A thriving market since the 1460s, the Grand Bazaar is today reckoned the world’s number one tourist attraction: in 2014 it saw over 91 million visitors. Its 61 covered streets house around 3,000 shops, selling everything from leather and fabrics to jewellery and lanterns.
Before 1894, when Istanbul’s great earthquake forced a renovation, the Bazaar’s stalls were rather different to what we recognise today. Each merchant occupied a space around six feet wide and four feet deep and would sit in front of his wares on a wooden divan. The stalls were shut behind drapes at the end of the day, and the Bazaar’s gates were placed under guard; theft was extremely uncommon. One notable incident occurred in 1591 when a Persian musk seller stole 30,000 gold coins: the city was scandalised, the market shut for two weeks, and suspects were tortured until the culprit was found and hanged.
Today, such drama is thankfully still rare. A culture of mutual respect and social security, inherited from the Ottoman days of guild systems, fixed prices and Islamic ethics, survives among the merchants despite the Westernization of Turkish society.
There are four main gates into the market, leading down roads that are named after the professions historically concentrated there: Kuyumcular Carsısı sells gold bracelets, carpets can be found on Sahaflar Caddesi, leather goods are sold along Perdahçılar Caddesi. Take a day trip to get lost in its maze, and come home with some wonderful souvenirs.
Istanbul is a unique and enthralling city, a bridge between Europe and Asia where a historic crossroads of civilisations meets a bustling modern metropolis. Making your way through its myriad of incredible monuments can be overwhelming, so embarking on a comprehensive walking tour of Istanbul's highlights is a wonderful way to make the most of your time there and discover what makes the city tick in the company of a knowledgeable private guide.
On your private half-day tour, you will:
In this amazing private half-day highlights tour of Istanbul, you will have the chance to be fully immersed in the history and culture of this great city. Your tour will begin in the spectacular Sultanahmet Square, also known as the Hippodrome of Constantinople, where you will get acquainted with your guide and take in what was once the bustling centre of Byzantine social and political life. Your guide will bring the history of this ancient chariot-racing arena to life as you marvel at its enduring monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column, which bear witness to centuries of Istanbul's heritage.
You will step inside one of the most beautiful buildings in Istanbul: the breathtaking Blue Mosque. An architectural masterpiece renowned for its myriad domes, six minarets and the stunning blue Iznik tiles that inspired its name. You will learn about its historical and religious significance while admiring the intricate details of its serene interior. Later, you can follow in the footsteps of emperors and sultans as you explore the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia. This iconic landmark, which has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum, is a true marvel of Byzantine architecture and a symbol of Istanbul’s multicultural legacy. Your expert guide will talk you through the fascinating history of the building, as well as the significance of the iconography and art you will find there.
Upon leaving the Hagia Sophia, you make your way to Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. As you navigate its labyrinthine alleys, your guide will reveal some of the secrets of Turkish trade as your guide, introducing you to local artisans and their exquisite craftsmanship. You’ll have the chance to peek into one of the city's ancient Hans, traditional trading inns that once buzzed with the activity of merchants and travellers and indulge in a feast for the sense in the vibrant Spice Market, where the air is filled with the enticing aroma of spices and sweet Turkish delights.
Your tour will conclude at the lively Eminönü Square, where you'll take in the stunning view of the Galata Tower, an icon of Istanbul’s skyline. By the time you say goodbye to your guide, you’ll have enjoyed an immersive experience of Istanbul's highlights, blending its monumental history with vibrant modern-day culture.
Please note: The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are religious places of worship, so please dress respectfully. Shoulders and legs must be covered, and head coverings are available at the mosque entrance for free. You will also be given a bag at entry in which to put your shoes.
Istanbul’s Old Town, known locally as Sultanahmet, is the historic heart of the city, home of its most iconic landmarks. Making your way around its many incredible monuments can be overwhelming, so embarking on a private tour with a knowledgeable local guide is a wonderful way to see the key sites, including the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia, and hear the incredible stories behind them. Our comprehensive full-day tour will give you a deep dive into Sultanahmet and its cultural, architectural and historical treasures.
On this private full-day tour, you will:
In this full-day highlights tour of the historic epicentre of the great city of Istanbul, you will have the pleasure of visiting some of the most iconic attractions of the city, accompanied by your expert guide. Your adventure will begin at a centrally located meeting point in the heart of Sultanahmet. From here you will proceed to enter the stunning Blue Mosque, one of the most beautiful buildings in Istanbul, constructed in the 17th century by Sultan Ahmet I. Your guide will explain the mosque's unique undulating exterior, featuring myriad domes and six slender minarets. Once inside, you will admire the gorgeous blue Iznik tiles that adorn the interior, giving the building its unique name, and discover its fascinating history.
Your next stop will be the breathtaking Hagia Sophia, a true marvel of Byzantine architecture. Originally constructed in the 6th century BCE, it is known for its remarkable design and its pivotal role in the history of Christianity and Islam, having served as a church, a mosque, and a later museum before being declared a mosque again in 2020. Your guide will point out the exquisite artistry on display throughout the building. You’ll take in its immense dome, beautiful mosaics and intricate stonework, and hear more about its origins, and transformations as well as its cultural and religious significance.
You will then make your way to the opulent Topkapi Palace to delve into the captivating world of the Ottoman Sultans who reigned there for hundreds of years. With tickets included, your guide will take you through the sprawling site, showing you its grand pavilions, dazzling treasury and formal rooms, regaling you with stories of significant events that occurred within these hallowed halls. Your tickets also include entry into the harem, the private quarters of the sultans and their families, giving you a glimpse into the private lives of the Ottoman elites, and the Hagia Irene, the only Byzantine church in Istanbul that has not been converted into a mosque.
After all this exploring, you are bound to have worked up an appetite, so your itinerary will include a pause for a delicious Turkish lunch (at your own expense). Then it will be time to discover the iconic Sultanahmet Square, also known as the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Your guide can show you landmarks such as the Obelisk of Theodosius and the striking Serpent Column and explain how the area has been a centre of social and political life for centuries.
The last part of your tour will consist of a visit to the colourful Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, which was built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461. As you weave through its labyrinthine alleys, you will have the opportunity to watch craftsmen and artists at work and to peek inside one of Istanbul’s ancient Hans, uncovering the secrets of these traditional trading inns that once buzzed with the activity of merchants and travellers. As your tour comes to an end, you will be left with lasting memories and a profound appreciation for Istanbul’s oldest enclave and the many civilizations that have left their mark upon the city.
Istanbul is renowned for its tantalizing mix of cultures. This is particularly evident in its bustling markets which showcase vibrant colours and aromas, strong cultural traditions and centuries of history. Visiting the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market on your own can be intimidating, so treating yourself to a private walking tour with a local guide is an excellent way to discover the sights, sounds, and smells of Turkey's cultural heart and reveal fascinating stories and hidden details that many tourists miss.
On your private walking tour, you will:
On this tour, you will journey into the exotic world of Istanbul’s historic markets and bazaars. Your adventure will begin at a centrally located meeting point in front of Istanbul University, one of Turkey’s most prestigious institutions. Here you will get acquainted with your guide before making your way to the colourful Grand Bazaar. Built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461, the Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world and is widely regarded as one of the first-ever shopping malls. Your guide will explain the eventful history of the market and how it transformed across the centuries into the vast labyrinthine treasure trove you see today. You will soon feel immersed in the ancient marketplace, strolling through its narrow lanes to watch craftsmen and artists at work. You may even step inside some of the workshops and see firsthand how the artisans use traditional techniques passed down across generations.
As you wander the vast alleys of the Bazaar, your intrepid local guide will be happy to discuss the fascinating history of the area and the significance behind Istanbul’s strategic geographical position near the Bosphorus. They can direct you to the best-hidden gems the market has to offer, including a peek inside some of the ancient Turkish Hans, traditional Ottoman-era inns that served as resting places for merchants, travellers, and their caravans. You’ll get a glimpse into a bygone era when the Hans were hubs for commerce, playing a crucial role in the Silk Road and spice trade networks, as well as cultural melting pots where diverse languages and traditions came together as the merchants exchanged goods and ideas.
Your next stop will be at the famous Turkish Spice Market, where you will be able to peruse some of the best herbs and spices imported to Turkey from all over the world. This is sure to be a treat for the senses as you experience sights, sounds, and smells you are unlikely to have ever come across before. You will learn how the market was central to the spice trade during the Ottoman Empire and how it remains a key component of Istanbul’s culinary scene to this day. Of course, no trip to the Spice Market would be complete without indulging in some tastings, so your guide will facilitate the sampling of quintessential products including traditional tea and Turkish Delight.
Your delicious jaunt around the markets will come to a close in the emblematic Eminönü Meydanı Square where you can take in gorgeous views of the Galatea Tower and the Golden Horn as you bid farewell to your guide. You’ll be left with lasting memories of the bustling market streets and perhaps some trinkets and tasty treats to take home.
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