Arasta Bazaar Istanbul
A charming, open-air market street behind the Blue Mosque, offering high-quality carpets, ceramics, and unique souvenirs in a relaxed atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Arasta Bazaar Istanbul
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, open-air market street behind the Blue Mosque, offering high-quality carpets, ceramics, and unique souvenirs in a relaxed atmosphere.
"Arasta Bazaar is a hidden gem for quality shopping without the overwhelming crowds of the Grand Bazaar."
🎯 Skip the Grand Bazaar Rush
For higher quality and fewer crowds, Arasta Bazaar is the better choice for shopping.
📍 Behind the Blue Mosque
Conveniently located right behind the Blue Mosque, making it easy to combine with sightseeing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Handcrafted Carpets
Various carpet shops
Discover exquisite, handcrafted carpets with intricate designs. A true taste of Turkish artistry.
Vibrant Ceramics
Ceramic shops
Colorful hand-painted ceramics, from intricate tiles to decorative bowls and plates.
Artisan Souvenirs
Various souvenir shops
Find unique, handmade souvenirs, including textiles, jewelry, and decorative items.
Planning Your Visit
Escape the Grand Bazaar Crowds
Prime Location for Souvenirs
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Skip the Grand Bazaar Rush
For higher quality and fewer crowds, Arasta Bazaar is the better choice for shopping.
📍 Behind the Blue Mosque
Conveniently located right behind the Blue Mosque, making it easy to combine with sightseeing.
💰 Affordable Luxury Finds
Discover unique gifts and souvenirs that offer affordable luxury.
🛍️ Great for Small Gifts
An excellent spot for picking up small, authentic gifts for friends and family.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Skip the Grand Bazaar Rush
For higher quality and fewer crowds, Arasta Bazaar is the better choice for shopping.
📍 Behind the Blue Mosque
Conveniently located right behind the Blue Mosque, making it easy to combine with sightseeing.
💰 Affordable Luxury Finds
Discover unique gifts and souvenirs that offer affordable luxury.
🛍️ Great for Small Gifts
An excellent spot for picking up small, authentic gifts for friends and family.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Arasta Bazaar for its high-quality goods, particularly carpets and ceramics, and its more relaxed, less crowded atmosphere compared to the Grand Bazaar. Its convenient location behind the Blue Mosque is a significant plus. Some find the prices slightly higher, but generally consider it good value for the quality offered.
"The Arasta Bazaar is located behind the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, a nice historical bazaar now holds shops for tourists. As told by a local, that the Arasta Bazaar was previously used for traders who came from far and wide for their horses and transport."
Hamid Mahmood
"SCAM . Loyaistanbul at No:23 . We walked in and the guy seemed very nice at first . He let us try everything we wanted and even lowered the price to what it sells it to the locals as he said , "removing the tourist price because of our Nationality(???)". In the end he asked us to give him 116 euro for 4 bugs of tea that were like 1kg max and 2 boxes of Turkish Delight. We managed to lower it to 80 but after the payment we realized that it was extremely overpriced. The shop is nowhere to be found on Maps and on social media has no activity at all"
John Foyt
"Lovely little market area right around the corner from the Blue Mosque. Found it a much nicer and more relaxed shopping experience than the Grand Bazaar (which to me was overwhelming). Many of the same items you would find there, maybe a few lira more for a few things (though not outrageous - many items the same price)."
Alyssa Becker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arasta Bazaar is conveniently located behind the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet. You can easily walk there from major Sultanahmet attractions like Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome. Trams (T1 line) to Sultanahmet stop are also a good option.
While both are famous Istanbul bazaars, Arasta Bazaar is a short walk from the Grand Bazaar, but it offers a distinctly different, more relaxed shopping experience.
The T1 tram line to the Sultanahmet stop is the most convenient public transport option. From there, it's a short walk to the bazaar.
Driving in the Sultanahmet area can be challenging due to traffic and limited parking. Public transport or walking is generally recommended.
Yes, its central location in Sultanahmet makes it very accessible for tourists exploring the historic peninsula.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Arasta Bazaar is an open-air market street and does not require an entrance ticket. You can wander freely.
Arasta Bazaar generally operates daily from morning until early evening, typically around 9 AM to 7 PM. However, hours can vary slightly by shop, so it's best to visit during daylight hours.
Yes, Arasta Bazaar is typically open on Sundays, offering a great opportunity for weekend visitors to explore.
There are no entrance fees to explore Arasta Bazaar. You only pay for the items you choose to purchase.
Most shops in Arasta Bazaar close around 7 PM, though some may stay open a bit later. It's advisable to plan your visit to allow ample time for browsing.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You can find a wide array of items including high-quality carpets, beautiful ceramics, traditional textiles, handmade jewelry, spices, and unique souvenirs.
Arasta Bazaar is often perceived as offering better value for money and more 'affordable luxury' compared to the Grand Bazaar, with a focus on quality.
Several shops specialize in authentic, handcrafted Turkish carpets. Look for shops with a good selection and knowledgeable staff to help you find the perfect piece.
Absolutely! Arasta Bazaar is ideal for finding unique, handcrafted gifts like ceramics, textiles, and small decorative items.
Bargaining is common in Turkish bazaars, including Arasta. While prices might be more fixed for some higher-end items, it's generally acceptable to negotiate, especially for multiple purchases.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Arasta Bazaar offers many picturesque spots with its colorful stalls, intricate crafts, and charming street views, especially with the Blue Mosque in the background.
Capture the vibrant displays of ceramics and textiles, the detailed patterns of carpets, and the overall atmosphere of the market street. The proximity to the Blue Mosque also provides stunning backdrops.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of shopkeepers or their specific merchandise.
Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour lighting, enhancing the colors of the goods and the ambiance of the bazaar.
It's polite to ask the shop owner for permission before taking photos inside their shop, especially if you are not making a purchase.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Consider visiting in the morning when it's quieter. Bring snacks and drinks, as while there are cafes, it's always good to have provisions for little ones. The proximity to the Blue Mosque also means you can easily combine a visit with a family-friendly sightseeing stop.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tip: Compare prices across a few shops before making a purchase. Visiting earlier in the day might also present better negotiation opportunities. Consider it an experience for unique gifts rather than mass-produced trinkets.
couples
Tip: Enjoy a leisurely browse, perhaps stopping for a traditional Turkish tea at one of the small cafes within or near the bazaar. It's a perfect spot for finding a special memento of your trip together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Arasta Bazaar Experience: A Relaxed Alternative
The bazaar is particularly renowned for its high-quality carpets and beautiful ceramics. You'll find shops offering a wide range of traditional Turkish rugs, from intricate kilims to more elaborate designs. The ceramic shops are equally impressive, showcasing hand-painted plates, bowls, tiles, and decorative items in vibrant colors and patterns. Beyond these specialties, Arasta Bazaar also offers a good selection of handmade souvenirs, textiles, and local crafts, making it a perfect spot to find unique mementos of your Istanbul trip.
+1Its prime location, just behind the iconic Blue Mosque, makes it incredibly convenient to visit. After exploring the mosque and its surroundings, a stroll through Arasta Bazaar offers a delightful way to wind down and perhaps find a special item to take home. The atmosphere is generally more relaxed, allowing for a more enjoyable browsing and bargaining experience.
+1Finding Authentic Treasures: What to Look For
Iznik-style ceramics are another must-see. These are often characterized by their vibrant cobalt blue, red, green, and white floral motifs. You can find everything from decorative plates and bowls to tiles and even larger decorative pieces. Similarly, textiles such as silk scarves, embroidered cushion covers, and traditional Turkish towels (peshtemal) are excellent choices for souvenirs.
Beyond these popular items, Arasta Bazaar also features shops selling spices, Turkish delight, olive oil products, and handmade jewelry. The key is to take your time, compare offerings from different vendors, and engage with the shopkeepers, who are often happy to share the story behind their products. Remember that while prices can be competitive, the focus here is often on quality and authenticity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit