
Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 31 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour worth booking?
Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour is a 4-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €50 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 31 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (31)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- €50 per person
Discover Istanbul’s timeless shopping culture on this elegant half-day experience. Wander through the fragrant lanes of the Spice Bazaar and explore the legendary Grand Bazaar, where centuries of craftsmanship come alive through fine jewelry, antiques, carpets and unique treasures. Along the way, your expert local guide will share insider stories and tips on finding authentic pieces. The experience also includes a visit to a traditional Iznik ceramics workshop, where master artisans create Turkey’s iconic blue-and-white tiles. You will also have the opportunity to visit Bilgins Outlet, featuring quality leather, carpets, jewellery, ceramics and bags at attractive prices. Limited to a maximum of 10 guests for a refined and personalized experience.
What you get
About this experience
Discover Istanbul’s timeless shopping culture on this elegant half-day experience. Wander through the fragrant lanes of the Spice Bazaar and explore the legendary Grand Bazaar, where centuries of craftsmanship come alive through fine jewelry, antiques, carpets and unique treasures. Along the way, your expert local guide will share insider stories and tips on finding authentic pieces. The experience also includes a visit to a traditional Iznik ceramics workshop, where master artisans create Turkey’s iconic blue-and-white tiles. You will also have the opportunity to visit Bilgins Outlet, featuring quality leather, carpets, jewellery, ceramics and bags at attractive prices. Limited to a maximum of 10 guests for a refined and personalized experience.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Grand Bazaar
Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenir. (Art demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets upon request)
90 minutes here · Admission included
Misir Carsisi
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers etc.
90 minutes here
Sultanahmet Square
Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Please be ready in front of The Marmara Hotel at Taksim Square at 09:30 and look for blue and white Midibus/Minivan with the logo of Plan Tours and Gray Line
Meeting point
Istanbul
Please be ready in front of TAMARA RESTAURANT at 09:30 and look for blue and white Midibus/Minivan with the logo of Plan Tours and Gray Line
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Please be ready in front of The Marmara Hotel at Taksim Square at 09:30 and look for blue and white Midibus/Minivan with the logo of Plan Tours and Gray Line
Ends at
Please be ready in front of TAMARA RESTAURANT at 09:30 and look for blue and white Midibus/Minivan with the logo of Plan Tours and Gray Line
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Plan Tours - Gray Line Turkey
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please note: When reconfirming your booking, your local supplier will advise you on alternative meeting points for hotels which are not accessible
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 31 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
31 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A treat for your senses
Beautiful and engaging to all senses. Got some amazing spices at good prices. Some tourist traps especially in gift shops But a must see and smell and feel experience
via Tripadvisor
Bazaars’
An absolutely fabulous experience with Aik our guide. He made Istanbul come alive. He was so knowledgeable on the history of Turkey and personable. We highly recommend the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market tour. You won’t be disappointed.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you had such a fabulous experience and that Aik made Istanbul come alive for you. His knowledge and personality are truly valued, and your kind words will mean a lot to him. It is also great to know that you enjoyed the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market tour and felt confident recommending it to others. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you again for another memorable experience in Istanbul. Warm regards, Plan Tours – Gray Line Turkey
via Viator
Amazing Cultural Shopping Experience
A wonderful intro to Turkish customs with excellent choices and suggestions for shopping. Ike made the Grand Bazaar a relaxing experience.
Response from the operator: We are so happy to hear your satisfaction with our tour. Your valuable thoughts are always very important to us. Have a great day
via Viator
A quick half Day shopping tour which good, but not enough.
The tour did not include hotel pick-up which was not convenient when you cannot speak the language but once we found each other, the guide Muriel did an excellent job of showing us the spice Bazaar, a Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. However, since was only a half day SHOPPING tour, the Mosque visit took too much time away from our limited shopping experience. Muriel spoke excellent English and tried to get us the areas of our interest, but the Bazaars are huge and takes more time than is available. Muriel directed us to authentic Turkish cuisine for lunch that was excellent.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your detailed and constructive feedback. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your time with our guide Muriel and that her knowledge, guidance, and recommendations—especially for lunch—enhanced your experience. Your kind words about her will be greatly appreciated. At the same time, we understand your comments regarding the duration and structure of the tour. As this is designed as a half-day program, time management between sightseeing and shopping can sometimes feel limited, especially in such large and vibrant areas like the Grand Bazaar. Your feedback regarding the mosque visit and shopping time is very valuable and will help us review and improve the balance of the itinerary. We also appreciate your note about hotel pick-up, and we will take this into consideration for future improvements. Thank you once again for your honest feedback, and we hope to welcome you again for a longer and even more fulfilling experience in Istanbul. Warm regards, Plan Tours – Gray Line Turkey
via Tripadvisor
Don't buy at the markets. Rip off and tea has bugs in it!
Prepare to be hassled and completely ripped off!! They are shameless and will completely rip you off. They also sexualise women. Would not advise being a solo woman traveller. And be careful buying tea from the spice bazzar. I had to throw all mine out when I got home as I found bugs all through it! Literally money thrown in the rubbish!
Response from the operator: Hello, On what date did you go on the tour, and what was your guide’s name? Since we couldn’t find a customer name that matches your nickname, we need more details to proceed. Could you please send us photos of the defective products and provide more details about your complaint regarding the attitude towards women?
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- €50 to €75
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Plan Tours - Gray Line Turkey, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.2.
See everything Plan Tours - Gray Line Turkey runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour cost?
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Prices start at €50 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 Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour take?
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Plan for about 4 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 Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 31 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour?
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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 Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour?
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Around 11 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour 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 Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour?
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Included: Local guide; Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Transport by air-conditioned vehicle. Not included: Gratuities; and Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 554 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, English and Spanish. 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 Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour?
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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 Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Please note: When reconfirming your booking, your local supplier will advise you on altern. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour 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 Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour?
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Across 31 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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