Arasta Bazaar, Istanbul

Bazaar in Istanbul

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Radosław Botev

Tucked quietly behind the Blue Mosque along Torun Street, Arasta Bazaar is a smaller, more relaxed alternative to Istanbul's bustling markets. Built in the 17th century to help fund the upkeep of the mosque, this modest bazaar lay dormant for decades before being revived in the tourism boom of the late 20th century. Today, it's one of the best places to visit in Istanbul for travelers who want to shop without the overwhelming scale or intensity of the Grand Bazaar. With its open-air layout, friendly merchants, and colorful array of goods, Arasta Bazaar feels both welcoming and steeped in history.

Walking through its rows of over 70 shops, you'll find beautifully woven carpets, handmade ceramics, traditional textiles, jewelry, spices, teas, and Turkish delights. The atmosphere is calm yet full of charm, where shopkeepers chat with visitors over cups of tea and share stories of their crafts. This spot is a highlight of any walking tour of Istanbul, offering a pleasant mix of commerce and culture just steps away from the city's most famous monuments.

History and Significance of Arasta Bazaar
Things to See and Do in Arasta Bazaar
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Arasta Bazaar
Is Arasta Bazaar Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting
Nearby Attractions to Arasta Bazaar

History and Significance of Arasta Bazaar

Arasta Bazaar's story begins in the 1600s during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, when it was built as part of the mosque complex to generate income for its maintenance. The term “arasta” itself refers to a row of shops often linked to major mosques—a common Ottoman practice designed to sustain religious foundations financially. For many years, however, the shops remained underused, and by the early 20th century, the bazaar had fallen into disrepair.

It wasn't until the 1980s and 1990s, as Istanbul became a global travel destination, that Arasta Bazaar was restored to its former purpose. The careful renovation preserved its original character while introducing an inviting pedestrian atmosphere. Today, it stands not only as a place for commerce but also as a living reminder of Istanbul's layered history, where Byzantine foundations and Ottoman architecture intertwine beneath the daily rhythm of local trade.

Things to See and Do in Arasta Bazaar

Arasta Bazaar is compact enough to explore in under an hour, yet rich enough to keep you browsing for much longer. Each shop showcases traditional Turkish craftsmanship, from hand-painted tiles and embroidered fabrics to finely knotted rugs. The scent of spices and coffee drifts through the air as vendors greet you with characteristic warmth and multilingual banter. Even if you're not planning to buy, the bazaar offers wonderful opportunities for people-watching and photography.

Make sure to visit the Great Palace Mosaic Museum located just beneath the bazaar. The mosaics discovered here during the 1930s reveal scenes from the 5th and 6th centuries, when this area formed part of the Byzantine imperial palace complex. Combining a leisurely shopping trip with a step into ancient history makes this one of the things to do in Istanbul that bridges past and present beautifully.

How to Get There

Arasta Bazaar is situated directly behind the Blue Mosque on Torun Street in the Sultanahmet district. The easiest way to reach it is by tram to the Sultanahmet stop, followed by a short walk through the square. Alternatively, it's about a ten-minute walk from Sirkeci railway station. You can use the official TCDD Taşımacılık website to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for Turkey's national and regional trains operated by TCDD. For a more streamlined experience (especially if you prefer an English interface or want to compare across countries), we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book train tickets across Turkey and the rest of Europe — all in one place.
If you're driving, several small parking areas can be found around the Hippodrome and Sultanahmet Square, though spaces are limited during peak hours. If you are looking to rent a car in Turkey I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Arasta Bazaar

Best time to visit Arasta Bazaar: Mornings or early evenings, when the air is cooler and the crowds are lighter.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free entry.
Opening hours: Typically 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.
Official website: None, but listings appear on Istanbul tourism sites.
How long to spend: 30–60 minutes for shopping and browsing.
Accessibility: Flat, open-air layout suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Facilities: Cafés, restrooms, and nearby ATMs.
Photography tip: Capture the colorful tilework and patterned textiles in natural afternoon light.
Guided tours: Often visited on walking tours of Istanbul that include the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome.
Nearby food options: Numerous Turkish restaurants and tea houses along Torun and Sultanahmet streets.

Is Arasta Bazaar Worth Visiting?

Definitely. Arasta Bazaar offers an enjoyable, hassle-free shopping experience in one of Istanbul's most atmospheric locations. Its manageable size, relaxed mood, and proximity to major landmarks make it perfect for travelers short on time or seeking a more personal connection to local crafts and culture.

FAQs for Visiting

Where is Arasta Bazaar located?
Behind the Blue Mosque, along Torun Street in the Sultanahmet district.

What can you buy at Arasta Bazaar?
Carpets, ceramics, jewelry, spices, textiles, teas, and other handcrafted Turkish goods.

Is haggling accepted?
Yes, polite negotiation is part of the experience and usually expected.

Is it less crowded than the Grand Bazaar?
Yes, it's quieter, smaller, and easier to navigate, ideal for relaxed browsing.

Are credit cards accepted?
Most shops accept credit cards, but cash may get you a better deal.

Nearby Attractions to Arasta Bazaar

Blue Mosque – The city's most famous mosque, located just steps away.
Hagia Sophia – Iconic Byzantine structure blending faith and history.
Great Palace Mosaic Museum – Archaeological site beneath the bazaar with ancient mosaics.
Basilica Cistern – Atmospheric underground water reservoir from the Byzantine era.
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum – Exhibiting Ottoman and Seljuk art in the nearby Ibrahim Pasha Palace.

The Arasta Bazaar appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Istanbul!

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