Arasta Bazaar
Arasta Bazaar
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The area
Neighbourhood: Sultanahmet
With so many unmissable attractions within a mere stroll of each other – and all set around the site of an ancient Byzantine hippodrome – Sultanahmet is an overwhelmingly popular tourist destination, and a prime location for visitors to be wowed on a truly epic scale. Beyond the wonders of the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and more, this relatively small area of Istanbul somehow manages to retain an air of peace and calm. It offers visitors a significantly less celebrated but nonetheless pleasant network of quaint lanes and side streets, majestic panoramas of the Bosphorus, and an impressive assortment of accommodation options for all budgets and tastes.
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Restaurants
4,578 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,126 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- TS71London, United Kingdom7 contributionsNot such a delight after allBeautiful Bazaar… I got some Turkish Delights from Arasta Bazaar (Pasalar Diamond) and ended up not being such a delight after all. Who charges £255 for a box of them and a box of baclavas and four little bags of tea? Well a shop at the Arasta Bazaar does and who pays fo it? I did… 😔Visited April 2023Travelled soloWritten 18 April 2023
- Barbara RNew York City, New York7 contributionsCalmer, more curated shopping experience than Grand BazaarI really like buying things at Arasta Bazaar because it's calmer, smaller and more premium than the Grand Bazaar. It’s a curated set of about 80 shops with the types of things I like to buy, including flat-weave Turkish towels & blankets in a range of pretty colors, pillow covers, tiles & ceramics, handbags and jewelry. The setting in the old stables is very pretty. As a bonus, while shopping here, we stumbled upon the lovely Museum of Great Palace Mosaics which is located underground from the bazaar.Visited March 2023Written 18 April 2023
- Rebecca FAlabama40 contributionsGallery Desen Carpet and Kilims A Must Visit in Arasta BazaarWe shopped a number of carpet and kilim shops in the Sultan Ahmet area but returned to Gallery Desen in the Arasta Bazaar to make our purchases. Desen had the most attractive, uninflated, prices; their selection was ample and of good quality; and, most pleasantly, the staff was low key. Desen's knowledgeable and cordial staff member,Loai, gave us comfortable space to browse while also being helpful to answer questions or point us in the right direction. He very kindly held several pieces for us overnight while we made our decision. We quickly agreed on a price. The entire experience was first rate and we are happy with our purchases. Highly recommend Loai and Gallery Desen.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 May 2023
- Lacie FlojitaSalt Lake City, Utah258 contributionsCute place to look for souvenirs.A rasta bazaar is a small area with lots of cute shops. It is a much different experience than the Grand Bazaar or the Spice Bazaar. The area is smaller and well as the crowds. It’s a nice place to shop for souvenirs.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 June 2023
- Bill SGrand Rapids, Minnesota274 contributionsJust rightAlthough one sees the same six shops wherever one goes (spice, Turkish delight, dish ware, rugs, trinkets, shoes), this place is pleasant and quiet, without the bothersome shopkeepers bugging you. It’s peaceful and fun. We made our minimal purchases here, away from the hustle and bustle.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 September 2023
- SteveBPaignton, United Kingdom890 contributionsClassy Boutique BazarWe discovered this Bazar relatively close to our hotel and not far from the Hippodrome. It's a newer construction and has a lot of good quality small shops and well worth a browse. As you would expect there are a lot of restaurants and cafes surrounding it to consider your purchases!!Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 September 2023
- TraveltoendofearthUnited States51 contributionsClean, quiet and right next to the Blue Mosque.Quiet bazaar right next to the Blue Mosque. Didnt encounter pushy salespeople at all. They were open late (many sites were open till 9pm) on Sunday even though the internet says they close at 7pm. If you have a rental car, there is plenty of parking nearby.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 November 2023
- Dirk WAlexandra Headland, Australia6,464 contributionsSurprise findTo be honest, I just stumbled on this bazaar by walking around the Blue Mosque. Not as well known as Grand and Egyptian Bazaars, Arasta is 1 long street of well presented shops selling good quality stuff. Nice, quiet and very pleasant.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 30 November 2023
- DrArunAgrawalNoida, India772 contributionsNice place to shop for Turkish productsVeey nice place to shop for the best of Turkish products at afforrdable prices located right at the entrance to the famed Sultanahmet Square . Not so crowded as Grand Bazar is, and much smaller in size . Visit highly recommended .Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
881 reviews
Excellent
351
Very good
371
Average
128
Poor
14
Terrible
17
starlightShanghai
Victoria, Canada3,689 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
Adjacent to the Blue Mosque, the Arasta Bazaar is a small laidback bazaar. It’s basically one long corridor, with shops on either side selling a variety of Turkish products: spices, sweets, scarves, souvenirs, jewellery, rugs, etc. At either end, there are cafes/refreshment stops, with lanes leading off to various other shops and to the Blue Mosque.
It doesn’t have the frenetic ambience of the Grand Bazaar, but, of course, it’s only a fraction of the size of the Grand Bazaar. Merchants are friendly, but not ‘high pressure’. Makes for a very relaxing experience.
It doesn’t have the frenetic ambience of the Grand Bazaar, but, of course, it’s only a fraction of the size of the Grand Bazaar. Merchants are friendly, but not ‘high pressure’. Makes for a very relaxing experience.
Written 3 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DrArunAgrawal
Noida, India772 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Veey nice place to shop for the best of Turkish products at afforrdable prices located right at the entrance to the famed Sultanahmet Square . Not so crowded as Grand Bazar is, and much smaller in size . Visit highly recommended .
Written 25 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dirk W
Alexandra Headland, Australia6,464 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
To be honest, I just stumbled on this bazaar by walking around the Blue Mosque. Not as well known as Grand and Egyptian Bazaars, Arasta is 1 long street of well presented shops selling good quality stuff. Nice, quiet and very pleasant.
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveltoendofearth
United States51 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Quiet bazaar right next to the Blue Mosque. Didnt encounter pushy salespeople at all. They were open late (many sites were open till 9pm) on Sunday even though the internet says they close at 7pm. If you have a rental car, there is plenty of parking nearby.
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScotAlberta
Sherwood Park, Canada665 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Same stores, same merchandise, no crowds, less pressure than grand Bazaar. Hidden directly below Blue Mosque. Highly recommend.
Written 16 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeanette611
Bear, DE29 contributions
May 2023 • Family
I absolutely loved it. I was not a tea drinker at all….until I tried the tea there it was delicious. Mulberry, Watermelon, Pomegranate and Ginger Peach all natural no sugar needed. Reordering some now 😋
Written 12 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveB
Paignton, UK890 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We discovered this Bazar relatively close to our hotel and not far from the Hippodrome.
It's a newer construction and has a lot of good quality small shops and well worth a browse. As you would expect there are a lot of restaurants and cafes surrounding it to consider your purchases!!
It's a newer construction and has a lot of good quality small shops and well worth a browse. As you would expect there are a lot of restaurants and cafes surrounding it to consider your purchases!!
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill S
Grand Rapids, MN274 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Although one sees the same six shops wherever one goes (spice, Turkish delight, dish ware, rugs, trinkets, shoes), this place is pleasant and quiet, without the bothersome shopkeepers bugging you. It’s peaceful and fun. We made our minimal purchases here, away from the hustle and bustle.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Passenger26916268725
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Couples
Overall Istanbul is beautiful and great people.
However, beware of Arasta Bazar turkish delight shop which is opposite of Cafe Mesale (i believe it is called Mesale Spice). People at this place will scam and trick you into buying expensive turkish delights. We ended up paying for supposedly $250 worth of turkish delights at the end. The person at the shop would not tell us the price and started packing the boxes of turkish delights (Packed it to the point that you can't fit anymore into the box). we asked how much was the price and said it is by weight but still would not tell the price and we ended up paying $250. I would recommend if you want to go there, get the price in advance or avoid going that turkish delights from this shop.
However, beware of Arasta Bazar turkish delight shop which is opposite of Cafe Mesale (i believe it is called Mesale Spice). People at this place will scam and trick you into buying expensive turkish delights. We ended up paying for supposedly $250 worth of turkish delights at the end. The person at the shop would not tell us the price and started packing the boxes of turkish delights (Packed it to the point that you can't fit anymore into the box). we asked how much was the price and said it is by weight but still would not tell the price and we ended up paying $250. I would recommend if you want to go there, get the price in advance or avoid going that turkish delights from this shop.
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iqbal M
115 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
This is a central Bazaar. So if you don’t want to go to the Grand Bazaar and get ripped off, or go to the Egyptian Bazaar ( my favourite) and stay in Sultanamet, then fine. It is more expensive but quaint.
We bought a necklace for a few UK pounds.
And had a nice walk through it as we were local.
We bought a necklace for a few UK pounds.
And had a nice walk through it as we were local.
Written 4 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geoffrey R
5 contributions
Can you barter at most shops or are they fixed prices.
Thanks.
Regards.
Wineaux FromAlexandria
Alexandria, VA638 contributions
You have to barter. If you pay more than 1/2 of the original ask -- with a goal of 1/3 -- you paid too much.
We bought a silk rug for $500. The original ask was $4000. And, we still likely paid too much.
Lisa N
1 contribution
Where, in stanbul , is the best place to buy authentic Turkish towels?
yellowperilhk
Hong Kong, China1,089 contributions
Jennifer's Hammam,Kucukayasofya Caddesi 158
or Dervis in Halicilar Street in the Grand Bazaar.
barbarasJ3993GT
vicenza1 contribution
I was in Arasta Bazar three days ago.
I bought some Iznik pottery bowls in the shop by Ramazan Eginci, Sultanahmet 5B .
I would like to contact the shop to order others objects.
My I have the e mail and if possible the web site adress.
Thank you
Barbara
Quem são os HELAL Iranian Saffrons No 76 que vendem temperos?
Fiz-lhes uma reclamação por mail e não respondem...
Z30
Leeds, UK1 contribution
Hi, I visited Istanbul 2 years ago and went to the Arasta bazaar. There was a lovely leather bag shop opposite Kahraman Silver shop which I can't remember the name of. Does anyone know if it's still there and the name of it please.
Kind regards
fsafdar6
Dubai, United Arab Emirates9 contributions
I was there in September 2017 and went to that shop. It's very much there and I was trying to find the receipt which had the name of the shop but couldn't find it. There are in fact two leather bag shops which sell high quality Copy bags. If I find the receipt, I'll post the name of the shop here.
James J
Gulf Breeze, FL441 contributions
My bride and I will be in Istanbul on an overnite with Holland America. My plan is the spice bazaar for dinner and getting a lay of the land. The next day, we plan to use local cabs the regular tourist spots and the spice bazaar the next day. Suggestions welcomed!
Deb N
Province of Granada, Spain24 contributions
I will be traveling through Istanbul with a group of students. I would prefer taking them here to the larger bazaars. Can you tell me what time the shops open?
belen g
Buenos Aires, Argentina4 contributions
hola! que buenos comentarios! queria saber en que horario abria este bazar? ya que solo estare en estambul de 7 a 11,30 hs de la mañana y veo que es mas chico que el gran bazar para dar una vueltita. muchas gracias!
missuppity
London, UK2 contributions
Can anyone recommend a good/stylish/reasonably priced hotel near the carpet bazaar? Many thanks
BALAJI K
Bristol, UK132 contributions
Hiya, We stayed in Hippodrome, very close to blue mosque and tram lines.
Nice little hotel , reasonable price.
Location - Amazing, You just literally walk to Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern from here.
Cleanliness - Rooms are cleaned daily, fresh towels & the hotel is neat
Size - The hotel is very small consiste only 26 rooms, but the room we stayed was quite nice and spacious , we requested for a double bed , but on the first night we were given a twin bed (R. No 303) and the next day we were moved to a room with double bed (R. No 203).
Facilities : Tea , Coffee in the lounge - 24 hours with some nice sofas to sit and relax , Wifi (works well in lounge , but slow in rooms), Rooms have chairs and table to sit , tea/coffee maker, mini fridge , shelf and hangers for clothes, side tables.
Bathroom - Hair dryer, towels , Bath with Jacuzzi
Though the bath was very small , I am 6feet tall and struggle to fit in the bath , but Jacuzzi was good , nice to have after a long day sight seeing.
Breakfast - It's not in this hotel - You need to go to another hotel (Azad suites - Sister hotel) , just across the road...
Same options daily, but it's good..
The hotel is also located near to tram, so you dont need to take any taxi , you can just walk from the tram to hotel.
Tram to Hotel :
Get down at Sultanahampet tram station, Exit towards the mask side.. walk down and on your right you can see blue mosque towards your left you can see hagia sophia.
you need to walk down the lane and at the end turn right (you will pass cafe mesele) then take first left and walk straight.. hippodrome will be on your right.
A good hotel to stay.. One disadvantage - There seems to be no generator, so if there is a powercut , there is no alternate options, but we dint mind...
Staffs(Reception,Cleaning & Lobby) are friendly and helpful.. they dint ask for any tip at all , which was quite surprising.
Also this hotel is close to Arasta Bazaar (Mini version of Grand & Spice Bazzzar)
Room Tip: Go for a doube room and the bed is really big..
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Claim your listingARASTA BAZAAR: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Arasta Bazaar
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Arasta Bazaar:
- Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour (From S$87.25)
- Istanbul Sites: Peel back the layers of Turkish history a self-guided audio tour (From S$7.19)
- Best Of Istanbul Private Guided Bazaars of Istanbul tour (From S$88.73)
- Small-Group Must See Istanbul Old City Tour (From S$96.13)
- Shopping Tour Experience in Istanbul (From S$140.49)
- Hotels near Arasta Bazaar:
- (0.03 km) Arasta Boutique Hotel
- (0.03 km) Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
- (0.03 km) Amina Sultan Coffee House
- (0.04 km) Ararat Hotel
- (0.05 km) Hotel Park
- Restaurants near Arasta Bazaar:
- (0.02 km) Sehri Maras
- (0.03 km) Elif Cafe
- (0.03 km) Marmara Continental Terrace Restaurant
- (0.03 km) Arasta Cafe Restaurant
- (0.03 km) Terrace Marmara Restaurant
- Attractions near Arasta Bazaar:
- (0.01 km) Meerschaum Pipes
- (0.01 km) Family Art Gallery
- (0.01 km) East Hamam Silk & Cashmire
- (0.02 km) Great Palace Mosaics Museum
- (0.03 km) Green Rug Store