Spice Bazaar
This is the city's main spice market, a covered arcade in Eminönü filled with stalls selling everything from saffron to lokum. It's smaller and more focused than the Grand Bazaar, with a strong scent of herbs and tea in the air.
“To experience the sights and smells of Istanbul's historic spice trade.”
See the exact spot on the map at right. The highlighted pin clearly marks this stop.
Spice Bazaar + Eminönü Food Walk
Six tastings through the Spice Bazaar and the surrounding Eminönü streets.
The Spice Bazaar is where you come to buy the ingredients for Turkish cooking and to soak up a classic Istanbul market atmosphere. It's a single, L-shaped covered arcade, so you can see most of it without getting lost. The stalls are piled high with colorful spices, dried fruits, nuts, Turkish delight, and plenty of souvenirs.
While it's a working market, it's also a major tourist stop, so be prepared for crowds and vendors calling out. The best approach is to take your time, compare prices at a few stalls before buying, and maybe grab a simit from a vendor outside when you're done. It sits right next to the New Mosque and the Eminönü ferry docks, making it a natural part of any stroll through the old city.
The main entrance on the New Mosque side is always packed; use the smaller side entrance near the flower market for a calmer start.
The main arcade is step-free and has level stone floors, but it can be very crowded, making navigation with mobility aids difficult.
Keep going in Fatih
A few places that pair well with this stop on the same day.
Grand Bazaar
This is the massive, centuries-old covered market at the heart of the old city. It's a labyrinth of streets under a single roof, packed with thousands of shops selling everything from carpets to jewelry.
Süleymaniye Mosque
Süleymaniye Mosque, designed by Mimar Sinan for Suleiman the Magnificent, is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Its hilltop location offers one of the best views of the Golden Horn.
