Explore the buzzing evening scene in Istanbul’s Old and New City. Spot architectural gems lit up in the dark, blend in with the locals at nightlife hotspots and create memories you will never forget.
NOTE: THIS TOUR WON’T INCLUDE THE BAZAARS ON SUNDAYS
The Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar and Hidden Backstreet Markets Tour
217 reviews
3 hours | art & culture tours | Istanbul
Get ready to explore the grandest bazaar of Turkey and get lost like locals in the backstreet markets while enjoying shopping on textile, jewelry, toiletries, rugs, woodwork, copper work, shoes, bags, antiques and many more on the way to Spice Market!
Discover what’s beyond your eyes! From all the way down to the undergrounds of the city to high up above on the rooftops of Istanbul. This private tour will show you the city from two different perspectives!
NOTE: THIS TOUR IS NOT AVAILABLE ON SUNDAYS
A World of Wonders Awaits at Grand Bazaar in Istanbul!
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops. It is a turquoise-and-white maze of tiny streets, shops, and cafés, and is located in the heart of the city between the historic Sultanahmet district and Beyazit. The bazaar is centuries old and was once a stopping point for caravans travelling between Europe and Asia. The Grand Bazaar is open every day except Sunday, and is always bustling with shoppers and vendors. The market is divided into two sections: the Bedesten, which is the old section and is reserved for jewellery, antiques, and other precious items; and the Cevahir, which is the newer section and sells everything from carpets to spices. There are also several mosques, madrassas, and a bathhouse in the Grand Bazaar complex. The market is a great place to bargain for souvenirs and gifts, and is also a great place to people watch and soak up the atmosphere of this historic city.
What other travelers love about our local experts
Martin
About local
2 June 2025
Grand Bazaar
Before the trip I had talked with her about what we would like to focus on and so she catered to this.
Everything was with a smile and not once did she mention purchasing anything, only introduced us to places.
All in all a good time and can highly recommend having a guide for a trip to the bazaar
The Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar and Hidden Backstreet Markets Tour
Debra
About local
11 May 2025
Wonderful Day at the Grand Bazaar
Mine was our tour guide for the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market. After asking about our needs, Mine crafted a wonderful tour ensuring we visited trusted sellers. Every stop was both a lovely visit with each vendor and a safe shopping experience for us. Without her guidance we would have been totally overwhelmed. Mine ensured the best use of our time and even got us on the right tram at the end of our tour. Mine was so considerate and knowledgeable, she’s simply the best! If you need a guide in Istanbul highly recommend Mine!
The Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar and Hidden Backstreet Markets Tour
Julie
About local
Istanbul Shopping mayhem
Good communication from Mine , where to meet. We had a fabulous morning shopping with Mine around the grand Bazaar/ spice market . Lots of hidden gems lots of history and knowledge. Was relaxed and we throughly enjoyed shopping experience. Highly recommend.
The Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar and Hidden Backstreet Markets Tour
Mark
About local
A spicy mix of history and shopping
We had a fun afternoon with Mine in the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. She explained the history of the Bazaars and took us into ancient back laneways and producer’s workshops we would never have found on our own. It is so enjoyable being led to the right places by someone who knows their way through the maze!
Mine is acquainted with the owners of some of the best quality outlets. We particularly enjoyed buying lovely Turkish Delight, baklava, saffron and other spices at her favourite shop in the Spice Market. With hindsight we should have brought along a longer list of things to buy, especially jewellery where there is a huge choice of both gold and silver.
The Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar and Hidden Backstreet Markets Tour
