Ready to taste the best food in Istanbul? Satisfy your cravings for local food and culture with highlights along the way, together with a foodie host. Enjoy 10 delicious and typical tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in Istanbul.
You’ve probably heard that Istanbul is well-known for Hagia Sophia, but do you know the stories and origin behind it? Or how much influence it has on the locals daily life? On this private city tour, you are in for a cultural treat!
Want to see the best of Istanbul? We got you covered. But as you can expect from a Withlocals experience, the real excitement is its hidden gems. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour that has it all, so you can say: I experienced the real Istanbul!
Alternative Istanbul: Street Art Tour on the Asian Side
105 reviews
3 hours | art & culture tours | Istanbul
Want to escape the touristy crowds and mingle with the locals? Follow me to Yeldeğirmeni neighborhood! Step into Istanbul's Asian side to discover this hip district and get ready to walk among the cool street art. On this private tour, you can absorb all the artistic vibes of Istanbul!
One day in Istanbul's Nature: Sea, Forest & Villages
76 reviews
8 hours | multi day trips | Istanbul
Turkey's natural beauty is out of this world! Take a break from the city and spend a day living surrounded by nature at the edge of Istanbul. Stroll in the forest, have a swim in a quiet cove of the Black Sea, discover Şile and its fishing harbour .
The best local things to do in Istanbul for 3 days! The extraordinary Blue Mosque, incredible Hagia Sophia and vibrant Grand Bazaar; you’ll be able to explore all the highlights of Istanbul in 72 hours. Use the list below to find exactly what to do in Istanbul for 3 days. Day 1: Mosques & museums The perfect introduction! Istanbul is home to some of the most famous mosques and monuments in the world. With stunning cultural and religious gems to enjoy all over the city, you’d be a fool to miss out! Discover the amazing sites Istanbul has to offer with the amazing Blue Mosque, incredible Hagia Sophia and historic Topkapi Palace. Something a little different! Visit Little Hagia Sophia, a small, non-touristy working mosque where you can catch a glimpse of a traditional space where the locals go to practice their religion. You’ll never forget your first day in Istanbul! Day 2: Markets & bazaars Brace yourself for shopping! There’s something for everyone to buy in Istanbul. Immerse yourself into the local culture as you go shopping in Istanbul’s impressive Grand Bazaar. Or head for the nearby smaller Arasta Bazaar to shop like a local! Discover gorgeous Turkish treasures in the French Passage, a shopping arcade that was once a historical port. Time for musicians and artists! Head to the vibrant Galata Tower and search for traditional Turkish souvenirs to take home. Or look for musical favorites in an old-school music shop and record store! Day 3: Food & drink Turkish delights! There’s no better way to explore Istanbul’s food and drink than with a trip to the bustling local food markets. Stroll through a colorful street market looking at stalls piled high with spices, fruits, and vegetables. It’s an amazing way to count down the last of your 72 hours in Istanbul. Time for lunch! Discover the local and authentic tastes of Istanbul with some delicious Turkish street food. Try yummy houmous and tasty falafel, meaty shish kebab, and delicious traditional desserts. You can even relax with a soda and some roasted chickpeas to snack on. A delicious end to your time in Istanbul!
What other travelers love about our local experts
Jesse
About local
20 April 2025
Delayed Review!
All in all, we had an amazing tour in Turkey with Emre! We’ve been telling everyone it was the highlight of our trip, an unforgettable mix of history and incredible food. We learned so much about the culture of Istanbul and Turkey. We’d highly recommend this tour, and we can’t wait to come back and do another one with Emre!
The 10 Tastings of Istanbul
Brooke
About local
11 April 2025
Great tour
We had a great afternoon with Ayfer. She was very knowledgeable and introduced us to some lovely places we would have never found on our own. She gave us some great tips for places to eat and see. She was very patient with our younger children. We would highly recommend this tour with Ayfer. It was a great way to see the main attractions of Istanbul.
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Istanbul
Pete
About local
6 April 2025
Alternative Istanbul
We loved our tour with with Alp. It was just what we wanted. He knows so much about the street art and the history of the district.
If you are interested in street art I recommend Alp wholeheartedly.
Alternative Istanbul: Street Art Tour on the Asian Side
Claudia
About local
24 March 2025
A journey through history
Istanbul is an extraordinary city, a place where magic, history, and complexity intertwine in a unique balance. Every corner tells a story from the past, every artistic detail reveals the soul of an ancient culture. Thanks to Mine and her deep love for her city, I experienced something far beyond a simple visit…it was a true journey through time and traditions.
Through her captivating stories and vast knowledge, I was able to immerse myself in the fascinating history of Istanbul, grasping nuances that I would have otherwise missed. But the experience didn’t stop at the iconic landmarks, Mine also guided us in discovering hidden and authentic spots, offering valuable tips on how to explore the city independently in the following days.
