bazaar. The cost was worth every penny! A 4.5 hr tour turned into 6hrs! We had a small group of 5 people, which was perfect. We would highly recommend Esin and her tour!!
J
jacklD1863WX
October 9, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great Experience
Duygu was a phenomenal guide! So knowledgeable about not only the food, but also the city and the country’s history. Would highly recommend.
Operator response
Thank you for the review. We are delighted to hear you had such a phenomenal time exploring the rich history and flavors of Istanbul. Your participation helps us continue our mission of supporting the unsung heroes of the kitchen and preserving vital culinary traditions.
A
A9074ADdanc
October 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great Culinary Tour of the Bazaar Quarter
Uğur was the most amazing guide. He led us through the true backstreets of the Grand Bazzar. We visited so many places we would never have found ourselves. And the food was terrific! We tried wonderful local dishes that truly made our visit to Istanbul special. I would recommend this tour to anyone.
Operator response
Thank you for the review and for sharing your wonderful experience in Istanbul. We are so glad you enjoyed exploring the true backstreets of the Grand Bazaar and tasting such terrific local dishes. Your visit helps us support these traditional family-run spots and preserve the culinary traditions of the city's unsung heroes.
B
bpjsyd
October 5, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience. Don’t miss it.
One of the very best tours we have ever been on .. a fantastic experience from start to finish.
Gonca our guide was so welcoming, knowledgeable, experienced & enthusiastic. She provided all sorts of insights into the wonderful world of Turkish food, its history, the cultural context, plus stories on the bazaar & the people who work there.
This tour is highly recommended .. 10/10.
Operator response
Thank you so much for this wonderful review and your high recommendation. We are thrilled to hear you had a fantastic time exploring the deep cultural context and history of Turkish food with our team. Your participation allows us to continue preserving these invaluable culinary traditions and supporting the unsung heroes of the bazaar. We hope to welcome you back on another walk soon!
J
johndough64
October 3, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Absolutely impeccable
I’ve done food tours in different cities in Europe and Asia since 2017. This was by far the best. It’s evident that the company invests time and effort and developing a unique itinerary that thoughtfully conveys the culture in the food. They also seem to cultivate very experienced guides. I would not hesitate to book with them again and will actively seek a tour with them if I am ever in a city that they offer a tour.
I will also aim to book the tour at the beginning of my stay in that town because the wisdom and local knowledge accessible through such a tour is really handy to have it at the beginning of your stay rather than at the end.
Operator response
Thank you for such a thoughtful review and for joining us to explore the culinary culture of Istanbul. We deeply believe that the best way to understand the complexity of a city is through its daily life and the unsung heroes preserving their craft in family-run kitchens. It means the world to us that you appreciate our approach, and we would be thrilled to share the backstreets of another city with you in the future.
T
Tour600892
September 22, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent overview of Turkish food
Truly excellent tour! Ugur, our guide was one of the best I’ve had and he brought not only the food but also the architecture, history and culture of the bazaar and the various vendors and craftsmen we met along the way. He also gave great recommendations to guide the rest of our time in the city which was most appreciated. I will remember eating the kokoreci for a long time. Highly recommend this tour to all.
Operator response
Thank you for your wonderful review and for taking the time to explore the complexity of Istanbul's daily life with us. We are so glad that Ugur could share not just the incredible food, but also the stories of the craftsmen and masters passing down their craft in the bazaar. Your participation helps us continue our mission of preserving these rich culinary traditions and supporting the unsung heroes of the kitchen.
Z
Z4561WKrogers
September 1, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Comfortable old world experience.
Great orientation to broad mix of food and culture. Great guide! Nice way to get a comfortable tour of the market area.
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful review and for joining us in Istanbul. We are thrilled that you enjoyed exploring the daily life and rich culture of the market area with your guide. Your participation helps support the traditional, family-run spots and unsung heroes who keep these culinary traditions alive.
Z
Z829DYamandas
August 27, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Worth every penny!
Amazing day and best way to see the real Istanbul! Come hungry! Would 💯 recommend. Thank you Duygu for your incredible hospitality!
Operator response
Thank you for the review and for joining us to explore the daily life of Istanbul. We are thrilled you enjoyed the journey and helped us support the local heroes who preserve these incredible culinary traditions. Your support means the world to our neighborhood partners, and we hope to walk the backstreets with you again soon.
C
curllf
August 18, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Must do Tour
Amazing tour and guide , Gonca. An incredible insight into Istanbul food culture and the people
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful review and for sharing your experience. We are thrilled that you gained such incredible insight into Istanbul's vibrant food culture and its people alongside our guide. Your participation helps us continue our mission of supporting the unsung heroes of the kitchen and preserving these cherished culinary traditions.
N
N7509DBnataliem
August 15, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great experience
Dapne our tour guide was amazing and informative. She was lovely and spoke very good English.
She was so knowledgeable about her culture and we tried lots of different foods which we would never have thought to eat.
Operator response
Thank you for sharing this wonderful review of your experience with us. We are so glad you enjoyed exploring the local culture and discovering new foods alongside your guide. Your visit truly helps support these unsung neighborhood heroes and plays a vital part in preserving their beautiful culinary traditions.
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