ISTANBUL · THE OLD CITY
The pick of Istanbul.
The 15 most popular grand bazaar tours in Istanbul. A short list of the ones worth planning a day around, with prices, run times and who to book with.
Rooftop views and secret passages in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, with artisan stops, tea, and 600-year trade stories.
Most Popular“Loved this tour! So much information and detail and so many different perspectives of the Bazaar. Just one word of warning, it’s not for those who aren’t agile as mountain goats!”
See Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Istanbul’s Old City highlights on a small guided walking tour with skip-the-line ticket help and pickup.
“Our guide was great! He gave all the basic facts plus a bunch of interesting and humorous commentary. I felt like the amount of time in each place was perfect. If you have a very short time in Istanbul, this is the most efficient way to see the most essential things.”
Hotel pickup, Spice Bazaar shopping, and a Bosphorus cruise past palaces on both continents in about 3 hours.
“For the most part, this tour provided interesting venues. I particularly disliked the stop at a specific spice store which was over-priced.”
A smart 5-hour Istanbul walk that links Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar with skip-line access and an excellent guide.
“Fantastic tour, well worth the cost to have Oz (not the right spelling sorry!) tell us stories and show us all the best parts of the attractions. He was funny and knowledgeable and happy to answer all our questions as well as giving recommendations for other places to see. No queuing despite the crowds was…”
Air-conditioned Istanbul tour with pickup, skip-the-line Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar in 4 hours for $25.
“Great tour, perfect length to get you oriented and familiar with Grand Bazaar too.”
A 5.5-hour small-group Istanbul Bazaar Quarter food tour with two meals, snacks, and a stop focused on Grand Bazaar craftsmen.
“Wow - I can wholeheartedly say, this is a must do activity while in Istanbul. I have done many food tours which have all been amazing, but this is hands down the best I have ever done (by far). Kadir is an incredible, kind and knowledgeable guide and it was amazing to be able to…”
Half-day Istanbul tour featuring the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar, with pickup and Hagia Sophia entry.
“Jon was the best guide I ever had. Very knowledgeable, fluent, kind, and thoughtful. Gave us an excellent tour. Took very good care of us. Very willing to give us extra info and adapt tour to our interests.”
A half-day Istanbul tour linking four empires through Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar, with optional carpet stops.
“This tour was quite a bit of a disappointment. The visit to Hagia Sophia was a nice visit and the only real saving grace of the tour. However one should be aware that the time the guide shares information about the place is NOT substantial, and you are then left to your own devices. In…”
Make your own Turkish mosaic lamp in the Grand Bazaar. Hands-on workshop, tea and coffee included, with a take-home fee at the spot.
“Fantastic and one of a kind experience with a charismatic host. We did it last minute due to having a few hours to spare in the area and do not regret it one bit.”
Small-group Istanbul highlights tour covering Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome sights, and Grand Bazaar, with local context and smart pacing.
“Great tour with great tour guide. Istanbul is great and the people. Blue mosque so beautiful. Highly recommend”
See Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar in a 3-hour small-group morning with skip-the-line tickets and hotel pickup.
“Book the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia separately and do the Bazaar on your own.”
Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman highlights in one guided day: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar.
“It was okay. The day we went for the tour was so chaotic due to protest going on. The bus company let us stay in the stop with all the huge crowd making me nervous. They should rerouted their tours knowing the event for the safety of their customers. Staying in the bus for 1.5…”
A guided 4-hour shopping loop through Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar, with smart haggling tips and an Iznik ceramics stop.
“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.”
Bosphorus cruise with Golden Horn views and a guided Spice Bazaar visit in Istanbul, with hotel pickup and a 1.5-hour boat ride.
“La guida è stata molto competente gentile e disponibile. Bella la crociera …”
Half-day Bosphorus cruise plus the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. See the bridge, Rumeli Hisari, Ottoman waterfront mansions, and shop smarter with a guide.
From the strait to the old city to the day trips beyond, and every way to see them.
