Thing to do
Grand Bazaar
One of the world's oldest covered markets, begun in the 1450s, with 61 vaulted streets of carpet, jewellery, ceramics and textile shops.
Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)
The 17th-century L-shaped market beside the New Mosque in Eminönü, with around 85 shops selling spices, dried fruit, Turkish delight, tea and nuts.
At a glance
- Type
- Covered market
- Area
- Eminönü, Istanbul, Türkiye
Good to know
- Free entry
- Tastings at many stalls
- Pandeli restaurant in the building
Why we recommend it
The Spice Bazaar, known in Turkish as Mısır Çarşısı or the Egyptian Bazaar, was built in the 1660s as part of the New Mosque complex at Eminönü, and the rents from its shops helped to pay for the upkeep of the mosque. Its name is usually linked to the goods that once arrived from Egypt. The L-shaped covered market stands at the southern end of the Galata Bridge and is the most aromatic stop in the old city.
Its two vaulted arms hold around 85 shops. Many are piled high with spices, dried herbs, teas, dried fruit, nuts and lokum, Turkish delight, while others sell cheese, cured meats such as pastırma, honey, olive oil and souvenirs. Stallholders are usually happy to offer a taste before you buy. Look for sumac, pul biber and isot chilli flakes, dried apricots and figs, and the many flavours of lokum. Vacuum packing is widely offered, which helps if you want to take things home.
Entry is free. Prices in the main halls are aimed at visitors, so compare a few shops and buy by weight rather than in pre-packed gift sets if you want better value. Ask for prices before items are weighed. The market is compact and can be seen in under an hour, but it gets very crowded at midday and on weekends, so a weekday morning is the best time to come.
Do not stop at the doors. The streets around the west side of the bazaar are where many Istanbul residents do their shopping, with cheese and olive merchants, kitchenware shops, coffee roasters and stalls selling seeds and plants. Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi's coffee shop is on the corner of one of these streets, and there is often a queue for freshly ground Turkish coffee. Inside the bazaar building, Pandeli restaurant serves lunch in tiled rooms above one of the gates.
The bazaar suits food lovers, families and anyone buying gifts. Eminönü tram stop on the T1 line and the Eminönü ferry piers are right outside. The New Mosque is next door, the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, with its tiled interior, is a few minutes' walk west, and the Galata Bridge leads across the Golden Horn to Karaköy.
Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) FAQs
Why is it called the Egyptian Bazaar?
Its Turkish name, Mısır Çarşısı, means Egyptian Bazaar, a name usually linked to goods once brought from Egypt.
When was it built?
In the 1660s, as part of the New Mosque complex at Eminönü.
Is there an entry fee?
No, entry is free.
How many shops are there?
Around 85, in two vaulted arms.
What should I buy?
Spices such as sumac and chilli flakes, dried fruit, nuts, teas and Turkish delight; many stalls offer tastings.
When is it least crowded?
On weekday mornings.
Is there anywhere to eat inside?
Yes, the historic Pandeli restaurant is within the bazaar building.
How do I get there?
It is beside Eminönü tram stop and the Eminönü ferry piers, at the southern end of the Galata Bridge.