Culinary & Cultural Experience in Multicultural Beyoglu & Galata

Overview of the tour in Istanbul

This is one of the most diverse and comprehensive routes in Istanbul. Let's discover the city's modern heart with its contemporary contradictions, cosmopolitan heritage, and well-established food/entertainment culture. Galata, Pera, Beyoglu and Taksim... These areas offer much more than what initially appears.

From a cultural aspect, we will visit many historical churches in Istanbul that belong to various Christian communities. We will see some of the best contemporary cultural centers in the city. Among them is a leading painting museum, where you will be introduced to a great selection of Turkish paintings. Beyoglu is also a hub of art galleries; we may visit one of the temporary exhibitions as a pleasant surprise. We will also discover less-known streets of Galata, which are becoming trendier each year.

From a culinary perspective, this route is quite rewarding. Some of the best representatives of Turkish cuisine are located in these areas. Delicious meat and aubergine dishes, the best Turkish coffee in the city, and sweet pastries are among the endless options.

Let's discover the most-visited but least-understood part of the city together.

On arrival

The meeting point is "Merhaba Pastaneleri Sirkeci" a small cafe/pastry shop. It is a very central location and easy to access thanks to good public transportation connections. It is possible to use "T1 Kabataş-Bağcılar Tram Line" and exit at the "Sirkeci" station if you are staying in Galata/Pera, Taksim, Sultanahmet, or Laleli areas. It is possible to use "Marmaray" and exit at "Sirkeci" underground station and follow gate number "1" to come closest. Marmaray is good if you are staying on the Asian side of Istanbul. I will be waiting for you in front of the "Merhaba Pastaneleri" with my official tourist guidance license hanging on my neck. Please don't hesitate to call me or write me, in case you cannot find the meeting point.

Things to note

- While this is not a hard route, it still requires a certain level of fitness. It is not suitable for visitors with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
- This route is not wheelchair accessible.
- Tickets for Painting Museum and Galata Tower are not included in the price. Painting Museum costs less than 5 USD and Galata Tower costs 30 Euros. A few churches with very small communities expect a small donation of 5 USD, in order to maintain their historical heritage. Other churches do not expect such donations.
- Modest clothing is required for church and mosque visits. Headscarfs are available at the entrances of mosques.
- A small bag (like a shopping bag) is recommended to keep your shoes with you while visiting the interior of mosques.

Free Cancellation

Free Cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. Late cancellation or your non-arrival is not refundable.