Guide to Spice Bazaar Market, Istanbul: Our Best Tips for Your Visit

The Egyptian Spice Bazaar, also known as the Spice Market or Misir Carsisi in Turkish, is one of the most famous and historic markets in Istanbul. One of the best places for shopping in Istanbul.

Located in Eminonu, the colorful marketplace is the go-to destination for spices, dried fruits, nuts, Turkish delight, and aromatic teas. Whether you’re looking for authentic Turkish flavors or a unique souvenir, the Spice Market is a must-visit spot in Istanbul.

In this guide, we’ll share what to expect, the best stalls to visit, and useful tips for shopping like a local.

7 Fascinating Facts About the Spice Market, Istanbul

• 🌍 Over 350 Years Old – The Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) was built in 1664 and has been a key trading hub ever since.
• 🏺 Originally Funded by Egyptian Trade – The market was called Mısır Çarşısı (Egyptian Bazaar) because it was funded by taxes from Ottoman Egypt.
• 🌶️ More Than Just Spices – While famous for spices, the bazaar also sells Turkish delight, dried fruits, nuts, teas, and natural remedies.
• 🕌 Part of a Mosque Complex – It was built as part of the New Mosque (Yeni Cami) and helped finance the mosque’s upkeep.
• 🛍️ Locals Still Shop Here – Unlike the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar is still a popular shopping spot for Istanbul locals.
• ☕ Home to Istanbul’s Oldest Coffee Roaster – Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi, just outside the bazaar, has been roasting Turkish coffee since 1871.
• 🎬 Featured in Famous Movies – The market appears in films and TV shows, including James Bond’s “Skyfall”, adding to its global appeal.

Quick History

The Spice Bazaar was built in 1664 as part of the New Mosque (Yeni Cami) complex. It originally served as a trading hub for spices and goods arriving from the Silk Road, India, and Egypt—which is why it’s sometimes called the Egyptian Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı).

For centuries, it has been a center of Turkish trade and culture, offering everything from rare herbs to saffron, dried rose petals, and traditional Turkish sweets.

Today, it continues to attract both locals and tourists looking for authentic flavors and souvenirs.

What You can Expect at the Spice Bazaar

🛍️ A Sensory Overload

✔ The Spice Bazaar is smaller than the Grand Bazaar, but it’s packed with colorful stalls, fragrant spices, and a lively atmosphere.
✔ Expect to find Turkish saffron, sumac, pomegranate molasses, dried fruits, nuts, Turkish delight (lokum), and herbal teas.
✔ Many vendors allow you to sample their products before buying.

💡 Tip: The best stalls sell fresh, high-quality spices—avoid pre-packaged ones if you want the best flavors!

🍬 Turkish Delight & Sweets

✔ One of the best places in Istanbul to buy authentic Turkish delight (lokum) in flavors like rose, pistachio, and pomegranate.
✔ Try helva (halva), baklava, and Ottoman-style jams.
✔ Shops often offer free tastings—take advantage of it!

💡 Tip: For the highest quality, buy Turkish delight made with real honey instead of sugar syrup.

☕ Tea & Coffee Paradise

✔ Find an incredible variety of Turkish teas, including apple tea, jasmine tea, and hibiscus tea.
✔ Turkish coffee lovers will find freshly ground beans—perfect for making an authentic cup at home.
✔ Some shops sell traditional copper coffee pots (cezve) and tea sets.

💡 Tip: If you want to experience real Turkish coffee, visit Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi, just outside the bazaar.

Shopping Tips for the Spice Bazaar

💰 Bargaining & Prices

✔ Haggling is common but not as aggressive as in the Grand Bazaar. You can ask for a discount, but prices are usually fair.
✔ If buying in bulk, negotiate a better deal—especially for spices, nuts, and Turkish delight.
✔ Bring cash, as some smaller shops may not accept credit cards.

💡 Tip: Locals often buy spices in bulk—if you’re making a big purchase, you can ask for a better price per kilogram.

🛒 How to Spot High-Quality Spices

✔ Color matters—vibrant hues indicate freshness. Avoid dull, faded spices.
✔ Aroma is key—fresh spices should have a strong, natural scent.
✔ Ask for vacuum-sealed packaging if you’re taking spices home on a long flight.

💡 Tip: The best saffron comes in small glass bottles or tins—avoid cheap, pre-packaged versions in plastic bags.

Is the Spice Bazaar Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Whether you’re a food lover, souvenir hunter, or just curious about Istanbul’s market culture, the Spice Bazaar is a fantastic experience. It’s smaller and less overwhelming than the Grand Bazaar, making it an easier place to shop.

💡 Best case? Pair your visit with a walk through the Eminönü district, stopping by the Grand Bazaar or enjoying a Bosphorus cruise nearby.

Visiting Tips for the Spice Bazaar

📍 Location

The Spice Bazaar is located in Eminönü, next to the New Mosque and a short walk from the Galata Bridge.

⏰ Opening Hours

✔ Open daily from 09:00 AM to 07:00 PM.
✔ Closes early on religious holidays.

💡 Tip: Visit in the morning for a quieter experience, as the market gets crowded in the afternoon.

🎟️ Entry Fee

✔ Free entrance—no ticket required.

♿ Accessibility

✔ The market is wheelchair accessible, but it can be crowded at peak times.

Nearby Attractions

After exploring the Spice Bazaar, check out these nearby spots:

✔ Grand Bazaar – A short walk away, perfect for an extended shopping trip.
✔ Eminönü Square – A lively area with street food vendors selling simit (sesame bread rings) and fish sandwiches.
✔ Süleymaniye Mosque – A stunning Ottoman-era mosque with breathtaking views of the city.
✔ Bosphorus Cruise Pier – Take a boat tour right from Eminönü to see Istanbul from the water.

💡 Tip: Grab a balık ekmek (fish sandwich) from the boats at Eminönü before heading to your next stop!

How to Get to the Spice Bazaar

🚋 From Taksim or Galata

✔ Take the F1 Funicular from Taksim Square to Kabataş.
✔ Transfer to the T1 Tram toward Bağcılar.
✔ Get off at Eminönü—the Spice Bazaar is a 3-minute walk away.

🚋 From Sultanahmet

✔ Take the T1 Tram from Sultanahmet toward Bağcılar.
✔ Get off at Eminönü and walk to the bazaar.

⛴️ From the Asian Side (Kadıköy or Üsküdar)

✔ Take a ferry to Eminönü.
✔ Walk 5 minutes to the bazaar—it’s just behind the New Mosque.

💡 Tip: The T1 Tram is the easiest way to get there—it connects major tourist areas like Sultanahmet, Beyazıt, and Eminönü.

Have You Visited the Spice Bazaar?

These are our best tips for making the most of your visit to the Spice Market in Istanbul.

Do you have a favorite shop or product from the bazaar? Have questions about what to buy?

📩 Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you! 🚀