Travel bucket list idea:
Built in the 17th century, Istanbul’s second largest bazaar is a colourful, fragrant wonderland and a must-visit for anyone curious about Istanbul’s east-meets-west culture.
Once the last stop for caravans arriving on the Silk Road from China, the Spice (or Egyptian) Bazaar now only deals in spices, nuts, honeys, teas, hennas and sweets, including dozens of flavours of lokum (known elsewhere as turkish delight), which was invented by an Istanbul pastry chef in 1776.
Take the tram or ferry to the Eminonu stop, which is right in front of the Bazaar. As with the Grand Bazaar, the real bargains at the Spice Bazaar can be found in the surrounding streets (especially in Hasircilar Caddesi). For total sensory overload, visit the nearby outdoor market on the west side of the Bazaar.
Pandeli Lokantasi, one of Istanbul’s oldest restaurants, is located just inside the entrance and a great spot for people-watching.
The Bazaar is open all year round, seven days a week.
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Marmara Region, Turkey
Exotic, inexhaustible and dynamic – East meets West head-on in this mesmerising city metropolis, famed for its extraordinarily rich history, superb food and shopping, and mind-blowingly magnificent, over-sized mosques.
