Share this tour
Offered languages
- German
- English
- French
- Spanish
Unlike standard market visits, this private walking tour goes beyond the surface, offering rare access to the hidden courtyards and artisan workshops tucked within the Grand Bazaar and its surrounding Hans.
You’ll explore Zincirli Han, Kalcılar Han, and Astarlı Han—quiet, atmospheric spaces where time seems to pause and traditional crafts are still practiced by hand. With a knowledgeable local guide by your side, you’ll not only navigate the bustling Grand Bazaar and Spice Market with ease but also uncover centuries-old stories, meet local artisans at work, and gain a deeper appreciation for Istanbul’s role in the Silk Road and Ottoman trade.
It’s an immersive experience that blends history, culture, and craftsmanship, all in a personalized setting.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The guide can meet guests at their centrally located hotels or the meeting point. Pick-up with a van is only offered if the option is booked.
At the German Fountain, your guide will hold a board on which you will see our company logo, the same with which takes place on your ticket.
Itinerary
-
1Grand Bazaar
Commissioned by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461, the Grand Bazaar stands as one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world—often hailed as the world’s first shopping mall. As your guide brings its storied past to life, you’ll trace the evolution of this vibrant hub from an Ottoman trade center to the vast, maze-like marvel it is today. Winding through its bustling alleys, you’ll find yourself immersed in a living tapestry of tradition, where skilled artisans and craftsmen still practice age-old techniques passed down through generations. Step into hidden workshops and watch as delicate handiwork unfolds before your eyes—each piece a reflection of Istanbul’s enduring legacy of craft and culture.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
2Zincirli Han
As you venture deeper into the Grand Bazaar, you’ll step into the quiet courtyards of Zincirli Han, Kalcılar Han, and Astarlı Han—hidden gems that echo Istanbul’s mercantile soul. These historic Hans once hosted merchants and caravans along ancient trade routes. Today, they house a vibrant community of artisans, where coppersmiths, jewelers, and calligraphers still craft by hand, keeping Ottoman-era traditions alive amid the hum of the modern bazaar.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)
Step into the Spice Market, where Istanbul’s trading legacy comes alive in a swirl of scent and color. Built in the 17th century as part of the New Mosque complex, this bustling marketplace once stood at the crossroads of the spice trade between East and West. Today, its vaulted halls brim with fragrant stalls offering saffron, sumac, dried fruits, and teas—each one a sensory invitation to taste the soul of Ottoman culinary tradition.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The remaining 2 hours and 30 minutes will be allotted for the travel(walk) time between each attractions.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Top Searches
Get our app
