Top Istanbul Classes & Workshops

Rather than buying store-bought sweets, make Turkish delight from scratch in Istanbul’s historic Little Hagia Sophia. This small-group workshop teaches the traditional process, from mixing and cooking in a copper pot to shaping and powdering your lokum by hand. Personalize it with Anatolian Spices , hear the story behind the treat from a local Istanbul master, and take your creations home in an Iznik tile gift bowl. Turkish tea and coffee are served.

Unleash your inner artist with a Turkish mosaic lamp small-group workshop in Istanbul. This is a hands-on cultural experience that the whole family can enjoy. No experience is needed as skilled instructors are on hand at all times to talk you through creating a traditional design. The immersive experience also includes insider suggestions on what to do, see, and eat with the rest of your time in Istanbul.

Anyone can pick up an Ottoman-style mosaic lamp—decorated with glass beads and stones in an array of colors—at a gift shop in Istanbul, but there’s nothing like crafting your own artistic creation to give you instant bragging rights. Take home a piece of Turkish heritage during this instructor-led lamp-making workshop. Cookies and a hot drink (coffee or tea) included for a cozy, small-group experience.

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.

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.

Learn the secrets of the traditional Turkish lamps found across Istanbul—and then make your very own—during this hands-on workshop. Benefit from your host’s instruction and included supplies, and create your own custom, mosaic design. Hear more about the tradition, and sip Turkish tea, as you go—and then, have the option to purchase your creation at the end of class.

Istanbul is famous for its colorful mosaic lamps. While these treasures are widely available at local shops, many visitors find making their own custom lamp a much more special option. This workshop guides you through the process and includes everything you need to customize your special memento. Note that the lamp itself costs €15, payable at the time of your class.

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 one of Türkiye’s most iconic traditions with a hands-on Turkish coffee workshop in Istanbul. In this experience, you will learn how to prepare authentic Turkish coffee using traditional equipment and the unique hot sand brewing method. Your instructor will guide you step by step through the process, from understanding the finely ground coffee to controlling the heat, creating the perfect foam, and serving it in the traditional way.

Located in the heart of Istanbul, next to many historical buildings, our workshop offers a hands-on mosaic workshop where you can create your own unique Led candle holder under the step-by-step guidance of experienced instructors. All materials are included, and no prior experience is required. Enjoy complimentary Turkish tea, coffee, and light snacks in a warm and friendly studio atmosphere, and leave with a beautiful handmade led mosaic candle holder as a meaningful souvenir of your time in Istanbul.

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 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.

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.

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 more than a tasting or standard cooking class. The experience takes place inside a real working Gulluoglu baklava shop and is rooted in a baklava tradition dating back to 1871. Guests meet experienced baklava masters, watch traditional preparation techniques, take part in selected stages of a real tray, and see how baklava is baked and finished with syrup. The 45-minute format is designed for travelers who want an authentic, hands-on introduction to Turkish culinary craftsmanship without spending several hours in a full cooking class.

Experience Turkish Delight in the most authentic way: learn its 250-year-old story, taste three unique varieties, and watch each step of the traditional lokum-making process in a hands-on cultural workshop. Guided by a local expert and completed with a special gift from Istanbul’s oldest confectioner, Hacı Bekir (est. 1777).

Discover the ancient art of distillation in an immersive, hands-on workshop set within the walls of Little Hagia Sophia—a hidden cultural sanctuary in Istanbul. Choose between lavender or bay leaves (seasonally, rose may be available) and experience the full process of transforming aromatic plants into pure hydrosol using traditional copper stills. Guided by an expert host, you’ll: – Learn the history and modern uses of plant distillation – Participate in every step of the process, from preparation to bottling – Smell, touch, and see the transformation of raw herbs into natural essence – Take home a bottle of your freshly made hydrosol This two-hour experience is ideal for curious minds, nature lovers, and those interested in wellness rituals. No prior experience is needed—just bring your senses and curiosity! Enjoy tea, conversation, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in one of the city’s most historic locations.

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.

Explore the unique world of Dengbej, a traditional Kurdish music style. A professional Dengbej singer, and we'll take you on a journey through this special art form. Learn how Dengbej compares to other unique styles like Pakistan's Qawwali and Morocco's Gnawa. Discover the captivating stories behind Dengbej songs and the skill of singing them without instruments. This is a rare opportunity to experience authentic Kurdish culture and music in its purest form.

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.

I invite you to discover the art and symbolism of handmade Turkish carpets in a historic Istanbul caravanserai. I am a licensed Istanbul guide and the author of How to Read a Turkish Carpet. My teaching background and doctoral research in art philosophy help me explain the language of carpets in an engaging way. You will learn to recognize quality, interpret traditional motifs and colors, and understand natural dyes, materials, and weaving techniques. Together, we will examine carpets as expressions of Anatolian culture and craftsmanship. If you wish to acquire one, I will help you find a piece that suits your home, taste, and personal story. Complimentary door-to-door shipping is included with every carpet purchase. There is no pressure to buy. Whether you are an art lover, collector, or simply curious about Turkish culture, you will leave with a deeper understanding of handmade carpets. Each guest receives a personally signed copy of my book, How to Read a Turkish Carpet.

This isn’t a polished studio or a touristy demo, it’s a real IstThis isn't a studio or a demonstration kitchen. It's a home in Tesvikiye, with a real stove, real family recipes, and a host who used to cook professionally but now cooks for the love of it. Esra's background means you get both the technique and the warmth; someone who knows exactly why a dish works, and also why it matters. Small groups only, so every guest gets real attention and the table never feels crowded.

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.