Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar worth booking?
Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar is a 3.3-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $63 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (11)
- Duration
- 3.3 hours
- From
- $63 per person
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 you get
About this experience
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
Included
- Entrance fees
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Private transportation
- Brunch
- Snacks
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
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.
70 minutes here · Admission included
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.
70 minutes here · Admission included
Misir Carsisi
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 here · Admission included
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 here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
We'll meet near the ''Çemberlitaş'' tram station, next to the Constatins Column.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends in front of Egyptian bazaar (spice market) near Galata bridge.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- magic doors of istanbul
Know before you go
- 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
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
11 verified traveler reviews for Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great way to Explore local spots in the bazaars and back yards
Exploring the Carpet shop, Grand bazaar, spice bazaar and hidden back streets was amazing. The Grand bazaar was fascinating with its beautiful architecture, historic lanes traditional shops and lively atmosphere. İt is very easy to get lost in the Grand bazaar. Compare to the spice bazaar Grand bazaar was much biger then spice bazaar. Discovering hidden back streets where local people get their needs and having turkish coffee at the best place was great. Higly recommended.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re delighted that you enjoyed exploring the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, carpet shop, and the hidden back streets of Istanbul. It’s always a pleasure to show our guests the local side of the city, away from the usual tourist routes. We’re especially happy that you enjoyed the Turkish coffee and the atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar. Thank you for your kind recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back to Istanbul for another memorable experience.
via Tripadvisor
Worth 3 hours tour around bazaars and hidden streets
I had wonderful time exploring Istanbul's Grand bazaar and Egyptian bazaar and the carpet and kilim shop was definitely one of the highlights. Exploring back hidden streets where local people get their needs was wonderful. it was fascinating to learn about the history, patterns, colors and craftsmanship behind Turkish carpets and kilims rather than simply looking at them as souvenirs. I had chance to try some local snacks , tea and Turkish coffee aswell. Higly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring the Grand Bazaar, Egyptian Bazaar, and especially the carpet and kilim shop. It’s great to know that learning about the history, patterns, colors, and craftsmanship made the experience more meaningful for you. We’re also happy you enjoyed discovering the hidden streets and trying some local snacks, Turkish tea, and coffee along the way. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Istanbul for another memorable experience.!
via Tripadvisor
A fantastic tour around the bazaars
Exploring the Rugs, Carpets and Kilims Bazaar, Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar, and the hidden back streets between them was one of the highlights of our trip. The Grand Bazaar is full of history, beautiful shops, colorful lanterns, carpets, ceramics, and jewelry, while the Egyptian Bazaar delights your senses with the aromas of spices, Turkish delights, teas, and dried fruits. What made the experience even more special was wandering through the hidden back streets, where local people stop in and get needs. we discovered traditional workshops, local markets, and small family run shops that we would never have found on our own. It felt like stepping into the authentic side of Istanbul. The mix of history, local culture, and friendly shopkeepers made this an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend exploring both bazaars and the charming hidden streets connecting them.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re delighted to hear that exploring the Grand Bazaar, Egyptian Bazaar, Rugs, Carpets and Kilims Bazaar, and the hidden back streets was such a memorable highlight of your trip. It was a pleasure showing you the authentic side of Istanbul, away from the usual tourist paths, and we’re glad you enjoyed discovering the local markets, traditional workshops, and family-run shops along the way. We truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation. We hope to welcome you back to Istanbul again for more hidden gems, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences.
via Tripadvisor
Brilliant orientation tour into the bazaars and hidden back streets in the old city
Visiting the Rugs, Carpets and Kilims Bazaar, The historic heart of Istanbul was a fascinating maze of markets, narrow streets, workshops, and centuries old buildings. Exploring the area and around the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market offers a glimpse into the city's rich trading heritage and everyday local Walking through the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, and the surrounding hidden back streets was more than a shopping experience. it was a journey through the living history of Istanbul, where centuries of commerce, culture, and tradition continue to thrive.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review. We're delighted that you enjoyed exploring the Rugs, Carpets, and Kilims Bazaar, along with the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. The historic markets and hidden back streets truly offer a unique glimpse into Istanbul's rich heritage, culture, and traditions. We're glad the experience felt like a journey through the city's living history and that you appreciated the authentic atmosphere beyond the main tourist paths. We hope to welcome you back for more discoveries in Istanbul in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Great Tour!
We had an excellent time exploring the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market! Our guide brought us to some wonderful places - both on and off the beaten path. In such a touristic area, this was a great way to see and experience an amazing part of Istanbul!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar with us. It's great to know that the mix of iconic sights and hidden gems helped make your experience special and authentic. We truly appreciate your kind words about your guide and are happy that you were able to discover a unique side of Istanbul's rich culture and history. Thank you for recommending us, and we hope to welcome you back for another memorable adventure in Istanbul! 😊🙏
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by magic doors of istanbul, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.6.
See everything magic doors of istanbul runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar cost?
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Prices start at $63 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar take?
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Plan for about 3.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.
Is Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 11 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 3.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
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On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar?
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Included: Entrance fees; and Tea and coffee. Not included: Private transportation; Brunch; Snacks; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar?
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We'll meet near the ''Çemberlitaş'' tram station, next to the Constatins Column. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar?
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Across 11 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, good for families. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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