Turkey's Rich Culinary Tradition

Sample traditional street foods in Istanbul’s wonderfully cacophonous Spice Bazaar as the endless aroma of Turkish delicacies wafts through the air. To reach the marketplace, which was built in 1664 in the atmospheric Eminönü quarter, you will walk across the Golden Horn Bridge while taking in the panoramic views of the city’s European side. As you will see while wandering about the covered bazaar – also known as the Egyptian Market – it contains countless shops with every imaginable type of food. Mounds of freshly ground spices only touch on the offerings. Expect to see specialties such as dried apricots, honey-soaked baklava and all sorts of Turkish Delight, a sweet and chewy confection that comes in a variety of flavors. Many of the vendors will offer samples. Later, you can browse the market on your own and perhaps shop for non-food items such as perfumes, scarves and eye-shaped amulets said to ward off evil spirits.

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.