6 hours
English
History tour
Overview
Istanbul is famous as the significant historic trading spot across empires between the West and the East. The trading traditions cultivated in the historical days are still present in the city today. The Grand Bazaar private tour will take you to the back alleys of this iconic place reminiscing historic trading traditions.
The tour In the Footsteps of Merchants & Traders takes you around the well-known Grand Bazaar while revealing all its secrets and hidden corner shops. The busy alleys around the market remain to be home to many artisans and local craftsmen that have been keeping their shops open for generations.
But when it comes to the history of trade there is so much more to discover than the main historic markets. You will explore the historic financial district and continue to the old post office that used to accept and ship goods across the seas. From there, we will explore the district’s side streets filled with small galleries, boutiques and antique shops.
The tour includes a 10 min minor uphill walk. During this Grand Bazaar private tour, the guide will give you their full attention. It is conducted at a comfortable pace and can be tailored to your wishes!
What's special about "In the Footsteps of Merchants & Traders: Grand Bazaar Private Tour & Antique Shops"
Visit the breathtaking Sulemanye mosque with the beautiful panoramic views
Explore the historic Grand Bazar
Browse through busy streets around the market
See the Galata bridge beloved by local fishermen
Explore historical financial district
What's included
About this experience
For centuries Istanbul has had major strategic importance as a trade center between the East and the West. Its historic peninsula accommodated major bazaars that were always of high significance for importing spices, gold, textile, and other goods to Europe and America from faraway Eastern countries.
Across from the historic peninsula, we will find another centuries-old financial and commerce center – the Galata district. The district was ruled by Genoese and Venetians who were famous for their economic power in Europe till the late 18th century. Galata is located along the Golden Horn’s waterway and therefore used to function as a major port and a banking center. It is also known as a Catholic and Latin hub for many multicultural communities.
Although time has shaped the face of the city, the two areas did not lose the main attributes dating to those times. The tour In the Footsteps of Merchants & Traders: Grand Bazaar Private Tour & Antique Shops starts at a historical Sulemanye mosque. The breathtaking panoramic view opens from its courtyard revealing historical trade routes between Istanbul, Europe, Slavic countries and the East.
From here we will enter the historical Grand Bazaar and explore all of its treasures and find hidden authentic shops. Navigating the busy streets of the area we will find ourselves at the Galata bridge, famous for the fishermen gathering here from the early morning hours till the sunset. While entering the old banking center we will be greeted by many monumental buildings. We will continue to explore the Galata port and visit the historic post office proceeding on our way to the local and authentic streets filled with antique shops and tiny galleries.
This is an exclusive experience that includes the Grand Bazaar private tour and exploration through antique shops with a private host, it can be easily adjusted to your wishes!
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