The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the famed markets in Turkey (officially Türkiye). Locals call it “Mısır Çarşısı,” meaning the Egyptian Bazaar. Once inside, the strong scents, bright colours, and the warm ambience of an old Istanbul market instantly surround you.
Nestled in the heart of Istanbul, it continues to be a beloved stop for shopping in Turkey. Here, travellers are welcome to explore the top Eminönü attractions and the best things to do. With more than 80 stalls, it feels like a scene from One Thousand and One Nights, as if the tales of Scheherazade come alive in front of you.
The rich variety of Turkish spices, dried fruits, herbal blends, and traditional sweets draws visitors every day. This exotic bazaar dates to the 17th century, a time when it served as one of the key markets of the Ottoman Empire.
Today, the Spice Bazaar is among the major tourist destinations, celebrated for its rich colours and flavours. It is a perfect place to pick up some of the best spices in Istanbul or shop for popular Turkish souvenirs to bring home.
Spice Bazaar Istanbul Information
Spice Bazaar Opening Hours and Closed Days
The Spice Market Istanbul is open from 8:00am to 7:30pm. It is closed on Tuesdays but open on Sundays and Saturdays, making it convenient for weekend visits.
Spice Bazaar Location and Directions
The bazaar is located in Eminönü, right next to the New Mosque (Yeni Camii) and just a short distance from the Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü).
From Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace:
Walk downhill to the T1 tram line and ride to Eminönü. From the station, it is a short walk.
From the Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) to the Spice Bazaar:
The distance is about 10 minutes on foot.
From Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi):
Cross the Galata Bridge and head towards the New Mosque.
From the Asian Side (Anadolu Yakası):
Take a ferry from Kadıköy or Üsküdar to Eminönü. The bazaar is a few minutes away.
Prices and Payments
Prices inside the Spice Bazaar Istanbul can be higher than average, but you pay for quality.
Bargained purchase options and discounted prices are typical in shops. Haggling is part of the shopping culture here.
Can you pay with a credit card at the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul?
Yes, you can. Many shops accept credit cards. However, it is advisable to carry cash (Turkish lira, ₺). Smaller stalls usually do not take cards. Cash is also useful for bargaining, as tourists may be able to get a better price.
Some shops accept US dollars or euros; however, paying in Turkish lira is strongly recommended to ensure fair pricing.
Spice Bazaar Istanbul Tours
Joining a Spice Bazaar tour is the most engaging way to dive into Istanbul’s local culture. Each guided walk opens the door to the world of spices in Turkey.
You learn about Turkish cuisine traditions, regional flavours, and the daily rhythm of this oldest trading hub. The historic Spice Market in Istanbul is alive with colour, sound, and movement. A knowledgeable guide helps you appreciate the details.
Generally, food tours in Istanbul include delicious tastings along the way. You may sip strong Turkish coffee or enjoy a glass of warm Turkish tea served in traditional tulip-shaped glasses.
Furthermore, guided tours offer samples of Turkish delight, allowing you to savour its soft texture and subtle sweetness. Shopkeepers often hand out small samples of herbs or dried fruits. They enjoy chatting about their products and welcome questions.
Remember, bargaining is part of the culture, and your guide will encourage you to give it a try. Most visitors often find it fun and surprisingly friendly.
Various Istanbul excursions combine a visit to the Spice Bazaar with the Grand Bazaar. It gives a full picture of the city’s historic trading culture.
These tours are among the must-do activities in Istanbul. They suit travellers who want to see a classic Istanbul market and learn about the traditions behind it.
History of the Spice Bazaar
The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul is on the list of the oldest Ottoman markets. It rises beside the Yeni Camii (New Mosque), a key structure within a large religious and social complex. Construction began in the late 16th century under Safiye Sultan. Valide Sultan (a title given to the mother of a reigning sultan) completed it in the mid-17th century (1664).
The Eminönü Spice Bazaar functioned as the market (arasta) of the New Mosque complex. Its income supported the mosque and its public services, such as a school, a hammam (Turkish bath), a fountain, and a small pavilion.
The market was first called the Valide Bazaar or New Bazaar. From the 18th century onwards, it became known as the Spice Bazaar. Its name derives from the goods that arrived in Istanbul from Arabia and India via Egypt. European travellers often referred to it as a “Drugstore” because many shops sold herbs and medicinal plants.
Nestled in the Eminönü district, a major port since Byzantine times, the bazaar served as a centre for spice trade and medicinal products. It held this role until the early 20th century. Today, the Egyptian Bazaar is recognised as a Turkish historical monument with a rich history.
Spice Bazaar Architecture
The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul exemplifies fine Ottoman architecture. Its structure follows a classic plan with two branches forming an L-shape. This layout was common in covered markets of the time and adds a nice highlight to Istanbul cultural tours.
The interior of the Spice Bazaar is bright and inviting. The passages are wide, and the stone arches create a strong yet elegant atmosphere. The space is well-designed, so it is easy to move through both wings without feeling crowded.
The market features six main entrances to the Misir Carsisi. The Balık Pazarı Gate is the primary entrance, while the Haseki Gate serves as a key exit. Once inside the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, the design feels simple at first. However, the bright arches and balanced lines reveal the beauty of Ottoman market architecture.
Things to Buy at the Spice Bazaar – Make Your Own Turkish Spice Blend
For those looking for the best places to shop in Istanbul, the Spice Bazaar is a must-visit. Travellers come here to find Turkish spices, colourful sweets, and classic Turkish souvenirs. The stalls sell some of the best spices in Turkey, making the market a rewarding stop for food lovers.
Popular items include:
- Turkish delight (lokum) and baklava
- Turkish tea and Turkish coffee
- Dried fruits and dried vegetables
- Herbal mixes for cooking and wellness
- Honey, jams (fig, strawberry, cherry, apricot), and basturma (air-dried cured beef)
- Nuts such as pistachio, hazelnut, almond, and dried apricots
- Dried chillies
- Kese – the traditional bath glove used in a Turkish hammam
- Natural soaps made with olive oil and herbs
One of the main attractions is watching the Spice Bazaar grocers blend and grind spices by hand. They create vivid mixes of bright red, deep green, and warm yellow, used in traditional Turkish dishes. Visitors can even make their own Turkish spice blend, choosing ingredients that suit their personal taste.
Besides, you can watch how gözleme (a Turkish flatbread) is prepared on a hot griddle or observe how fresh Turkish coffee is ground. These simple moments provide a glimpse into daily life inside the market.
For the best dining experience in Istanbul, visit Pandeli, a historic Bib Gourmand restaurant above the bazaar. Food guides often list it among the top restaurants in Turkey for traditional flavours. Moreover, small cafés around the market serve light meals and quick snacks.
Eminönü Attractions Near the Spice Bazaar, Istanbul
Many sights surround the Spice Bazaar. Nearby Istanbul mosques include the Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii), the city's great Ottoman imperial mosque. Additionally, you can visit the Rüstem Paşa Mosque (Rüstem Paşa Camii), famous for its blue İznik tiles.
Close by is the Yeni Camii, the New Mosque that frames the square. The nearby landmarks are Hatice Turhan Valide Sultan Türbesi (tomb) and the small Sultan’s Pavilion (Hünkar Kasrı). A few minutes on foot lead you to the Mimar Sinan Tomb (Mimar Sinan Türbesi). This is where the great Ottoman architect, who designed prominent monuments in Istanbul, is buried.
The waterfront in Eminönü, outside the bazaar, is also a departure point for boat tours and ferries. You can join a Bosphorus cruise or take a short ferry ride to the Asian Side. These tours offer the best views of Istanbul’s skyline.
For something different, visit the Türkiye İş Bank Museum, a free museum that explains the history of banking in Turkey. Visitors can combine these sites with the Spice Bazaar guided tours, making the area a fascinating destination in Istanbul.