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Istanbul Gastronomy | Guide + foodie companions

Gastronomy

Saborea Istanbul: Una aventura gastronómica única

Explora los sabores auténticos de Istanbul en una experiencia gastronómica inolvidable.

City

100/100 gastronomy

5 days

Türkiye

Food planBook a food tour in Istanbul

City: Istanbul

Istanbul, the majestic metropolis that straddles two continents, is a melting pot of history, culture and energy. Former capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, its streets are home to breathtaking monuments, such as the iconic Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. The Bosphorus Strait, its aquatic soul, separates Europe and Asia, uniting at the same time a glorious past with a vibrant and cosmopolitan present.

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Gastronomía

Flavors of Istanbul

One of the great gastronomic capitals of the world. An incredible fusion of flavors from Central Asia, the Middle East and the Balkans.

Excursiones

Day Trips

Princes Islands (Büyükada)

An archipelago of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara where motor vehicles are not allowed. Büyükada, the largest, is ideal for a relaxing day riding a bicycle or electric horse-drawn carriage between wooden Ottoman mansions.

Bursa

The first capital of the Ottoman Empire, located at the foot of Mount Uludağ. It is famous for its historic mosques, its silk bazaars and its gastronomy (Iskender Kebap).

Edirne

The second Ottoman capital, near the borders with Greece and Bulgaria. It houses the Selimiye Mosque, the absolute masterpiece of architect Mimar Sinan.

Şile and Ağva

Seaside towns on the Black Sea coast. They offer a different landscape, with beaches, cliffs and a more relaxed atmosphere, popular among Istanbulites in summer.

Ratings

Scores by category

Food Scene

100

One of the great gastronomic capitals of the world. An incredible fusion of flavors from Central Asia, the Middle East and the Balkans.

Turkish breakfast ('kahvaltı') is a feast.Delicious and ubiquitous street food (simit, döner, balık ekmek).Incredible variety, from humble 'lokantas' to sophisticated Anatolian restaurants.Culture of meze and fresh fish in the 'meyhanes'.

The enormous choice can make it difficult to choose, it is easy to fall into tourist traps.

Culture

Home of the culture of three empires. From Byzantine mosaics and Islamic art to a vibrant contemporary art scene.

The mosaics of Hagia Sophia and the Church of St. Savior in Chora are incomparable.Topkapi Palace houses incredible treasures from the Ottoman Empire.A growing modern art gallery scene in Karaköy and Beyoğlu.

Sometimes the immensity of history can overshadow contemporary offerings.

localFriendly

Turkish hospitality is legendary. Istanbulites are used to visitors and are usually extremely friendly and helpful.

People often go out of their way to help a lost tourist.Tea culture invites conversation.They are curious and welcoming by nature.

In the most touristy areas, as in any place, you have to be alert to scams that take advantage of friendliness.

Guía completa

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Consejos

Tips for Gastronomy

Eat like a local at a 'Lokanta'

The 'esnaf lokantası' are home-cooked restaurants where local workers have lunch. The food is delicious, cheap and chosen straight from a display case. An authentic experience.

The Ferry is also a Restaurant

There is nothing more Istanbulite than taking a ferry and buying a 'simit' (sesame donut) and a Turkish tea ('çay') on board. The best snack with the best views.

'Balık Ekmek' in Eminönü

Try the iconic grilled fish sandwich ('balık ekmek') on the restaurant boats next to the Galata Bridge on the Eminönü side. It's fast, cheap and delicious.

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