Egyptian Spice Market

18 Photos

45 Reviews | Add review

Address: Cicek Pasari Sokak, Istanbul
Hours: Closed Sundays
Admission: Free

ATTRACTION Keywords:
Good Place to Shop, Bazaar, Market

4:06 AM Sunday, May 26
Clear. Mild.
7 day forecast

The heady scents of saffron, cloves, sugar and spice fill the air at the Egyptian Spice Bazaar and Market, or Misir Carsisi, one of Istanbul's oldest markets. Aisle after aisle of stallholders sell their wares in this cavernous covered market, built in 1660, under the market's vaulted ceiling lit by Turkish lamps.

Baskets filled with every spice under the sun add colors of gold, orange, yellow and green, and the array of dried fruits and nuts is astounding. Stock up on Turkish delight, dried apricots, pistachios and walnuts, honey sweets and top-quality saffron.

This is a place to simply dive in and wander. Don't have an agenda, just walk the crowded stalls and get lost. Stop for a tea, stop to chat with a carpet seller. If you're in a rush, you're missing the point.

Latest Reviews

Add review

All Egyptian Spice Market Reviews

Review by Jacklyn G, March 2013
Doing what: Bosphorus Cruise and Istanbul's Egyptian Bazaar

A very nice day out with Omar as our guide, very enjoyable cruise, and time to shop in the spice market! Thanks again, Omar!

Report problem

Review by Glorylyn A, USA, December 2011
Doing what: Bosphorus Cruise and Istanbul's Egyptian Bazaar

This was a great tour with wonderful photo opps. Views and history along the Bosphorus are incredible and I think it's definitely a must see tour. Spice Bazaar is awesome, not as daunting as the Grand Bazaar. Shopping there is worth spending a full day. Our guide Serhat was very friendly and ccourteous and after the tour ended, he helped us with directions and recommendations for other things to do around Istanbul. Highly recommended~!

Report problem

Review by Anonymous, July 2010
Doing what: Bosphorus Cruise and Istanbul's Egyptian Bazaar

The tour was excellent. The bus showed up on time and the cruise down the Bosphorus was excellent. We enjoyed looking at the beautiful houses on the shoreline. The trip to the Egyptian Bazaar could have been a little longer but we were able to buy a number of items and even haggle over the prices with some of the merchants. All in all a very relaxing and enjoyable afternoon.

Report problem

Practical Info

The Egyptian Spice Market and Bazaar is in Eminönü, next to the waterfront Yeni Mosque. It is a few blocks north and closer to the water than the Grand Bazaar. The ferry terminal is just across the road from the market by Galata Bridge.

Explore map