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The Spice Market, Istanbul

Spice Market tour

Infused with evocative smells and the sounds of haggling, the narrow streets of the Spice Market are swollen with stalls selling herbs and spices, Turkish delight and tea, the honey-based delicacy baklava, as well as a smattering of stalls selling leather bags and traditional teapots.

The eastern end of the market stretches out of the covered area, and is full of kitchenware, as well as the most famous coffee supplier in Istanbul: Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi. At its height the market was the final resting place for goods that had traveled the Silk Route through China, India, Persia and the Stans.

Located adjacent to the New Mosque, close to the Golden Horn, the Spice Market was originally constructed as part of the New Mosque's buildings, and rent from the shops here paid for the upkeep of the mosque. Its Turkish name Misir Çarşisi means Egyptian Market, and refers to the taxes, which were imposed on goods imported from Egypt.

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Photos of Spice Market tour

  • Traditional Spice Bazaar, Istanbul
    Traditional Spice Bazaar, Istanbul
  • Spice Market
    Spice Market

Other experiences in Istanbul

These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.

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Experience it for yourself

You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.