The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey is the biggest spice market in the city. This bustling marketplace was constructed in the 1660’s and features piles of edible exotics.  With 86 shops, which can be accessed by 6 entrances, The Spice Bazaar is a definite tourist attraction.

This bazaar, that has been around for over 350 years, was a marketplace for goods brought from Egypt which sold medicinal herbs, aromatic incenses, fragrant essential oils and much more. Today, it is the best place in Istanbul to purchase spices, nuts, herbal teas, dried fruits, flower seeds, scarce plant roots/peels and traditional Turkish foods such as Turkish Delight and Turkish coffee.

The spice market is well worth a visit. It gives you a true sense of what Istanbul really is. It isn’t only about the market, but the streets surrounding it and getting the true feel of how it is to live in Istanbul.

Currently, Bon Vivant is featuring a culinary cruise and tour of the Mediterranean. If you would like a first hand view of the Spice Bazaar, click here.

Have you ever visited the Spice Bazaar? If so, we’d love to hear your experience! Comment below.