Spice Bazaar

The Mısır Çarşısı — "Egyptian Market," though the spices mostly came via the Red Sea — was built in 1660 as the annex of the Yeni Cami (New Mosque) and remains the most concentrated place in Istanbul to shop for edible souvenirs. 85 shops under one roof, plus the surrounding streets that have grown into a spice and pistachio quarter.

The interior is L-shaped and walkable in 15 minutes if you don't stop. Do stop. The spice sellers will offer you cardamom coffee and tell you about their seven varieties of sumac (you probably want the red-purple one from Iran). Pile mixes: za'atar, Turkish meatball blends, curry powders with Urfa biber. Vacuum-seal at the shop to keep them in your suitcase.

Above the spice shops, on the second floor, is a quiet row of seed and dried-flower merchants — a calmer shopping experience. The bazaar is busiest 10:00-16:00; come early or late to dodge the cruise-ship crowds.