Shopping · 18 of the best in Istanbul
Arasta Bazaar
A quiet bazaar behind the Blue Mosque
About Arasta Bazaar
The Arasta Bazaar, built as part of the Blue Mosque complex, is a single arcaded street of shops selling carpets, kilims, ceramics, textiles and souvenirs. It is calmer than the Grand Bazaar, and the Great Palace Mosaic Museum is entered from here.
Why it's on our list
- Behind the Blue Mosque
- Calmer than the Grand Bazaar
- Mosaic Museum next door
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Arasta Bazaar before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Arasta Bazaar are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest metro & tram stops
- SultanahmetT1400 m5 min walk
- ÇemberlitaşT1650 m8 min walk
- GülhaneT1800 m10 min walk
Nearest taxi ranks
- Taxi rank, Çayıroğlu Sokağı350 m5 min walk
- Taxi rank, Ishakpaşa Caddesi400 m5 min walk
Key sights
- Blue Mosque100 mWalk 1 minCycle 1 minCar or taxi 3 min
- Basilica Cistern400 mWalk 5 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 4 min
- Hagia Sophia450 mWalk 6 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 4 min
- Topkapı Palace850 mWalk 11 minCycle 3 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Grand Bazaar1.1 kmWalk 13 minCycle 4 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Spice Bazaar1.4 kmWalk 17 minCycle 6 minCar or taxi 7 min
- Süleymaniye Mosque1.7 kmWalk 21 minCycle 7 minCar or taxi 8 min
- Galata Bridge1.7 kmWalk 21 minCycle 7 minCar or taxi 8 min
- Galata Tower2.3 kmWalk 29 minCycle 9 minCar or taxi 10 min
- İstiklal Avenue3.2 kmWalk 40 minCycle 13 minCar or taxi 13 min
Getting around
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)30 kmCar or taxi 94 min
- Istanbul Airport (IST)36 kmCar or taxi 110 min