ISTANBUL
The pick of Istanbul.
The 15 most popular workshops in Istanbul. A short list of the ones worth planning a day around, with prices, run times and who to book with.
Make a Turkish mosaic lamp in Istanbul in 2.5 hours with snacks and unlimited tea or coffee, then take your lamp home.
Most Popular“From start to finish everything was amazing. The workshop host was incredibly nice. A must visit when coming to istanbul”
Make your own custom perfume in Istanbul with a Bosphorus view. 2 hours, $28, 50+ scents, tea included.
“It was such a fun and personal experience, our hosts Tuana and Beyza were lovely and really helped us along the way!”
Learn Turkish coffee from scratch in Istanbul: grind and brew in a cezve, taste multiple styles with delight, plus fortune telling and a take-home set.
“what i lovely experience! joyful, informative, relaxing. Cool space, great location to explore the surroundings afterwards. We thoroughly enjoyed this workshop and would highly recommend it!!”
Create a Turkish mosaic lamp in a 1500-year-old Balkapanı Inn in Karaköy with Bosphorus views, tea, and take-home packaging.
“It was such an enjoyable workshop! Ms. Esra was incredibly very attentive and helpful. Creating your own lamp was a perfect experienced. I definitely recommend it!”
Create your own Istanbul perfume from 50+ ingredients with tea, coffee, cookies, and a take-home 50ml labeled bottle.
“Awesome experience, this was one of the best experiences I had in Istanbul”
Istanbul Turkish coffee workshop with brewing lessons, fortune telling, and a handmade cup takeaway. Learn tradition in 2 hours for $20.
“Petek was wonderful instructor and amazing host of this workshop ☕️”
A 3-hour Istanbul stained-glass painting workshop: pick a pattern, paint glass by hand, sip unlimited tea and coffee, and take home a framed souvenir for $33.
“We did a glass staining class and it was such a personal experience since it was just me and my partner. Our instructor was so kind and helpful, making the class fun and easy to follow. A really special and memorable activity!”
Make a mosaic candle holder in Karaköy with a small-group guide, unlimited pomegranate tea, and Turkish delight, plus packing to take home.
“Esra and Dila were amazing and so nice and talented and kind at showing us how to make the coolest Turkish candles! HIGHLYYY RECOMMEND you haven’t even been to turkey if you haven’t done this”
First class business sedan transfer in Istanbul. Private ride with Wi‑Fi, air-conditioning, and clear IST/SAW pickup directions via WhatsApp.
“The staff were very kind and attentive and brought us safely back to the hotel. We didn't have to wait long at the airport; the driver found us right away.”
Make your own Turkish mosaic lamp in the Grand Bazaar. Hands-on workshop, tea and coffee included, with a take-home fee at the spot.
“The Workshop was so much fun. We‘d loved every minute of it and everything was well thought out. Gökay was there and explained every single thing in a Perfect english. If we’re in Istanbul next time, there is a 100% Chance, that we‘ll do this Workshop again. Thanks for having us. We had such a…”
A short Istanbul pottery workshop in Cağaloğlu: shape red clay, try the wheel, paint a tile or piece, and relax with free tea and coffee.
3-hour Istanbul tile-painting workshop. Make a ceramic tabak plate, sip tea and coffee, snack, and take it home safely.
Turkish cooking class in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet with hotel pickup, Ottoman-inspired dishes, and a 3-course lunch with wine.
“My wife and I had a great time during the cooking class and have taken back some inspiration to cook a similar style of food at home. The chef and restaurant manger, who we primarily interacted with, were superb. Their instruction and patience was much appreciated and the food at the end was delicious.”
Cook Çiğ Köfte at a local home in Kadıköy with traditional music, friendly hosts, and hands-on kneading in a small group.
“We had a fabulous evening. Our hosts and their friends were so lovely. We participated in the cooking while traditional music was played. It was so fun to be with locals in their home, enjoying their hospitality. I highly, highly recommend this activity. It's not to be missed.”
Visit Little Hagia Sophia’s garden for an aromatherapy workshop, essential-oil techniques, and optional breakfast in a small-group Istanbul setting.
“Wonderful time learning about the history of the Little Ayasofya, enjoying a Turkish coffee/tea and about aromatherapy with my welcoming host!”
From the strait to the old city to the day trips beyond, and every way to see them.
