Things to Do in Eminönü: New Mosque, Spice Bazaar, Galata Bridge and Tahtakale
Eminönü has been Istanbul's busiest waterfront for centuries. Ferries dock, trams pass, the scent of spices drifts out of the bazaar and anglers line the Galata Bridge. On the Golden Horn shore of the Old City, it is still the city's trading heart, and its narrow streets hide tiled mosques by Mimar Sinan, Ottoman hans and long-established shops.
Eminönü Square and the New Mosque
Step off the ferry and the steps of the New Mosque (Yeni Cami), crowded with pigeons, are in front of you. Begun in the late 1590s, it took two queen mothers and more than half a century to finish, opening in 1665. The Royal Pavilion and the tomb of Turhan Sultan are part of the same complex.
The Spice Bazaar
Built to fund the New Mosque, the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) is the place for spices, Turkish delight, nuts and coffee. Around its outer lanes are cheese shops, delis and the long queue at Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi. Opening hours and what to buy are in our Spice Bazaar guide.
Rüstem Pasha Mosque and Tahtakale
A few streets west of the bazaar, a narrow staircase between shops leads up to the Rüstem Pasha Mosque. This small Mimar Sinan mosque has one of Istanbul's richest displays of Iznik tiles. The surrounding streets of Tahtakale and Hasırcılar, full of wholesalers and shoppers, keep old Istanbul's market life going.
The Galata Bridge and fish sandwiches
On the upper deck of the Galata Bridge, anglers fish all day; the lower deck is lined with restaurants. At the Eminönü end, fish sandwiches (balık ekmek) grilled on boats moored by the shore are a local classic.
Sirkeci, the hans and the climb to Süleymaniye
Sirkeci Station. Opened in 1890, it was the final stop of the Orient Express from Paris. The façade and old waiting hall are worth a look.
Büyük Valide Han. Built in 1651 for Kösem Sultan, one of Istanbul's largest hans. Its roof is famous for Golden Horn views, though access is not always possible.
Rıza Paşa Yokuşu and Süleymaniye. This slope climbs from Tahtakale past hans and small shops up to the Süleymaniye Mosque, one of Mimar Sinan's greatest works.
A half-day walk in Eminönü
- Start at the New Mosque and the Spice Bazaar.
- Walk along Hasırcılar Street to the Rüstem Pasha Mosque.
- Climb Rıza Paşa Yokuşu from Tahtakale to Süleymaniye.
- Head back down for a fish sandwich by the Galata Bridge.
- Finish with a Bosphorus ferry or walk across the bridge to Karaköy.
Practical tips
- Getting there: the T1 tram stops in the middle of Eminönü Square. Sirkeci Marmaray station and the ferry piers are a few minutes away.
- Bosphorus cruise: public Bosphorus tours leave from Eminönü; see our Bosphorus cruise guide.
- Crowds: Saturday afternoons around the bazaar are very busy; weekday mornings are easier.
- Mosques: visits pause at prayer times. Cover shoulders and knees; women should bring a headscarf.
FAQ
What are the top things to do in Eminönü?
The New Mosque, the Spice Bazaar, the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, the Galata Bridge, Sirkeci Station and the walk up to Süleymaniye.
What should I eat in Eminönü?
A fish sandwich from the boats, kebabs at long-established restaurants near the bazaar, and Turkish delight and nuts from the Spice Bazaar.
How do I get to Eminönü?
Take the T1 tram to Eminönü, the Marmaray to Sirkeci, or a ferry from Kadıköy, Üsküdar or Karaköy.
Can I walk from Eminönü to Süleymaniye?
Yes. Climb Rıza Paşa Yokuşu from Tahtakale; it takes 15–20 minutes uphill.