Market · Grand Bazaar
Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)
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Misir Carsisi, also known as the Spice Market or Egyptian Market, is one of Istanbul's most aromatic and colorful shopping destinations. Located in the Eminönü neighborhood near the Galata Bridge, this L-shaped covered market was built in the 17th century as part of the New Mosque complex. Unlike the sprawling Grand Bazaar, the Spice Market is more compact and focused, with around 85 shops selling everything from saffron and sumac to Turkish delight, dried fruits, nuts, and herbal teas. The air is thick with the mingled scents of cinnamon, cloves, and rose petals. Visitors can watch merchants scooping spices from burlap sacks, sample lokum (Turkish delight) offered on silver trays, and admire the vaulted ceilings adorned with historic tiles. The market remains a working bazaar for locals as well as tourists, so you'll find reasonable prices on bulk spices and authentic souvenirs. After shopping, step outside to the nearby harbor for a view of the Galata Tower and the Bosphorus.
Don't miss
- Sample Turkish delight and baklava from historic shops like Hafiz Mustafa
- Buy high-quality saffron, sumac, and pul biber (Aleppo pepper) in bulk
- Admire the ornate 17th-century tilework on the market's interior arches
- Visit the adjacent Yeni Cami mosque and its courtyard
- Explore the surrounding streets for fresh produce, fish, and street food like balık ekmek
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)
You don't need a tour to visit, entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way in2 Hours Walking Tour Through Istanbul's Old City5★ · 20 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$14 per personSee dates →
Best full dayBest of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour5★ · 9,776 travelers7-21 hoursFree cancellationFrom$90 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleIstanbul Street Food Tour: Private Taste of Two Continents4.9★ · 34 travelers~7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$128 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Open daily except during prayer times on Friday; arrive early for the best selection.
- Cash is preferred, though some shops accept credit cards. Haggling is expected for multiple items.
- The scent of spices can be intense; if you have allergies, consider a face mask.
- Photography is allowed, but be respectful of shopkeepers and other visitors.
A bit of history
Built in 1660 as part of the Yeni Cami (New Mosque) complex, the Spice Market was originally called the Egyptian Market because it was funded by taxes from Ottoman Egypt. For centuries, it served as the city's primary spice and medicinal herb trading center.
Common questions
Is the Spice Market the same as the Grand Bazaar?
No, they are separate markets about 15 minutes apart on foot. The Spice Market is smaller and focused on food items, while the Grand Bazaar is a massive covered market for jewelry, carpets, and textiles.
Can I find authentic saffron here?
Yes, but be cautious of counterfeit. Buy from reputable shops with clear labeling and consider testing a pinch in water (real saffron colors water yellow slowly).
What are the opening hours?
Generally 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM daily, but many shops close for lunch and on Friday afternoons for prayer. It's best to visit between 10 AM and 6 PM.
Is it safe to eat the street food near the market?
Yes, the grilled fish sandwiches (balık ekmek) from the boats at Eminönü are a local favorite and generally safe.
Are there restrooms inside the market?
There are public restrooms near the market entrance, but they may charge a small fee. Some cafes offer facilities for customers.
Can I use a credit card at the Spice Market?
Many shops accept credit cards, but it's wise to carry Turkish lira cash for small purchases and haggling.
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