Carpets, Rugs and Kilims bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours 20 minutes

Mobile ticket

Explore the magic and wonder of Istanbul’s Vezirhan (which was used as a caravanserai), Grand Bazaar & Egyptian bazaar and hidden back streets of old city and see the shops where local people shop with this tour. Step into the golden ages of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires. Stroll the atmospheric neighborhoods and historic streets of old Istanbul.

Visit charming alleyways, browse the famous jewelery market, spice market and visit historic ‘han’ (caravanserai) which is an carpet, rug and kilim store today and appreciate their architecture, and much more.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Vezirhan Handmade Carpets & Klims

Vezir Han – Old Carpets, Kilims & Rugs han, one of the hidden gems of the Old City. Visit a Historic Caravanserai Step inside one of Istanbul’s hidden caravanserais, once a resting place for Silk Road merchants. Explore its courtyards and arches while learning about its history and the art traditions it preserved. This historic han dates back to the 17th century, built during the Ottoman period as a commercial center where merchants stayed, stored goods, and traded valuable items like silk, spices, and carpets. Today, it remains a living piece of history and one of the best places to see authentic antique carpets and kilims. Carpets in this region are much more than decoration—they are storytellers. Traditionally, carpets were woven by hand, often by women, and each piece reflects the weaver’s life, emotions, beliefs, and hopes.Vezirhan offers an exquisite collection of handwoven carpets and a remarkable variety of patterns and origins. Discover a treasure that art meets heritage.

1 hour 10 minutes • Admission Included

Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar - Having its own executive board, 15th century Grand Bazaar offers you a whole different world experience with its more than 4000 thousand shops inside. With many gates and side ones are welcoming you to its own wonderland. Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Its history goes back to the 15th century, shortly after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans. What began as a small trading area for valuable goods like silk and jewelry eventually grew into a massive complex with thousands of shops and dozens of streets. Bazaar is not just a market—it is the heart of commerce in the Ottoman Empire. Merchants were organized by trade, so each street had a specialty; gold, carpets, leather, ceramics, spices and more. Notice the arched ceilings, domes, and decorative details, which helps protect traders and customers from heat, rain, and fire. The bazaar also had its own rules, security, and closing hours—like a small city inside the city.

1 hour 10 minutes • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Entrance fee

Coffee and/or Tea

Private transportation

Brunch

Snacks

Lunch

Options