Arasta Bazaar

Shopping mall · Sultan Ahmet ·

Arasta Bazaar

Shopping mall · Sultan Ahmet ·

Spices, pottery, rugs, scarves, jewelry, ceramics, tea

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Sultan Ahmet, Mimar Mehmet Ağa Cd. No:2, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye Get directions

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,699 Cities

"One-Stop Shopping at Arasta 79 The very chill owner of Arasta 79 has one of the best shops in Istanbul . Ikat scarves, knotted silk jewelry strung with chunky jewels, delicate crochet strings of flowers, pestemals (traditional Turkish bath towels) in every weave and color, and bright Suzani and Uzbeki ceramics. If you have time for only one stop within Arasta Bazaar, this should be it."

The Best Shopping in Istanbul

Arasta Bazaar

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,699 Cities

The Best Bazaars in Istanbul

Arasta Bazaar

Nino D.

Google

I love this bazaar!!! Low key and less busy than the Grand Bazaar! And you can find beautiful things that you won’t see somewhere else in Istanbul! I found a lot of beautiful gifts and souvenirs and even jewelry for myself!

Michele R.

Google

Right behind the Blue Mosque, not as known as the Grand Bazaar, but better in my opinion (less hectic). Here, I had a much more relaxed visit to the shops. I also found a little shop selling (silver) Jewelry. The owner was very kind and not pushing us for buying at all costs. The name of the place is Doruk Art Gallery, I took a picture of the entrance. Here we found some lovely (silver) necklaces with a nazar 🧿. The price was very reasonable. I paid with card and the correct (agreed) price was charged, no hidden overcharges or other tricks. I recommend paying a visit.

noel M.

Google

The Arasta Bazaar in Istanbul offers a calmer alternative to the city’s larger markets. The first thing you notice is the line of stone arches filled with carpets, ceramics, and spices, with the scent of herbs drifting through the walkway. It’s quieter than the Grand Bazaar, and the shopkeepers are friendly without being pushy, which makes browsing easier. Prices are on the higher side and the bazaar is small, so the selection is limited compared to bigger markets. Still, its historic setting and relaxed atmosphere make it a pleasant stop while exploring Sultanahmet.

Ron Gustaveson (Ron G.

Google

This is the nicest Bazaar in Istanbul. We purchased a Turkish Rug and some Turkish tea here. There are bathrooms here that are kept nice but do cost money to use.

Kasia K.

Google

I liked this bazaar way more than Grand Bazaar or Egyptian Bazaar. I was looking for handicrafts and found a few shops selling really nice items, not the popular souvenir types. Very nice galleries with paintings, sculptures, porcelain, hand painted. I didn't try any other shops like sweets, I guess here they are too expensive. But since it was difficult to find a proper handicraft, this place was a relief. Got great items at reasonable prices, the staff was kind and professional.

Nadja P.

Google

I didn't buy anything there but I liked the atmosphere much more as at the Great Bazaar. It was calm, not so crowded and we could just have a look at stuff without having the shop owners talking us into something.

Abdul A.

Google

Small market behind blue mosque & close Hagia Sophia mosque. Less hectic than Grand bazaar you find most things in this market only downside is less shop.

Malcolm Y.

Google

2025: Skipped this market on the first visit, but got to walked through on the second. Wasn't really anything worth purchasing, the same teas, rugs and wares as the Grand Bazaar, with somethings being even more pricey. **

Jo S.

Yelp

My favorite Bazaar in Istanbul, situated near the Blue Mosque, easy to find, look for signs! I found it (read about it before) in my first day in Istanbul, checked it out and I like it on the spot. After visiting the crazy Grand Bazaar and the Spice/Egyptian Bazaar, I liked the Arasta even more. Why? It's small, but it has enough shops, far from crowded, you don't get hassled for Istanbul norms, the merchandise is more varied, better quality, reasonable prices. This is where we came daily and got gifts for family, friends, for ourselves, found cute souvenirs. More relaxed shopping atmosphere, there some restaurants around as well if you need a bite or a piece of baklava. Great bazaar, nice shopping experience, more fun and calmer!

Cassandra H.

Yelp

I felt this was totally overrated. The shop keepers leered at me and I was very uncomfortable. If you dared go into one of the shops it was always very aggressive selling techniques. There were some beautiful items on display but I didn't dare stop for too long.

Alison M.

Yelp

I loved this small Bazaar near to the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. It has a great assortment of shops with friendly shopkeepers. You can find most anything you want here and it is nowhere near as crowded as the Grand Bazaar. We visited almost every day just to browse and find some goodies here. We got scarves, Turkish delights, pottery and tiles and a few gifts for friends.

Donna B.

Yelp

I been in several of Istanbul's bazaars. This is a great smaller one next to the Blue Mosque. It's not a huge maze. It's kinda like a bazaar in strip mall form. A single open air hall with no side alleys. The area is clean. The hall quite wide. It has the usual shops, yet seems a step up from the other bazaars. Spices, teas, shirt souvenirs, trinket souvenirs and baklava. Better Turkish linens and clothes are here. As well as higher end art galleries for rugs, pictures and glassware. Located a few steps from the Blue Mosque, it can be easily missed. The Mosaic Museum is located here. The sign can be a little tricky to see. But any shopkeeper will tell you the right turn to make to find it.

Heennaa M.

Yelp

Very cool small bazaar near the Blue Mosque. Most of the shopkeepers speak English and there is a nice restaurant there too. They have a few jewelry stores and some shops for fake designer handbags. Lord of souvenirs.

Donna S.

Yelp

Nice area in Istanbul to buy souvenirs, spices, silk/cashmere scarves, trinkets etc. nice outdoor restaurants and live venues. Enjoyed walking around and taking in the scenery.

Alexander H.

Yelp

Shop without any hassle A nice little bazaar. It's just one little street, but nicely done. It's open every day until the evening (we passed it always around 9pm - still open). There are the usual spice and turkish delight shops, but also lots of art and crafts shops. Many selling scarfs....but of higher quality with more interesting designs then other bazaars. The best part of it is, is the fact that it's hassle-free. You can roam around the area without being stopped every two seconds. Vendors here are friendly, good for a chat but not pushy. It's just a street away from the Blue Mosque....but seems to be overlooked a bit. We came here several times....it was always pretty empty. Too bad...

Oby O.

Yelp

This was the best part of coming to blue mosque for me. It's right beside the mosque. I loved their scarfs. I should add two more "loved, loved". It's definitely a place to come to if you want scarves, don't want to be overwhelmed by crowds and want great quality. It's a tiny place though so don't expect a bazar bazar like I was expecting

Maria G.

Yelp

Arasta Bazar is an absolute delight! I don't do well in a large crowd so this was a very refreshing experience compared to the Grand Bazar. It is very conveniently located behind Blue Mosque. I love all the little shops with their abundance of scarf and jewelry. I did all my shopping here. I miss you Istanbul!

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,699 Cities

The Best Shopping in Istanbul

Arasta Bazaar

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,699 Cities

The Best Bazaars in Istanbul

Arasta Bazaar

Nino D.

Google

Michele R.

Google

noel M.

Google

Ron Gustaveson (Ron G.

Google

This is the nicest Bazaar in Istanbul. We purchased a Turkish Rug and some Turkish tea here. There are bathrooms here that are kept nice but do cost money to use.

Kasia K.

Google

Nadja P.

Google

Abdul A.

Google

Small market behind blue mosque & close Hagia Sophia mosque. Less hectic than Grand bazaar you find most things in this market only downside is less shop.

Malcolm Y.

Google

Jo S.

Yelp

Cassandra H.

Yelp

Alison M.

Yelp

Donna B.

Yelp

Heennaa M.

Yelp

Donna S.

Yelp

Nice area in Istanbul to buy souvenirs, spices, silk/cashmere scarves, trinkets etc. nice outdoor restaurants and live venues. Enjoyed walking around and taking in the scenery.

Alexander H.

Yelp

Oby O.

Yelp

Maria G.

Yelp

Arasta Bazaar

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