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Historical Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar-Private Tour

Carpet shopping with expert

Grand Bazaar inside

Grand Bazaar outside

Grand Bazaar Rug shop

Grand Bazaar Rug shopping

Grand Bazaar Handbags

Grand Bazaar handbag shopping

Grand Bazaar Leather coats

Grand Bazaar ceramics

Grand Bazaar lamps

Grand Bazaar scarves silk and cashmere

Grand Bazaar silk scarves

Spice Bazaar outside

Spice Bazaar inside

Spice Bazaar inside shopping

Spice Bazaar organic spices

Spice Bazaar herbal teas

Spice Bazaar Turkish delights

Spice Bazaar Turkish delight with nuts

Spice Bazaar Saffron best

Spice Bazaar Silk Ikat Velvetica

Spice Bazaar Silk Ikat Totebags Velvetica

Spice Bazaar Silk Ikat handbags Velvetica

Private tour guide Ali Y.

Historical Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar-Private Tour

Shopping

Joined 2020

Ali Y.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Istanbul

English

4 hours

Private tour (only you and Ali Y.)

Up to 10 people

Discover the vibrant heart of Istanbul with a private 4-hour tour of the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. Enjoy a personalized shopping experience as your expert guide leads you through historic market streets filled with handmade rugs, ceramics, leather goods, spices, Turkish delight, and more. Perfect for shoppers who want trusted recommendations, fair pricing, and a relaxed, stress-free visit to Istanbul’s most iconic bazaars.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:30 AM

Meeting Point

In front of McDonalds at Sultanahmet tour area ( Near the Grand Bazaar)

- In front of Mc Donalds at Divanyolu caddesi No 15 Sultanahmet. The street where the tram passes in Sultanahmet. Coming by tram; get off at Sultanahmet and walk 3 minutes to the meeting point. Private hotel pick up and drop off with transportation available at an extra cost.. please contact.

09:30 AM

Meeting & Greeting

Meet your guide at the designated meeting point to discuss and plan your tour. Please share your interests and let your guide know what you would like to see and shop for.

10:00 AM

Grand Bazaar - Carpet shopping

Discover the magic of Istanbul’s most iconic marketplaces with an exclusive carpet shopping experience designed for curious travelers and serious collectors alike. Guided by a seasoned rug expert, you’ll explore hidden corners of the Grand Bazaar, learn how handmade Turkish carpets are crafted, understand the differences in quality and value, and visit trusted ateliers known only to insiders. This personalized tour ensures you shop with confidence, enjoy transparent pricing, and find the perfect piece to bring home.

12:30 PM

Spice Bazaar - Saffron and Turkish delights

Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, aromas, and flavors of Istanbul’s historic Spice Bazaar. Led by an expert local guide, this curated experience introduces you to the finest Turkish delights, saffron, organic herbal teas, dried fruits, nuts, and traditional spices sourced from reputable vendors. Learn the stories behind each product, discover how to identify authentic quality, and enjoy a personalized shopping journey through one of the city’s most enchanting markets. Perfect for food lovers, culture seekers, and anyone wanting to bring a taste of Turkey home.

Ending Point

Tour will end around the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Guide fee only

What‘s not included

Hotel pick up and drop off with transportation at an extra cost( let me know if necessary)

Gratuity

Tour Important Information

* This is a private walking tour lasting about 4 hours.

* Comfortable shoes are recommended, as both bazaars involve walking and standing.

* The tour takes place in busy, crowded areas—keep personal belongings secure.

* No purchases are required; you only buy if you choose to.

* If you want to shop for specific items (rugs, ceramics, leather, spices), please inform me in advance so I can plan the best route.

* Trusted, reputable shops will be visited—no pressure, no tourist traps.

* Prices in the bazaars can vary; I will help you negotiate fair prices if needed.

* The tour is customizable based on your interests and preferred pace.

* Not recommended for guests with severe knee or back issues due to the walking involved.

* The tour is not wheelchair accessible.

*IMPORTANT: The Historical Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and during religious holidays. The Spice Bazaar is open 7 days a week.

everyday except for Sunday because Grand bazaar is closed on Sundays

Important message from the supplier

I am quite flexible to work with, so please feel free to contact me for any last-minute bookings. I will confirm your request based on my availability. All of my tours are fully customizable according to your interests. We can focus on shopping, food, museums, or simply explore the city on foot.

I am based in Istanbul, but I also organize tours in Cappadocia and Ephesus. I can personally guide your tours if my travel expenses are covered.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2020

Ali Y.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Ali Y.

Born and raised in Istanbul...%100 Turkish.. I am a licensed tour guide and travel expert. As the founder of Ali's Protravel & Tours, I’m passionate about creating unforgettable cultural and personalized tours across Istanbul and Turkey. I’m also a rug enthusiast and the author of Buying Oriental Rugs - Revealing All the Secrets. Helping guests find their dream rug through my trusted local connections is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Beyond tours, I love exploring politics, religious history, good food, and traveling. When not working, you’ll find me at the gym (balancing my love for baklava) or photographing flowers in city parks.