Istanbul’s spice bazaar, known as the Mısır Çarşısı or Egyptian Bazaar, is the city’s most famous covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. It was first built in 1660 and has been the centre of the spice trade here ever since.
Situated at the southern end of the Galata bridge, the bazaar’s 85 shops sell a dizzying array of spices. Also available are dried fruits, nuts, sausages, cheeses, sweets, teas, soaps, jewellery and souvenirs - some stalls also sell Iranian caviar. The smells are glorious and the colours are stunning. Turkish delight can be found in an incredible range of flavours (and prices), and merchants sell their own spice blends which you can try before buying.
Just like in the Grand Bazaar and in the souks of Marrakech, be prepared for crowds and be prepared to haggle. Vendors will be keen for you to pay a premium for their delicacies, but make like a local and don’t be afraid to drive a hard bargain! Spices tend to be sold vacuum-sealed, so there’s no problem taking them home in your hand luggage.
The bazaar is an intoxicating sensory delight, breathing the fragrant legacy of the ancient Silk Road trade route. Dive into the throng for an unmissable Istanbul experience.
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 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.
Turkish cuisine is renowned for its bold and diverse flavours, a testament to the country's unique position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It has been shaped by a wealth of culinary traditions from Ottoman to Persian, Balkan, and Central Asia. Istanbul in particular is a delectable destination for food lovers, with its legendary markets and restaurants providing a feast for the senses. Taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide is a great option for travellers looking to make the most of the city’s culinary scene, ensuring you navigate the markets with ease, uncover authentic local cafés and taste Turkey’s most emblematic dishes.
On your half-day food tour, you will:
Embark on an appetizing journey through Istanbul’s vibrant markets, savouring the flavours and aromas that define this historic city. With your private guide leading the way, this tour promises an intimate and immersive experience, blending culture, history, and gastronomy. Your adventure will begin at a conveniently located meeting point in the heart of Karaköy, a true foodie haven and one of Istanbul’s trendiest quarters. Your guide will lead you through the charming streets to give you a feel for the area, a melting pot of old-world charm and modern flair. You’ll have the chance to sip on freshly brewed Turkish coffee or treat yourself to a flaky, savoury börek, as your guide gives an exhilarating introduction to the culinary traditions of the city.
You will then hop aboard a ferry and glide across the sparkling waters of the Bosphorus Strait, the striking waterway that divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia. While onboard, you will enjoy a classic Istanbul pairing of simit (sesame-crusted bread) and Turkish tea, as you take in panoramic views of the city’s iconic skyline, where East meets West. You will disembark on the Asian side of Istanbul and make your way to the marvellous Kadıköy Market. Your guide will share stories of the market's history and its significance in Istanbul’s culinary scene. While there, you will get the chance to sample a delightful selection of market produce such as freshly baked lahmacun (Turkish flatbread pizza), flavourful meze, and succulent fresh seafood.
Your next stop will be the legendary Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı), one of Istanbul’s most alluring aromatic marketplaces, for a memorable sensory experience of the city’s unique flavour. You will find out all about the history of the market, which originated in the Ottoman Empire, as you weave among stalls bursting with colourful spices, fragrant teas, and exotic sweets. You can also indulge in tastings of Turkish delight, baklava, and dried fruits, while your guide explains the cultural significance of these delicacies.
Your tour will come to a close within the Bazaar, where you are free to continue exploring, and your guide will be happy to provide further recommendations for restaurants and other bites to try around the city. However you choose to spend the rest of your day, you’ll end the tour with a full belly and a much deeper understanding of Istanbul’s extraordinary gastronomy.
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