Born on the Bosphorus: Exploring Three Distinct Waterside Neighborhoods

This Istanbul food tour explores the neighborhoods lining the Bosphorus, where palaces, markets and old fishing villages reveal different layers of the city’s history and culture. We’ll begin in lively Beşiktaş with a classic Turkish breakfast of menemen and bal kaymak before visiting an Ottoman-era bakery for freshly baked treats. From there, we’ll cross the Bosphorus by ferry to Üsküdar, where we’ll explore the market and taste specialties from a honey vendor, an olive shop and a third-generation candymaker. We’ll then continue to Kuzguncuk, one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric neighborhoods, known for its multicultural past. As we wander its leafy streets, we’ll visit small restaurants, artisanal food shops and local producers while learning about the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities that once lived side by side here.