Istanbul: The Other Shore — Drinks, Stories & the Asian Soul

Istanbul, Turkey

3 to 4 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

What's Included

Licensed expert guide specializing in Istanbul's drinking culture & history
Seven drink tastings across seven historic Kadıköy venues
All tastings included: Turkish coffee, şerbet, çay, craft beer, Anatolian wine, limonata & rakı
A curated walk through Kadıköy's historic market district, Moda, and the Fenerbahçe waterfront

Gratuities (optional but appreciated)
Additional food or drinks outside the tasting selections
Transportation to the meeting point or from the end point

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Caferağa, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
Easily reached by ferry from Eminönü (20 min), Beşiktaş (25 min), or Üsküdar (10 min). Your guide will be waiting at the Kadıköy ferry terminal entrance at 17:00. We recommend taking the ferry — it's the most scenic way to arrive on the Asian shore.

End point

Fenerbahçe, Kalamış Marina, 34726 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
The tour ends in Fenerbahçe. To return to central Istanbul: take a taxi or ride-share to Kadıköy terminal (10-12 min), then ferry to Eminönü-Karaköy or Beşiktaş. Alternatively, buses 4, FB1, FB2 and 16D connect Fenerbahçe directly to Kadıköy terminal.

Operating hours
.5:00 pm

Itinerary

Kadikoy Iskelesi

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Osmanağa

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Caferağa

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

KadIkoy CarsIsI

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Sakız Sokak

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ferit Tek Sokağı

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Şair Latifi Sokak

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Fenerbahce

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
Not suitable for those with severe food allergies (nuts, dairy, gluten, seafood)
Gluten intolerance / celiac disease — bread, beer and meze may contain gluten
Lactose intolerance — some tastings include milk-based items

Vegan or strict vegetarian diets — most tastings are traditional and not substitutable
Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers? This tour is designed around Istanbul's drinking culture and all seven tastings involve alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. We do not offer alcohol-free or caffeine-free alternatives. If you prefer not to consume alcohol or caffeine, this tour may not be the right fit — we'd hate for you to miss out on the full experience.
How much walking is involved? Approximately 4-5 km at a relaxed pace through Kadıköy’s market district, Moda, and the waterfront. No rushing — we move at the rhythm of the neighbourhood.
What drinks are included? Turkish coffee, Ottoman şerbet, Turkish tea, craft beer, Anatolian wine, fıstıklı limonata, and rakı — seven stops, seven stories. All tastings are included in the price.
What is the group size? Maximum 6 guests. Small enough for real conversation, large enough for good energy.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Istanbul? Yes — but it’s designed for those who want to experience the city like a local, not a tourist. Kadıköy is where Istanbul actually lives.
What time does the tour end approximately? Approximately 3.5-4 hours. We finish at a traditional meyhane as the evening settles over Kadıköy.
Should I eat before the tour? A light meal beforehand is recommended — the tastings are generous but this is a drinks tour, not a food tour. Arrive with an appetite but not on an empty stomach.
Is rakı an acquired taste? What if I’ve never tried it? Absolutely no experience needed. Your guide will walk you through the ritual of drinking rakı the traditional way — with water, with meze, with stories. It’s one of the most memorable moments of the tour.
How do I get to the Kadıköy ferry terminal? Kadıköy is easily reached by ferry from several European-side docks: From Eminönü: 20-25 minutes, From Beşiktaş: 15-20 minutes, From Üsküdar: 10 minutes. Ferries run frequently throughout the day. We recommend arriving by ferry — crossing the Bosphorus is the perfect way to begin the experience. Your guide will be waiting at the terminal entrance at 17:00.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers