Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar

3 hours 20 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Explore the magic and wonder of Istanbul’s Vezirhan (which was used as a caravanserai), Grand Bazaar & Egyptian bazaar and hidden back streets of old city and see the shops where local people shop with this tour. Step into the golden ages of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires. Stroll the atmospheric neighborhoods and historic streets of old Istanbul.
Visit charming alleyways, browse the famous jewelery market, spice market and visit historic ‘han’ (caravanserai) which is an carpet, rug and kilim store today and appreciate their architecture, and much more.

What's Included

Entrance fee
Coffee and/or Tea
Private transportation
Brunch
Snacks
Lunch

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Çemberlitaş

We'll meet near the ''Çemberlitaş'' tram station, next to the Constatins Column.

End point
Egyptian Bazaar

The tour ends in front of Egyptian bazaar (spice market) near Galata bridge.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Vezirhan Handmade Carpets & Klims

    Vezir Han – Old Carpets, Kilims & Rugs han, one of the hidden gems of the Old City. Visit a Historic Caravanserai Step inside one of Istanbul’s hidden caravanserais, once a resting place for Silk Road merchants. Explore its courtyards and arches while learning about its history and the art traditions it preserved. This historic han dates back to the 17th century, built during the Ottoman period as a commercial center where merchants stayed, stored goods, and traded valuable items like silk, spices, and carpets. Today, it remains a living piece of history and one of the best places to see authentic antique carpets and kilims. Carpets in this region are much more than decoration—they are storytellers. Traditionally, carpets were woven by hand, often by women, and each piece reflects the weaver’s life, emotions, beliefs, and hopes.Vezirhan offers an exquisite collection of handwoven carpets and a remarkable variety of patterns and origins. Discover a treasure that art meets heritage.

    1 hour 10 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Grand Bazaar

    Grand Bazaar - Having its own executive board, 15th century Grand Bazaar offers you a whole different world experience with its more than 4000 thousand shops inside. With many gates and side ones are welcoming you to its own wonderland. Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Its history goes back to the 15th century, shortly after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans. What began as a small trading area for valuable goods like silk and jewelry eventually grew into a massive complex with thousands of shops and dozens of streets. Bazaar is not just a market—it is the heart of commerce in the Ottoman Empire. Merchants were organized by trade, so each street had a specialty; gold, carpets, leather, ceramics, spices and more. Notice the arched ceilings, domes, and decorative details, which helps protect traders and customers from heat, rain, and fire. The bazaar also had its own rules, security, and closing hours—like a small city inside the city.

    1 hour 10 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)

    Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar) - we arrive at the Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar. This market was built in the 17th century and became the center of the spice trade in Istanbul. Its name comes from the fact that many spices and goods arrived through Egypt, which was an important province of the Ottoman Empire. The moment you enter, you’ll notice the rich aromas—cinnamon, cumin, saffron, sumac, dried fruits, nuts, and herbs. Spices were once extremely valuable, used not only for flavor but also for medicine, preservation, and perfumes. Beyond spices, the bazaar is famous for Turkish delight, teas, dried fruits, honey, and natural products. Many shops here are family-run and have been operating for generations, preserving traditional recipes and knowledge. This bazaar is smaller and more focused than the Grand Bazaar, making it easier to explore. It reflects a different side of Istanbul—more sensory, colorful, and aromatic—where food culture and daily life come together

    25 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4

    Eminönü Çarşısı, Stroll through the vibrant backstreets of Eminönü, a hidden world of textile shops, traditional kitchenware, copper items where locals do shopping. Discover where locals get their needs away from the tourist crowds. Try a turkish coffee at backyard of a very famous coffee shop

    20 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by magic doors of istanbul

Tags

Half-day Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Small Group
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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