Where to stay near Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar

Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar is a temple to Turkish cuisine. This thriving market has been trading in spices since 1664, when it was built as part of the Ottoman’s New Mosque complex.

Inside the bazaar, powdered cumin, sumac and ras el hanout are piled up high in aromatic pyramids of ochre, garnet and amber. Mounds of sesame seeds and red chilli flakes sit alongside dried rose petals and delicately fragranced fruit teas. Sweet-toothed shoppers snack on fat medjool dates, sticky baklava and sugar-dusted chunks of Turkish delight as they wander its crowded aisles.

Visit early – and hungry – to make the most of this atmospheric market. To give you a head start, we’ve picked out four of the best places to stay nearby.

Romantic Mansion

Only nine minutes from the Spice Bazaar, Romantic Mansion is almost as vibrant as the market itself. It’s located above a charming café of the same name, with a buzzing pavement terrace and walls painted in hot pink and aqua. The rooms and apartments have a more subtle colour scheme – ornate furniture and rich Turkish textiles lending an air of luxury. Step outside and you’ll find yourself right at the edge of Gülhane Park, a short walk from Topkapi Palace and a few hundred metres from Sirkeci Station.

Birlik Apart Hotel

Birlik Apart Hotel’s practical, air-conditioned rooms are decorated in calming earth tones, and come with a fridge and a kettle. Guests were impressed by the traditional Turkish breakfast buffet served in the dining room: think local cheeses and cured meats, freshly baked bread, boiled eggs and dried fruit. They also appreciated the owner’s willingness to give directions and share tips about the area. It’s conveniently close to the Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar – both just 17 minutes away on foot – and the beautiful Suleymaniye Mosque is even nearer.

Gulhane Suites

Located opposite the gates of Gülhane Park, the studios at Gulhane Suites sleep up to four people. They’re kitted out with a dining table and a well-equipped kitchenette, where you can prepare meals, though there’s a restaurant downstairs if you prefer to eat out. From here, many of Istanbul’s main landmarks are within an 8-minute walk – including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Stroll a few minutes more, passing the popular kebab houses of Buyuk Postane Street, and you’ll reach the entrance of the Spice Bazaar.

Istanbul Amedros Home

The Istanbul Amedros Home apartments are located on separate floors of a five-storey house, giving guests plenty of privacy. Each one has its own balcony, and there’s also a shared rooftop terrace with panoramic views across the sea and city. All the apartments are decorated in creamy neutral shades, with Ottoman-inspired geometric prints on the walls. They’re under 20 minutes from the Spice Bazaar, through the winding streets of the Sultanahmet district. In the opposite direction you’ll find a supermarket and several popular restaurants on Peykhane Street. Try the unassuming Erhan for authentic mezze.