Top Istanbul Classes & Workshops - page 2

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.

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 and Grand Bazaar, and benefit from historic and cultural insights provided by your professional guide.

Istanbul's longest running pub quiz is a unique meeting point of locals, foreigners living in the city, and travelers passing through. Over 150 sessions have taken place, and the bilingual nature of the quiz night ensures that it is an inclusive experience for everyone involved. Come alone or with friends and the organizers make sure everyone has a team. Categories are broad enough that it's accessible to everyone, while also having some niche bonus rounds to keep things exciting.

Secure your spot on this popular evening Bosphorus cruise—one of the best ways to see the city of Istanbul—as it often sells out. Step aboard for nighttime views of Istanbul’s illuminated landmarks, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the Blue Mosque. Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner with drinks and live entertainment, with hotel pickup included for a seamless experience.

During this tour, you can join your host in their home for an authentic Turkish cooking experience. Discover how locals prepare their meals and get immersed in the tapestry of Turkish culture, gaining insights you won't find online or on Istanbul's bustling streets. Explore a local charcuterie, green grocery, spice store, pickle store, and meze shop. After shopping, cook together and share stories about cultures, religions, literature, and even politics.

A hands-on mosaic lamp workshop in the heart of Istanbul, where guests create their own unique lamp with step-by-step guidance from experienced instructors. All materials are included and no prior experience is needed. Enjoy complimentary Turkish tea, coffee, and light snacks in a warm, welcoming studio atmosphere, and leave with a beautiful handmade lamp as a meaningful souvenir of your time in Istanbul.

Create a fragrance that carries your signature in Istanbul's historic Galata! Between Galataport and Galata Tower, blend East meets West in Turkey's largest creative workshop. ✨ 90+ Premium Fragrance Components – Play with unique essences until you find the note that says "Yes, this is me." No pressure, just inspiration ✨ 25% Essence Concentration – Professional-grade perfume in 50ml glass bottle with personalized label and elegant box ✨ Quiet, Introspective Experience – Spacious, high-ceiling atelier. Just you, the notes, and your inner voice. Music and scents in hand ✨ Expert Guidance – Learn fragrance layers and Ottoman perfume traditions in Turkish, English, or Russian ✨ Water & Treats – Unlimited water and Turkish delight while you create your scent memory ✨ Multicultural Atelier – Witness mosaic, ebru, and jewelry workshops around you Open 08:00-23:00 daily. Perfect for couples, families, travelers & groups up to 250 people

Mantı and dolma are both dishes that take time; the kind of time families used to spend together around a table, folding and rolling and talking. That communal rhythm is exactly what this experience is built around. Rojda's home in Beyoglu is small, personal, and real. No studio setup, no performance; just a kitchen, a tradition, and good company.

Witness one of Turkey’s most spiritual and authentic cultural performances — the Whirling Dervishes Ceremony — in the stunning setting of the Hodjapasha Cultural Center, a beautifully restored 15th-century Ottoman bath. Unlike other shows, this experience is not a theatrical performance but a sacred ritual representing the Mevlevi philosophy of divine love and unity. The combination of live Sufi music, traditional instruments, and the graceful whirling dance creates an atmosphere of peace and deep reflection. Each movement, each note of the ney flute, carries centuries of mysticism and meaning. This ceremony offers travelers the rare chance to feel the spiritual essence of Istanbul, connecting art, history, and faith in one unforgettable evening.

Unleash your creativity in the heart of Istanbul at the Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop — one of the most unique things to do near Hagia Sophia and a true must-do cultural experience. Begin with an immersive film that unveils the rich history of mosaic art from Byzantine to Ottoman times, setting the tone for your hands-on workshop. Guided by master artisans, craft your own mosaic lamp using exclusive glass pieces in vibrant colors such as gold and turquoise — a signature Istanbul souvenir you can make yourself. While designing your lamp, enjoy unlimited Turkish tea and traditional sweets in a warm and artistic setting. At the end of your visit, take home a stunning lamp that reflects your creativity and the enchanting legacy of Istanbul — a perfect highlight to add to your list of top things to do in the Historical Peninsula.

This isn’t a class — it’s a personal workshop in a lived-in Istanbul home where the smell of Turkish coffee fills the air. You’ll taste, paint, and create in the same space where Turkish coffee is prepared daily, making the experience authentic and intimate. Guests often say they came for the art but left with a new appreciation of Turkish coffee as both a drink and a cultural symbol.

Get the souvenir flying-dress photographs you dream of while in Istanbul, without the hassle of sourcing props or locations. This private photoshoot takes place on a rooftop overlooking the Bosphorus and includes dresses, accessories, and styling for a seamless experience. Receive all of your original photos; 10 of them photoshopped, as well as short videos shot on your cellphone.

The best way to learn to cook is with hands-on instruction, but most visitors to Istanbul don’t know residents who can help them learn how to prepare everything from dolma to börek. This small-group experience gives you first-hand experience with Turkish cuisine and takes place in a local home for maximum cultural immersion.

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.

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.

Create a custom leather wallet with traditional techniques. Master saddle stitching with hands-on guidance from pros. Tailor your design with your choice of leather and thread. Enjoy a beginner-friendly, creative experience in a supportive setting. Take home a handcrafted keepsake you’ll be proud to show off.

Guarantee your spot at an evening of non-stop entertainment by prebooking your ticket for the Rhythm of the Dance show at the Hodjapasha Culture Center in Istanbul. Feel the electric rhythms of Turkey as you enjoy shimmying belly dancers, harem dances, folklore performances, and dazzling costumes, accompanied by live music and 360-degree video projections.

Discover the enchanting art of stained glass painting in Istanbul's largest creative atelier, nestled between Galataport and Galata Tower. Experience how light transforms colors on glass as you create your own masterpiece What Makes This Special: ✨ Create hand-painted stained glass artwork in a spacious, high-ceiling atelier ✨ Expert guidance in Turkish, English, or Russian with complete creative freedom ✨ Learn Ottoman stained glass traditions and professional color blending techniques ✨ Choose from abstract patterns, Istanbul landscapes, floral motifs, or geometric shapes ✨ Enjoy unlimited water and Turkish delight in a peaceful, inspiring atmosphere ✨ Take home your carefully packaged artwork as a lasting Istanbul memory ✨ Flexible daily sessions from 08:00 to 23:00 ✨ Perfect for couples, families, solo travelers, and groups up to 250 people Experience traditional Turkish hospitality where creativity flows freely and light dances with colors

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.

Discover Anatolia's millennia-old culinary heritage in a personalized hands-on cooking class. Learn traditional techniques, prepare authentic dishes, and enjoy your creations at the chef's table ️ What Makes This Special: ✨ Personalized menu based on your preferences and dietary needs after booking ✨ Learn from professional chef in Turkish or English with full participation ✨ Master knife skills, ingredient prep, and traditional cooking methods ✨ Cultural stories behind every dish from Ottoman palaces to Anatolia ✨ Professional plating techniques to make dishes visually stunning ✨ Enjoy lunch or dinner at chef's table in warm, social atmosphere ✨ Take home recipe booklet to recreate and impress friends Sample dishes: İmam Bayıldı, Mantı, Çerkez Tavuğu, Sütlaç, and more. Between Galataport and Galata Tower

Join an interactive workshop where you'll master the art of Turkish coffee making with a local expert. Begin by grinding premium coffee beans and brewing authentic Turkish coffee using a traditional cezve pot—easy to recreate at home. Discover the cultural significance of Turkish coffee in daily life. Engage in traditional coffee conversations and learn the art of coffee fortune-telling, offering unique insights into Turkish customs. Taste three varieties of Turkish coffee, paired with sweet delights like Turkish Delight. The workshop accommodates all dietary preferences; just inform us in advance of any restrictions.

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.

Create your own jewelry masterpiece in Istanbul's historic Galata! Between Galataport and Galata Tower, discover 5000 years of Anatolian tradition in Turkey's largest creative workshop. ✨ Learn Ottoman Filigree Techniques – Master delicate patterns with metal threads, work with tulip and rose motifs favored by sultans ✨ Create Your Design – Ring, earrings, necklace, or bracelet. Your choice, your style with hammering, soldering, and polishing techniques ✨ Multicultural Atelier – Spacious workshop where you witness mosaic, ebru, and perfume making around you. Meet artists from different cultures ✨ Expert Guidance – Turkish, English, or Russian support in small groups with individual attention ✨ Water & Treats – Unlimited water and Turkish delight while you create in relaxing atmosphere ✨ Premium Materials – Silver, copper, precious metals & quality stones included. Beautiful gift packaging Open 08:00-23:00 daily. Perfect for couples, families, travelers & groups up to 250 people

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.