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
- Last checked
- October 23, 2026
Why we recommend it
Built in the 1660s as part of the New Mosque complex, whose upkeep its rents once paid for, the Spice Bazaar is the old city's most fragrant market. Its two vaulted arms hold around 85 shops piled with spices, dried fruit, nuts, teas, Turkish delight and cheeses, and many stallholders are happy to let you taste before buying.
It is compact enough to see in under an hour, but busy, so visit early on a weekday if you can. The streets just outside are where many locals shop, with coffee roasters, cheese sellers and kitchenware stores. Pandeli, one of Istanbul's historic restaurants, is within the bazaar building, making a good lunch stop.
Reviewed by Lifestylemetro · Details checked October 23, 2026
Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) FAQs
Why is it called the Egyptian Bazaar?
Its Turkish name, Mısır Çarşısı, means Egyptian Bazaar; it was built as part of the New Mosque complex and its rents funded the mosque.
Is there anywhere to eat inside?
Yes — the historic Pandeli restaurant sits within the bazaar building.