Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, a maze of vaulted lanes lined with thousands of shops selling mosaic lamps, ceramics, carpets, leather, jewellery and textiles. A short walk downhill, the seventeenth-century Spice Bazaar near Eminönü is smaller and easier to navigate, piled high with Turkish delight, dried fruit, nuts, tea and spices.

We usually pair the two in one unhurried afternoon, ending at the Eminönü waterfront for a view of the Galata Bridge and the ferries.

Bargaining is expected in the Grand Bazaar, so smile, take your time and compare a few shops. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, and both markets are busiest on Saturdays. If you plan to buy carpets or ceramics, we can arrange a guide who knows reliable shops.