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.
About Spice Market
Nestled in the heart of Istanbul, the Spice Market, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, stands as a lively testament to the city’s rich history. Constructed in the 1660s as part of the New Mosque complex, it is one of Istanbul’s oldest covered markets. Its name is derived from the myriad of merchants who traded spices, medicinal herbs, and similar products imported from Egypt.
The bazaar is ingeniously designed in an L-shape, comprising 88 domed chambers. Beneath its intricate architecture, the market boasts six gates, with the Haseki Gate section being two stories tall. In its heyday, the upper floors served as a court, where merchants resolved issues with customers and among themselves.
During the Ottoman era, the Spice Market was not just a hub for spices but also a place where herbal medicines, adhering to ancient prescriptions, were crafted and sold. Today, the bazaar is a sensory delight, offering an array of traditional flavors like spices, herbal teas, dried fruits, delightfully chewy Turkish delight, alongside jewelry, fabrics, baskets, and an assortment of unique souvenirs.
A stroll through the Spice Market is not just a shopping experience; it’s a journey through time and the vibrant tapestry of Istanbul’s past and present.
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What to Expect, See and Buy?
Egyptian Spice Bazaar is housed in a building that was built in 1660 and named after the fact that the goods for trade from the India and far east was arriving to this place over Egypt by the Egyptian Caravan, during the period of the Ottomans.
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Egyptian Spice Bazaar Istanbul consists of a series of covered streets featuring 100 shops and two restaurants along the gates. The nickname “Spice” was given for the majority of the shops’ selling herbs and spices.
You are able to find about every kind of herbs and spices at the market, and as well as ingredients for cooking, Turkish delight and Turkish coffee.
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
Egyptian Spice Bazaar is situated in the Eminonu neighborhood of Fatih district,just across the Eminonu Public Ferries Port, near the Yeni Mosque. See the location map.
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 There?
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.