Istanbul: The Tasting City — Drinks & Plates

Description

Kadıköy doesn’t perform Istanbul — it lives it. On this evening walk through the Asian side’s most spirited neighbourhood, you’ll taste your way through centuries of drinking culture: from an Ottoman confectioner founded in 1777 to a wine bar pouring Anatolia’s oldest grape varieties, from a century-old pastry house to a meyhane where the rakı flows as the evening settles over the city. Seven stops. Seven stories: Turkish coffee, şerbet, çay, craft beer, native wine, limonata, rakı — each one rooted in a place, a tradition, a moment in this city’s long and layered history. One neighbourhood that quietly holds more of Istanbul’s soul than any postcard ever could. Maximum 12 guests. No tourist trail. Just the Asian shore, as locals know it.

Tour Options

Itinerary

Highlights

What's included

Important Information

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Not suitable for those with severe food allergies (nuts, dairy, gluten, seafood)
• Gluten intolerance / celiac disease — bread, beer and meze may contain gluten
• Lactose intolerance — some tastings include milk-based items
• Vegan or strict vegetarian diets — most tastings are traditional and not substitutable
• Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers? This tour is designed around Istanbul's drinking culture and all seven tastings involve alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. We do not offer alcohol-free or caffeine-free alternatives. If you prefer not to consume alcohol or caffeine, this tour may not be the right fit — we'd hate for you to miss out on the full experience.
• How much walking is involved? Approximately 4-5 km at a relaxed pace through Kadıköy’s market district, Moda, and the waterfront. No rushing — we move at the rhythm of the neighbourhood.
• What drinks are included? Turkish coffee, Ottoman şerbet, Turkish tea, craft beer, Anatolian wine, fıstıklı limonata, and rakı — seven stops, seven stories. All tastings are included in the price.
• What is the group size? Maximum 6 guests. Small enough for real conversation, large enough for good energy.
• Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Istanbul? Yes — but it’s designed for those who want to experience the city like a local, not a tourist. Kadıköy is where Istanbul actually lives.
• What time does the tour end approximately? Approximately 4-5 hours. We finish at a traditional meyhane as the evening settles over Kadıköy.
• Should I eat before the tour? A light meal beforehand is recommended — the tastings are generous but this is a drinks tour, not a food tour. Arrive with an appetite but not on an empty stomach.
• Is rakı an acquired taste? What if I’ve never tried it? Absolutely no experience needed. Your guide will walk you through the ritual of drinking rakı the traditional way — with water, with meze, with stories. It’s one of the most memorable moments of the tour.
• How do I get to the Kadıköy ferry terminal? Kadıköy is easily reached by ferry from several European-side docks: From Eminönü: 20-25 minutes, From Beşiktaş: 15-20 minutes, From Üsküdar: 10 minutes. Ferries run frequently throughout the day. We recommend arriving by ferry — crossing the Bosphorus is the perfect way to begin the experience. Your guide will be waiting at the terminal entrance at 17:00.
• This tour includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic tastings. However, the experience is designed around Istanbul's drinking culture and several stops involve alcohol. We recommend this tour for guests aged 18 and over.

Frequently asked questions