Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar

You can get much more than spices at the Spice Bazaar, but spices are the stars. They’re stacked high in mounds that are not at all like the boring little jars we get in our supermarkets. You just know that they’re going to taste better. And what colors! If you like cooking, you’ll love this place. Whether you’re after pure individual spices or mixes perfect for lamb or chicken, they’re here.

Located in the Eminonu quarter of Istanbul, next to the Galata Bridge and the New Mosque (Yeni Cami), the Spice Bazaar is one of the city’s largest and most famous markets, second only to the Grand Bazaar. It’s also known as the Egyptian Market, it’s smaller than the Grand Bazaar, but it can be just as busy. You don’t come here for Turkish rugs–the Grand Bazaar is better for that–and there’s a much stronger emphasis on food offerings like spices, nuts, dried fruits, baklava, and, of course, Turkish delight (lokum) in the traditional rose water as well as just about any flavoring you can think of. But more and more the foods are getting displaced by shops selling goods with larger profit margins like jewelry and souvenirs.

Some of the more interesting vendors are actually outside the Bazaar. Lining its exterior walls are vendors catering more to locals than tourists. There you’ll find a small fish market on one side, and on the other some shops dedicated to gardening, hardware, or even fish tank supplies. And the streets around the Spice Bazaar are especially interesting–you can find many of the same goods for sale at less touristy prices. The Rüstem Pasha Mosque nearby is also worth a look.

My favorite time down around this area is in the early evening, in the hour or two before the Spice Market closes. The Eminonu waterfront buzzes, the two plazas next to the New Mosque fill with people out and about, and the mosques fill with people.

Photos of Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar

More About Istanbul Spice Bazaar

• Officially named the Mısır Çarşısı, which means “Egyptian Bazaar”
• Established in 1660 as part of the adjacent Yeni Mosque complex
• Features more than 85 shops spanning over 3,200 square meters
• Originally a hub for the spice trade between Europe and the East
• Also known for selling dried fruits, nuts, oils, traditional sweets, and herbal teas

The Istanbul Spice Bazaar, also known as the Mısır Çarşısı or Egyptian Bazaar, is a historical market situated in the Eminönü quarter of Istanbul, Turkey. Established in 1660, the bazaar was constructed as a part of the Yeni Mosque complex, which aimed to generate funds for the mosque’s maintenance. The bazaar covers an area of over 3,200 square meters (3,445 square feet) and houses more than 85 shops.

Originally a center for the spice trade between Europe and the East, the Spice Bazaar has evolved over time to offer a wider variety of goods. Today, visitors can find not only spices, but also dried fruits, nuts, oils, traditional sweets, and herbal teas. The bazaar is a significant cultural attraction, where locals and tourists alike can explore the rich history and culinary traditions of the region.

While the Spice Bazaar remains a popular destination for sourcing local ingredients, it is also an important center for the trade of textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs. The vibrant atmosphere of the market, characterized by the enticing aromas of various spices, makes for an unforgettable experience and offers a unique glimpse into Istanbul’s historical trading culture.

What’s Nearby to Istanbul Spice Bazaar

• Yeni Mosque (New Mosque)
• Eminönü Square and Ferry Terminal
• Galata Bridge
• Süleymaniye Mosque
• Grand Bazaar

How to Get to Istanbul Spice Bazaar

• Located in the Eminönü quarter of Istanbul, Turkey
• Nearest airport: Istanbul Airport (IST)
• Nearest tram station: Eminönü Tram Station (T1 Line)

What to Know Before You Go

• The Spice Bazaar is down near the waterfront of Eminonu, near the Galata Bridge and next to the New Mosque (Yeni Cami). It’s next to the Eminonu tram stop on the T1 line. From Beyoglu, it’s across the Galata Bridge, or you can also get a ferry to Eminonu.
• The Spice Bazaar is a lot smaller than the Grand Bazaar and is laid out of two covered “streets” at a right angle, so you’re unlikely to get lost.
• It gets crowded later in the day, but that’s when it’s at its best.
• The Spice Bazaar keeps slightly different hours to the Grand Bazaar. The most significant difference is that it’s open on Sundays (the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays).
• Many of the vendors can vacuum seal your spices, making it easier and cleaner to pack them in your luggage. But do check with your local customs rules before flying home with them–some countries have very strict rules about such things. If in doubt, it’s a good idea to declare them.
• If you’re looking to cook some Turkish cuisine, here’s a handy guide to some useful spices to pick up. And if you’re looking for a very good Turkish cookbook, this one is my favorite.

Want to Read More About Istanbul?

Istanbul is a city of extraordinary depth and history. If you’re looking to dive deeper, here are some books worth a look. (Some are also available as audiobooks—great for a long flight or train ride.)

Istanbul: Memories and the City, by Orhan Pamuk

In this memoir, the Nobel Prize-winning Turkish author reflects on his childhood and youth in Istanbul, offering a rich portrayal of the city’s history, culture, and ever-changing landscape.

The Innocents Abroad, by Mark Twain

This classic travelogue follows Mark Twain as he journeys through Europe and the Holy Land, including a visit to Istanbul, which he captures with his trademark wit and humor.

Strolling Through Istanbul: The Classic Guide to the City, by Hilary Sumner-Boyd and John Freely

This comprehensive guide and travelogue takes readers on a historical and cultural journey through Istanbul, detailing its most famous landmarks and hidden gems.

The Bridge on the Drina, by Ivo Andrić

This historical novel, by a winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, is set in the Ottoman Empire. It tells the story of the construction of the famous Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the lives of the people who lived around it. While not set in Istanbul specifically, it offers a window into the wider region’s history and Ottoman influence.

A Fez of the Heart: Travels Around Turkey in Search of a Hat, by Jeremy Seal

This travelogue follows the author’s journey through Turkey, including a visit to Istanbul, as he explores the country’s history, culture, and politics, all while searching for the once-iconic fez hat.

The Birds Have Also Gone, by Yashar Kemal

In this novel, set in Istanbul, the author tells the story of three boys who capture and sell pigeons in the city, offering a unique perspective on the city’s rapidly changing landscape and the challenges faced by its inhabitants.

The Towers of Trebizond, by Rose Macaulay

This satirical travelogue (i.e., a novel) follows the narrator as she embarks on an eccentric journey to Istanbul and the ancient city of Trebizond, exploring themes of love, religion, and the clash of cultures.

Spice Bazaar FAQs

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