the back streets --- walking tour of the lively commercial district, from Grand Bazaar to the Spice Market;


Grand The Bazaar and the surrounding district was the heart of commerce in the city through centuries. This walk takes you to backstage of this old market venue, unknown to travelers.

We take the colorful back streets to the Spice Market. The market has the ambience of a true oriental bazaar. It was built to promote spice trade in the city, and it still serves essentially the same purpose.

Tour also includes a visit to the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificient, or Rustempasa Mosque, known for its fascinating tile decoration.

Although we cover the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, this is not a shopping tour. During the tour, you will see workshops where gold is melted, how artisans engrave on silver, as well as brokers that exchange thousands of dollars at the poor men’s stock market.

tour duration: approximately 4 hours
walking: easy to moderate

• entrance fees to sites and museums listed in the itinerary
• services of a certified SRM guide
• excludes personal expenses

• half day tour; USD 95.- per person
• %5 discount for readers of Rick Steves Istanbul book