Top Istanbul Classes & Workshops

Unleash your inner artist with a Turkish mosaic lamp workshop in Istanbul. This is a hands-on cultural experience that the whole family can join. No experience is needed as skilled instructors are on hand at all times to talk you through creating a traditional design. Learn while you create with the help of friendly artisans who will share cool stories and the history behind these beautiful lamps, making your time with them even more interesting. Design your own Turkish mosaic lamp with instructor support. Choose from more than 50 different colors so your design is utterly unique. Get insider suggestions on what to do and see with the rest of your time in Istanbul. Choose from a wide choice of time slots from morning till afternoon. Also you have option to purchase the lamp which you have created.

A perfume-making workshop is a unique and engaging experience that combines creativity, sensory exploration, and cultural storytelling, allowing you to craft a personalized scent and take home a meaningful, one-of-a-kind memory.

Immerse yourself in Istanbul's culture with our Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop, where you'll craft your own unique lamp and connect with the local community. Learn the cultural significance of mosaic lamps in Turkey, then personalize your design with over 45 colors of stones and beads, guided by experts. Located in the heart of Istanbul, this workshop lets you become part of a local tradition, taking home a beautiful piece of Turkish heritage you created.

Get an exclusive discount in the store, where you can find even more amazing Turkish crafts. Important Note: The price you are paying doesnt include the lamp itself, so you should pay 15 Euro more at the spot to take it back home! Price you paid only includes the course and lamp making process. Learn while you create with the help of friendly artisans! Also, if you are looking for shopping in Grand Bazaar, especially rugs, ceramics and lamps, by joining our workshop, you will get an exclusive discounts in our store too! Come early or leave your shopping to our workshop and enjoy the bazaar more!

Hands-on fun: you actually weave, not just watch Our motto: Quality > Quantity → small groups, patient guidance, cozy atmosphere Cultural depth: stories, history, and meaning woven in Totally beginner-friendly (kids too — and yes, even “naughty ones” ) Flexible timing to fit your trip schedule Tea, coffee, snacks, and laughs included You take home your own handmade piece — 100% more unique than a fridge magnet

The glow of Turkish mosaic lamps illuminates many Istanbul bazaars and cafés. Create your own unique artwork with the help of a supportive instructor during this Istanbul workshop, with unlimited tea and free-flow Turkish delight. You’ll have a choice of more than 50 different colors of glass in a range of shapes and sizes, while your finished lamp will be carefully packaged for easy transport home.

Sightseeing in Istanbul’s Old Town can be magical but sometimes you need to take a break. Build your barista skills and cultural understanding on this fascinating small-group workshop, just a 5-minute walk from the Blue Mosque. From grinding the coffee beans to brewing the “cezve” pot over hot sand, learn the art of creating Turkish coffee, Istanbul-style.

You’ve explored Istanbul, tasted its flavors, and now you can return home not just with souvenirs, but with a story. In the enchanting setting of Little Hagia Sophia, you can learn how to make authentic Turkish delight—a centuries-old delicacy—with your own unique touch. Ideal for families, couples, and curious travelers, this experience allows you to create lasting memories while discovering a tradition that can be passed down through generations. Set in a historic garden within one of Istanbul’s oldest monasteries, you can experience the art of making Turkish delight. Rather than store-bought sweets, you can prepare your own Turkish delight by hand and take it home as a keepsake in an elegant bowl adorned with traditional İznik tile patterns. Accompanied by a local storyteller, you can listen to the stories behind this tradition and deepen your experience. You can also enjoy the opportunity to meet other artists at the Little Hagia Sophia Culture Center.

You can choose a design from my selection of traditional Turkish patterns . This class will help you appreciate all of the tiles that decorate the mosques in Istanbul. I will teach you how to transfer the design onto the tile, and how to use ceramic paint to fill in the pattern. For Turkish tiles, they need to also be glazed and fired in the kiln. You can take the tile home with you. It is a good gift for you that you made. Overall, this experience is really personalized in all the ways you could think of. It is satisfying to work on a piece of art from start to finish while surrounded by the beautiful backdrop of Istanbul.

Master the art of preparing Turkish coffee during a small-group class in Istanbul. Begin at Balkapanı Han with a history lesson on coffee in Turkish culture. Then, follow your instructor's lead to create the perfect cup of this iconic beverage. At the end, enjoy a fortune reading of your coffee grounds and receive a charming coffee set to take home.

No experience required — perfect for beginners and creative travelers A unique souvenir made with your own hands Ideal for solo travelers, couples or small groups A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in a local art studio Connect with Turkish culture through art, stories and flavors

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. 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, 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, Kadıkoy Market (or alternative sites).

It can be hard to find the perfect souvenir in Istanbul. But scent is the most personal of senses and crafting your own signature scent will immortalize your memories forever. This small-group workshop, led by a professional perfumer, lets you blend your choice of more than 50 ingredients to create a fragrance that’s uniquely you. Leave with a 1.7-ounce (50-milliliter) bottle of perfume with your very own hand-crafted label.

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.

Step into the world of medieval martial arts with this Historical Medieval Battles (HMB) experience in Kadıköy. Travelers will explore the fascinating history of Buhurt, try on authentic medieval-inspired gear, and practice sword techniques in a garden setting. From handling a 400-year-old family sword to cutting water bottles for a hands-on demonstration, this immersive journey offers a blend of history, action, and storytelling, making it truly one-of-a-kind. Perfect for history buffs or adventure seekers looking for a unique cultural experience!

A true in-home Turkish experience—you’re welcomed not just as a guest, but as part of the family. The focus is as much on conversation and connection as on cooking. You’ll meet my adorable cat and dog, who are always excited to make new friends. We’ll end the meal the authentic Turkish way—with fresh coffee, dessert, and maybe even a fortune reading. You’ll walk away not only with new recipes, but with new memories, friendships, and stories.

Enjoy a 1-hour rooftop photoshoot at Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families. Take photos with stunning flying dress at famous rooftop with background of Istanbul view and Suleymaniye Mosque. This experience combines sightseeing with professional photography, ensuring you leave with incredible photos and unforgettable moments. • For further questions, ig @picmeturkey • I provide this service individually. I am not reseller.

Coffee lovers won’t want to miss this uniquely Istanbul experience, which dives deep into the art of Turkish coffee. Learn how brewing with sand lets you control temperatures; master the art of the long-handled copper “cezve” pot; choose between eight different coffee types; and snack on traditional sweet treats. You’ll also discover how to tell fortunes using coffee grounds and take home your own bean blend, cezve, and cup set.

Join Leyla in her Cihangir home kitchen for a cook together and eat together experience focused on traditional Turkish home food. After meeting Leyla's home, you’ll settle in and start preparing a multi dish menu side by side, with Leyla guiding each step in Turkish or English. Depending on the timing, the session can be a long Turkish breakfast or a lunch or dinner spread. You’ll cook dishes like soup and a main such as karnıyarık, sarma, dolma, or an oven baked meal, plus pilav, salad, and a few meze style sides. Taste as you go, learn practical tips, then sit down to share the meal you made in a relaxed, friendly home atmosphere. If it fits the day, you can also begin with a short walk in Cihangir before cooking.

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.

I am Melis, a professional DJ and an Associate Professor in Pharmacology. I am a curious, open-minded and a social person. That's why, through LokalBond, I wanted to share my hobby with travelers in Istanbul where I also get to share our culture, show our home hospitality and learn their culture. While sharing cultures and showing you Turkish home hospitality, me getting to teach you one of my greatest hobbies is making this experience very special for me. That's why, I am inviting the people with similar hobbies to become a part of this special experience. So, come join me, let's learn and share.

Skip the tourist-trap souvenir stalls and make your own Turkish mosaic lamp in the heart of Balat — Istanbul's most colorful neighborhood. In a small studio capped at 8 guests, a bilingual host walks you through every piece of glass, every color choice, every placement. No pre-assembled kits, no assembly-line feel. Two hands-on hours, a Turkish tea break, and the reveal moment when your own lamp lights up for the first time. You leave the same evening with a finished lamp, boxed and ready — not shipped, not promised for later.

Uncover the sacred practice of the mystical Sufis at a Mevlevi Sema ceremony, held at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha Culture Center. Have the special chance to witness the 750-year-old tradition, which has been preserved on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Be mesmerized by the sight of the whirling dervishes as they perform their unique rituals during a show with a live orchestra.