About this experience
A day at the Spice Market will be an adventure that will stimulate all five senses! Dive into a whirlpool of coffee, spices, and delicacies. Visit secret viewpoints, old tea houses, and beautiful mosques. Learn a few phrases in Turkish. And of course, make purchases that will not disappoint you: because at the Egyptian Market, there is literally EVERYTHING.
What to Expect
Colors and Aromas of the Bazaar. We will be your guides to the world of a real eastern bazaar. You can try olives and cheeses, choose spices and herbs. Admire the dishes, colorful glass lamps, delicate scarves, and other items. We will also teach you Turkish words to help you haggle at the bazaar and feel like a local!
Colorful Tea Houses and Coffee Shops. We will visit a tea house in an Armenian inn from the early 20th century, where a beautiful Art Nouveau staircase has been preserved. In one of the ancient coffee shops, we will try a drink made from wild pistachios. And, of course, taste authentic Turkish coffee.
Exquisite Mosques. To take a break from the hustle and bustle of the bazaar, we will visit two city mosques. You will appreciate the fine work of Ottoman masters, mother-of-pearl inlay, and elegantly painted Iznik ceramics.
That Special Cuisine. What will we treat ourselves to? Perhaps with a magnificent kebab from southeastern Turkey, a spicy soup, bulgur with pomegranate sauce? Or pide from a small bakery that has been delighting Istanbul residents for decades? For dessert, we'll try a pistachio dessert from southeastern Turkey, crunchy pumpkin with tahini sesame paste sauce, and künefe.
Eminönü: Stories from Around the World. On the way, you will hear about Istanbul's trading district where merchants from all over the world converged. About Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques, about Jews, Greeks, Armenians, Turks, and other residents of Constantinople.
And we will show you 2 secret spots - the ruins of an ancient Byzantine church and an observation deck overlooking the rooftops of the market!
Organizational Details
- Food expenses are not included in the tour price (it is advisable to take around 25 euros per person), but pleasant surprises from the guide await you
- During or after the walk, we will gladly share recommendations and life hacks: how to navigate the city, understand the transportation, where to buy what, where to eat, etc.
- Feel free to express your wishes before the tour. Whenever possible, the guide will definitely tailor it to your interests.
- I will conduct the tour for you or another guide from our team
- It is possible to conduct the tour for a larger number of participants for an additional fee - 30 euros/person
