Top Istanbul Classes & Workshops

Learn how to prepare traditional Turkish and Ottoman dishes from scratch during this three-hour small-group cooking workshop in Istanbul. Head to a private home near Galata Tower. Get hands-on guidance from a professional chef as you recreate classics like roasted eggplant, Turkish ravioli, or stuffed grape leaves. Then, sit down to enjoy a full lunch or brunch spread.

Whether you want to mark a special occasion or just want vacation photos with a difference, this photo shoot tour is a fun way to spend two hours in Istanbul. You’ll meet your photographer early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Stop for beautiful photos outside the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Galata Bridge, and other Istanbul landmarks. You can bring different outfits to change into if you like.

Let’s make your own Turkish mosaic lamp and discover the artist in you and enjoy. 1. Presentation Upon arriving at the workshop, you will be given a presentation about Mosaic Lamps. 2. Workshop During the workshop, your instructors will teach you how to place a geometric template on a glass globe to create your very own traditional mosaic design. You have the freedom to create your masterpiece. Instructors will guide you through each step. 3. Drink and Talk While you wait for your design to dry, we will have a drink and talk about culture and history. 4. Finish After your unique design dries, we will assemble the rest of the parts and make sure everything is good to go. Size: *Glass globe: 12x10cm *Total Height-Width: 12x28cm

Learn the Turkish art of paper marbling with a private instructor. In this workshop, discover different ebru techniques and patterns and practice each style. The instructor provides all the materials, so take your time and have fun making ebru art. At the end of the workshop, take your marbled paper creations home with you.

Make Your Own Turkish Coffee! You will be going home with a Turkish Coffee Making Set! PROGRAM 1. MEETING We will meet with you; a) Sirkeci Hafiz Mustafa for European Side b) Uskudar Marmaray Station for Asian Side 2. PRESENTATION You will have a presentation after arriving at the coffee shop about Turkish Coffee Culture and History. 3. WORKSHOP Coffee beans, grinders and cezves will be ready for you to make your own Turkish Coffee. You will be guided by the presenter. 4. COFFEE TALK+FORTUNE TELLING Savor your Turkish coffee and immerse yourself in local culture with conversation, while we guide you in the traditional art of reading fortunes from the coffee grounds. 5. COFFEE SET (GIFT) Last but not least, you will get your own Turkish Coffee set which comes with a cezve, coffee, traditional mug, and Turkish delight. The experience takes place on the Asian side of Istanbul and includes managed arrivals and departures. Please book as soon as possible!

Prepare for an evening of non-stop entertainment with an exciting 75-minute Rhythm of the Dance show at the legendary Hodjapasha in Istanbul. Feel the electric rhythms of Turkey as you enjoy shimmying belly dancers, energetic folklore dances and dazzling costumes, accompanied by live music and 360-degree video projections.

Uncover the sacred practice of the mystical Sufis at an authentic Mevlevi Sema Ceremony held at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha, and witness the 800-year-old tradition that has been preserved on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Be mesmerized by the bizarre yet beautiful sight of the Whirling Dervishes as they perform their unique spiritual rituals during an hour-long show, including a live orchestra and 360-video projections.

Istanbul is a city set on the water and to fully experience its beauty and diversity you need to get out onto the Bosphorus Strait. On this ninety-minute cruise you’ll see both the European and Asian halves of Istanbul, enjoy views of many picturesque mosques and palaces, and learn more about Istanbul’s centuries-long history through an audio guide app available in ten languages.

Prepare to be awed by Istanbul’s magnificent architecture, rich history, and eclectic bazaars as you discover the unmissable highlights of the Old City on this 1-, 2-, or 3-day private tour. Marvel over the glorious Hagia Sophia, learn how the Blue Mosque earned its famous nickname, and see the ancient Basilica Cistern. Tour Topkapi Palace to gain an insight into the lavish lifestyles of the Ottoman sultans and their harem, and browse the legendary Grand Bazaar, where you find everything from carpets to Turkish delight. Flexible daily itineraries: Day 1 - Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, German Fountain, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar. Day 2 - Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside), Spice Market. Day 3 - Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), Pierre Lotti Panoramic Hill by Cable Car, Rahmi Koc Museum (or alternative sites).

Fit all of Istanbul's attractions at the top of your bucket list into one packed day, with the help of an expert local guide. Stroll Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, brimming with iconic buildings and storied streets. Tour the Blue Mosque, one of the most important sites in the Muslim world. Delve into history of the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Istanbul Hippodrome as well as the 'sunken palace' of Basilica Cistern. And you won’t want to miss the bustling Grand Bazaar.

Make your Istanbul adventure totally unique with a 1- 2- or 3 day private sightseeing tour. Opt for a single day and see the whole of the Old City, plus the Grand Bazaar. Extend the tour to include a second day and visit the Spice Bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim, and Istiklal Street, plus a Bosphorus cruise. Please note that your guide is happy to alter the itinerary completely to accommodate your personal interests.

Experience a traditional Turkish bath at a hamam in Istanbul — a must-do activity when visiting Turkey. Choose from three options: the standard, massage, or full package. The full package includes the exfoliating full-body scrub and foam bath, a 20-minute oil massage, and a face mask, and lasts about two hours. Towels, slippers, and tea are provided.

As a cultural practice honored by the UNESCO Heritage of Humanity designation, the Mevlevi Semah ceremony offers a transfixing, centuries-old cultural experience. Don't miss this singular dance form with a whirling dervish show in the heart of Istanbul. Just sit down for your experience to watch the Sufi dancers spin and rotate in twisting movements, enjoy the accompanying music, and encounter one of the most popular and beautiful experiences in Turkey.

Take advantage of extended layover time in Istanbul on a round-trip tour of city highlights from the airport, customized to suit your interests and schedule. Zip with ease between iconic sights such as the Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, or Topkapı Palace, and benefit from historic and cultural insights provided by your professional guide.

Venture beneath Istanbul’s historic city streets to discover over 1,500 years of history and legends on a group tour of the Basilica Cistern. Begin with skip-the-line admission, which enables you to maximize your limited vacation time in Istanbul. Through immersive and illuminating commentary, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the mystery of this subterranean attraction. Throughout the visit, you’re free to ask questions for a more personalized tour experience

Discover Istanbul’s European and Asian sides—and taste a range of delectable Turkish delicacies—on this full-day, small-group tour. Meet your guide in the morning in Istanbul’s Old City, and be sure to come hungry: you have a day of feasting ahead of you. Explore a spice market, and enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast, before crossing the Bosphorus to trendy Kadikoy. Sip Turkish coffee, visit multiple restaurants, and discover Istanbul’s must-try dishes.

Recall the days of ancient Rome on this full-day trip to Ephesus from Istanbul by air. With a professional guide, explore the spectacular Greco-Roman Ephesus, Turkey’s archaeological showpiece. Stroll the ancient streets to marvel at the Basilica of St. John and the Temple of Artemis. You also get time to walk through the Ephesus Archaeological Museum to see the excavations of the ancient city and shop for local handicrafts.

Explore Turkey with your taste buds during this private 4-hour cooking class in a friendly Istanbul home. The mother-daughter team of Nuray and Ipek will teach you how to make a variety of Turkish dishes, including içli köfte (stuffed bulgar meatballs), karniyarik (eggplant stuffed with mincemeat and tomatoes) and barbunya pilaki (beans stewed in a tomato and lemon sauce). Help chop vegetables, wrap börek and fry eggplant with Nuray and Ipek and then sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor. This private experience will offer a unique glimpse of Turkish culture.

Whether tucking into a tasty kebab, feasting on mezes or indulging in sweet baklava – Turkish cuisine is a treat for adventurous foodies. Uncover Istanbul’s culinary secrets on this 3-hour cooking class and learn to cook your traditional dishes under the guidance of an expert chef.

Appreciate and collect art in the forms of ceramics, tiles, and pottery. Tour a pottery shop in Fatih, Turkey, to pick up the best art for your home collection. Experience the works of the top five ceramic and pottery masters in Turkey, and you're welcome to buy some of their works. Get the chance to decorate your home with unique, local handcrafts.

This is the perfect pick for art fans or travelers interested in having a handmade souvenir to take back with them. Visit a workshop in a beautiful building near Galata Tower for a hands-on Turkish marbling (Ebru) lesson. No need to worry about buying specialist equipment—all the traditional tools and materials you need are provided, and the teacher shows you the techniques step-by-step. After the lesson, admire the panoramic terrace views of Istanbul, and enjoy coffee and Turkish delights.

Taht Istanbul has been serving for years as a unique photo studio in the heart of Istanbul. Our studio is covering the best view of Istanbul in the area of Suleymaniye. Taht Istanbul is known as one of the world’s most unique photo studios in the world. We would like to invite all of you to our studio, who will visit one of the world’s oldest cities of the world;Istanbul, to make a photo shoot and capture unforgettable memories.

Commemorate your trip to Istanbul during this private photography session. Choose from a list of iconic locations—including Galata Tower, the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar—as your backdrop. Receive all unedited images the same day. Choose 10 high-resolution photos to be edited and retouched, sent within two business days.

Discover the heart of Istanbul with on this private street photography tour. Led by a professional photographer with 18 years of experience, you'll be guided to the cities most photogenic areas, capturing unforgettable moments of locals, far away from tourist traps. Learn to use wide angle lenses and point and shoots to capture unique photos of fishermen, sellers, and families in their home city.