Culinary Backstreets of the Bazaar Quarter
At a glance
Culinary Backstreets of the Bazaar Quarter is a 5h 30m small-group experience in Istanbul, Turkey, operated by Culinary Backstreets Walks. Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 140 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $150 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Soda/Pop, Lunch, Snacks.
Highlights
- Rated 5.0/5 by 140 travellers
- Small group of up to 7 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
Quick facts
- Duration
- 5h 30m
- Group
- Small group, up to 7 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Confirmed within 48 hours
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
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.
What's included
What's included
- Soda/Pop
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Breakfast
- Coffee and/or Tea
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 5h
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.
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.
Good to know
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Culinary Backstreets of the Bazaar Quarter take?
The experience lasts about 5h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $150 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Soda/Pop; Lunch; Snacks; Breakfast; Coffee and/or Tea.
Where does it start?
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.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 140 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Istanbul.
