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Spice Bazaar, Istanbul

92 Erzak Ambarı Sok., Rüstem Paşa, İstanbul

Description

The Spice Bazaar is Istanbul's best known covered market after the Grand Bazaar, also located in the historical Eminönü quarter. The Turkish name of "Mısır Çarşısı" actually means "Egyptian Bazaar" because its construction was funded by a revenue stream coming from an Egyptian province in the mid-17th century. Historically, it has been the centre of Istanbul's spice trade but the last few decades saw a strong diversification. There are 80+ shops selling sweets (such as lokums/Turkish delights), spices, dried fruits, nuts but also jewellery and tourist souvenirs.

Access & Transport

The bazaar is located in Eminönü, directly south of the Galata bridge. There are several bus stops along Ragıp Gümüşpala Cd as well as ferry services near the Bridge. The Eminönü tram station (T1) is only 300m away.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining a visit there with the Süleymaniye Mosque. Ideally you would want to discover this and the Grand Bazaar on different days, although they are almost next to each other.

Meta review

Visitors enjoy the variety and quality of the products there, even though they acknowledge that better prices can be found elsewhere. They point out that the market is well kept and clean, with a wide range of products - even though there is a lot of repetition - and that whilst there is a strong pressure from the vendors, it is not as overwhelming as in the Grand Bazaar.

Environmental & Social

Consumerist aspects with minor negative environmental and social impacts

Conclusion

The Spice Bazaar is an enjoyable place for tourists to buy and bring back some dried fruit, tea, spices or sweets as souvenirs. Not a dissimilar experience from the Grand bazaar, without the clothes and other paraphernalia. They are not redundant but, if you are pressed for time, you won't miss much by only going to one of them.

Key positive

Very colourful and photogenic

Centrally located

Key negative

A little pricey

The tiring hustle of vendors

Suitability

Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on religious holidays

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 10m

Regulated hours

Monday09:00 - 19:00

Tuesday09:00 - 19:00

Wednesday09:00 - 19:00

Thursday09:00 - 19:00

Friday09:00 - 19:00

Saturday09:00 - 19:00

Sunday09:00 - 19:00

Pricing
Free

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