Arasta Bazaar: the quiet market behind the Blue Mosque
- Bazaars and hans
- Sultanahmet, Fatih
- Free
Family hotels closest to Arasta Bazaar
Visitor information
| Type | Mosque complex market (arasta) |
|---|---|
| Built | Early 17th century |
| Commissioned by / architect | Part of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque complex (Sultan Ahmed I) |
| Neighbourhood | Sultanahmet, Fatih |
| Opening hours | Daily around 09:00–19:00 (varies by shop) |
| Admission | Free entry |
| Time needed | 30 min |
| Getting there | T1 Sultanahmet stop, 7 min walk |
| From Sultanahmet Square | About 5 min walk (350 m) |
| Pushchair / stroller | Easy with a stroller. A single, level and quiet row of shops |
| Best time | After visiting the Blue Mosque |
Opening hours and prices can change; check the official website before you go. Map links open in Google Maps.
The story of the Arasta Bazaar
In the Ottoman world, an “arasta” was a market made of shops lined up in a single row, built to provide income for a mosque complex. The Sultanahmet Arasta was built south of the mosque, on top of the remains of the Byzantine Great Palace. Left in ruins for many years by fires and neglect, it was restored in the 20th century and took its present form. The floor mosaics found beneath the bazaar are now displayed in the Great Palace Mosaic Museum.
What to buy?
The shops in the Arasta sell handwoven carpets and kilims, tiles and ceramics with İznik patterns, textiles such as peştemal towels, jewellery and souvenirs. With fewer shops, the choice is not as wide as in the Grand Bazaar, but it is ideal for families who want to browse without crowds or hurry. Bargaining is common here too.
What is nearby?
You reach the bazaar by going down a few steps from the back garden of the Blue Mosque. Through the gate in the middle of the bazaar you can enter the Mosaic Museum, and from the end of the bazaar you can continue to the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque or the streets leading down to the seafront.
Visiting tips
- A good option for souvenir shopping on Sundays, when the Grand Bazaar is closed.
- Do not miss the entrance to the Mosaic Museum; it is the small gate in the middle of the bazaar.
- The bazaar is quiet, so it is easy to visit with a stroller.
Our family hotels near Arasta Bazaar
Walking times are approximate and measured from the hotel door; where the hotel gives its own time, we show that.
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Arasta Bazaar: 10 min walk (710 m) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Arasta Bazaar: 11 min walk (750 m) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
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Sareban Hotel
Arasta Bazaar: 11 min walk (760 m) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Arasta Bazaar: 11 min walk (760 m) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Arasta Bazaar?
It is behind the Blue Mosque, on the south side of the mosque. It is about a 7-minute walk from the T1 Sultanahmet stop.
Is the Arasta Bazaar open on Sundays?
Yes, most shops are open every day. Opening hours can vary from shop to shop.
