Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar
Description
Explore the magic and wonder of Istanbul’s Vezirhan (which was used as a caravanserai), Grand Bazaar & Egyptian bazaar and hidden back streets of old city and see the shops where local people shop with this tour. Step into the golden ages of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires. Stroll the atmospheric neighborhoods and historic streets of old Istanbul. Visit charming alleyways, browse the famous jewelery market, spice market and visit historic ‘han’ (caravanserai) which is an carpet, rug and kilim store today and appreciate their architecture, and much more.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Vezir Han – Old Carpets, Kilims & Rugs han, one of the hidden gems of the Old City. Visit a Historic Caravanserai Step inside one of Istanbul’s hidden caravanserais, once a resting place for Silk Road merchants. Explore its courtyards and arches while learning about its history and the art traditions it preserved. This historic han dates back to the 17th century, built during the Ottoman period as a commercial center where merchants stayed, stored goods, and traded valuable items like silk, spices, and carpets. Today, it remains a living piece of history and one of the best places to see authentic antique carpets and kilims. Carpets in this region are much more than decoration—they are storytellers. Traditionally, carpets were woven by hand, often by women, and each piece reflects the weaver’s life, emotions, beliefs, and hopes.Vezirhan offers an exquisite collection of handwoven carpets and a remarkable variety of patterns and origins. Discover a treasure that art meets heritage.
Grand Bazaar - Having its own executive board, 15th century Grand Bazaar offers you a whole different world experience with its more than 4000 thousand shops inside. With many gates and side ones are welcoming you to its own wonderland. Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Its history goes back to the 15th century, shortly after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans. What began as a small trading area for valuable goods like silk and jewelry eventually grew into a massive complex with thousands of shops and dozens of streets. Bazaar is not just a market—it is the heart of commerce in the Ottoman Empire. Merchants were organized by trade, so each street had a specialty; gold, carpets, leather, ceramics, spices and more. Notice the arched ceilings, domes, and decorative details, which helps protect traders and customers from heat, rain, and fire. The bazaar also had its own rules, security, and closing hours—like a small city inside the city.
Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar) - we arrive at the Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar. This market was built in the 17th century and became the center of the spice trade in Istanbul. Its name comes from the fact that many spices and goods arrived through Egypt, which was an important province of the Ottoman Empire. The moment you enter, you’ll notice the rich aromas—cinnamon, cumin, saffron, sumac, dried fruits, nuts, and herbs. Spices were once extremely valuable, used not only for flavor but also for medicine, preservation, and perfumes. Beyond spices, the bazaar is famous for Turkish delight, teas, dried fruits, honey, and natural products. Many shops here are family-run and have been operating for generations, preserving traditional recipes and knowledge. This bazaar is smaller and more focused than the Grand Bazaar, making it easier to explore. It reflects a different side of Istanbul—more sensory, colorful, and aromatic—where food culture and daily life come together
Eminönü Çarşısı, Stroll through the vibrant backstreets of Eminönü, a hidden world of textile shops, traditional kitchenware, copper items where locals do shopping. Discover where locals get their needs away from the tourist crowds. Try a turkish coffee at backyard of a very famous coffee shop
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(8)
Visiting the Rugs, Carpets and Kilims Bazaar, The historic heart of Istanbul was a fascinating maze of markets, narrow streets, workshops, and centuries old buildings. Exploring the area and around the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market offers a glimpse into the city's rich trading heritage and everyday local Walking through the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, and the surrounding hidden back streets was more than a shopping experience. it was a journey through the living history of Istanbul, where centuries of commerce, culture, and tradition continue to thrive.
Thank you for your wonderful review. We're delighted that you enjoyed exploring the Rugs, Carpets, and Kilims Bazaar, along with the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. The historic markets and hidden back streets truly offer a unique glimpse into Istanbul's rich heritage, culture, and traditions. We're glad the experience felt like a journey through the city's living history and that you appreciated the authentic atmosphere beyond the main tourist paths. We hope to welcome you back for more discoveries in Istanbul in the future.
We had an excellent time exploring the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market! Our guide brought us to some wonderful places - both on and off the beaten path. In such a touristic area, this was a great way to see and experience an amazing part of Istanbul!
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar with us. It's great to know that the mix of iconic sights and hidden gems helped make your experience special and authentic. We truly appreciate your kind words about your guide and are happy that you were able to discover a unique side of Istanbul's rich culture and history. Thank you for recommending us, and we hope to welcome you back for another memorable adventure in Istanbul! 😊🙏
Our visit to the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar and Carpets, Kilims bazaar was one of the most colorful and enjoyable experiences in Istanbul. Walking through the historic market, surrounded by the aromas of spices, teas, Turkish delights, and freshly ground coffee, felt like stepping into another world. The atmosphere was lively, authentic, and full of local culture. Our guide made the tour even better by sharing the history of the bazaar and explaining the different spices, sweets, and traditional products sold by local merchants. We had the chance to taste delicious Turkish delights, dried fruits, and other local specialties while exploring the hidden corners of the market. What we loved most was discovering hidden back streets, small family run shops and learning about the traditions behind Turkish cuisine and trade culture. The tour was not only about shopping but also about experiencing the daily life and history of Istanbul. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Istanbul who wants to explore local flavors, culture, and the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed exploring the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, and the carpets and kilims bazaar with us. Discovering the hidden streets, local shops, traditional flavors, and rich history of Istanbul truly makes these experiences special. It’s great to know that you enjoyed learning about Turkish culture, spices, sweets, craftsmanship, and daily life while sharing delicious local tastes along the way. Your kind words about the atmosphere and the guiding mean a lot to us. Thank you again for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back to Istanbul for more unforgettable experiences in the future.
I was victim of blatant overcharging at a shop calledAl Furat Baharat ve Lokum situated on the right side about 50 meters outside the Egyptian Bazaar’s alley parallel to the Bosphorus. I was buying figs and dates and while we selected the figs and dates the salesperson gave me plenty of taste samplers of other products (turkish delights, other dried fruits) to try out. After the figs and dates I had selected were packed, the salesperson took me to the cashier who, before even stating the price, took my credit card and charged me the equivalent of 55 Euros (or 65 dollars) for 3 packs of figs and 1 pack of dates. So, beware of this tactic of overcharging which might be used at other shops in or close to the Istanbul bazaars, and in particular avoid the Al Furat Baharat ve Lokum shop.
Thank you for sharing your experience. We are very sorry to hear that you felt uncomfortable and disappointed during your visit. Clear communication and transparency about pricing should always come first, especially in busy tourist areas such as around the Spice Bazaar. We always recommend visitors check the prices carefully and confirm the total amount before payment. Your feedback is important and can help other travelers stay more aware while shopping in the bazaar area. We hope despite this unfortunate experience, you were still able to enjoy the beauty and culture of Istanbul. Your review should be addressed to the spice and Turkish delight shop that called Al Furat baharat ve Lokum shop, but we don't understand why you're using us as a platform. Please delete your review because it concerns an incident that has nothing to do with us.
Exploring the Grand Bazaar was truly one of the highlights of our time in Istanbul. From the moment we stepped inside, we were surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere full of color, history, and energy. The maze like alleys are packed with shops offering everything from handcrafted carpets and intricate ceramics to jewelry, spices, and traditional souvenirs. Visiting The Spice Bazaar (also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, or Mısır Çarşısı in Turkish) was also one of the most colorful and aromatic markets in Istanbul and visiting a Carpet, Rug and kilims store which was once a Caravanserai was amazing. Unlike some carpet shops around the bazaar, this one was often described as more relaxed and you can browse, learn about carpets, and even enjoy tea or coffee without pressure to buy.
Thank you for sharing your experience... We’re so happy to hear that your visit to Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar was such a highlight of your time in Istanbul. It’s wonderful that you enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and variety of shops these iconic markets have to offer. We’re especially glad you appreciated the relaxed experience at the caravanserai carpet shop, being able to browse comfortably while learning about the craftsmanship is exactly what we aim for. We truly hope to welcome you back again for more unforgettable experiences in the future.
Visiting the local market in the Eminönü neighborhood was a wonderful experience and a true taste of everyday old city. The market is lively, colorful, and full of energy, with vendors selling dried fruits and vegetables, spices, cheeses, olives, nuts, and local street foods. Everything looked fresh and full of flavor, and the aromas alone make the visit worthwhile. The sellers were friendly and welcoming, always happy to explain their products or offer a small taste. Walking through the Grand Bazaar, Egyptian Bazaar and narrow streets of the market, surrounded by historic buildings and the buzz of daily life, felt authentic and memorable. It’s the perfect place to experience local culture, try traditional flavors, and see how locals shop. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Eminönü and wanting something beyond the usual tourist spots.
Thank you very much for your kind and detailed review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the local market experience in Eminönü and felt the authentic atmosphere of the Old City. It’s wonderful to know that the vibrant markets, friendly vendors, and traditional flavors made your visit memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again for another authentic local experience in the future.
Visiting the Grand Bazaar, Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar and an old rugs,carpets bazaar was an unforgettable experience and a true highlight of our trip. The Grand Bazaar impressed us with its vibrant atmosphere, historic architecture, and endless variety of shops selling carpets, jewelry, ceramics, leather goods, and souvenirs. Walking through its colorful streets felt like stepping back in time, and every corner had something interesting to discover.
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that visiting the Grand Bazaar, the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar, and the old rugs and carpets bazaar was such a memorable highlight of your trip. It’s great to know you enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere, historic setting, and rich variety these iconic places offer. We truly appreciate you sharing your experience and hope to welcome you again for more unforgettable discoveries in the future.
We had a wonderful experience exploring rugs, the Grand Bazaar, and the Egyptian Bazaar. The tour was very well organized and truly informative. We learned a lot about traditional Turkish rugs—the history, patterns, natural dyes, and the incredible craftsmanship behind each piece. Seeing the process and understanding the meaning of the designs made us appreciate rugs on a whole new level. Walking through the Grand Bazaar was an unforgettable experience. Its lively atmosphere, historic surroundings, and endless variety of shops were fascinating. Our guide helped us navigate the bazaar easily and shared interesting stories about its history and daily life. The Egyptian Bazaar was equally enjoyable, full of amazing colors, aromas, and flavors. From spices and teas to sweets and dried fruits, everything was fresh and tempting. It was a great place to experience local culture and pick up authentic products. Overall, this tour was both educational and enjoyable. A perfect mix of culture, history, and local traditions. Visiting backstreets where local people do shopping was amazing aswell. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the city.
Dear Helen, Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review. We’re truly delighted to hear that you had a wonderful experience exploring the rugs, the Grand Bazaar, and the Egyptian Bazaar with us. It’s great to know that learning about the history, patterns, natural dyes, and craftsmanship of Turkish rugs helped you see them from a new perspective. That deeper understanding is exactly what we hope to share with our guests. We’re also happy that you enjoyed walking through the lively atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar and discovering the colors, aromas, and flavors of the Egyptian Bazaar. Visiting local backstreets and seeing where residents do their everyday shopping is a special part of the tour, so we’re glad this stood out for you as well. Thank you for your kind recommendation—it truly means a lot to us. We hope to welcome you again on another experience during your next visit to the city.
