The 550-year-old Grand Bazaar is easily the most popular tourist destination in Istanbul. It is the perfect place to get your friends and family back home the best souvenirs from Turkey. There is a variety of options to choose from. One can argue there is a little too much variety that makes it difficult to resist the urge to get almost everything.
The daily estimate of the number of visitors who go to the Grand Bazaar is between 300,000 to 400,000, while in 2014 it was listed as the MOST visited tourist attraction in the world, revealing it had welcomed almost 91,250,000 annual visitors.
The Grand Bazaar is the world’s biggest covered market consisting of 11 gates, 61 covered streets, and around 4000 shops inside. Some of these shops are now family heirlooms, run generation after generation. It is also regarded as the world’s first shopping mall.
The Grand Bazaar opens at 9 AM every day and closes by 7 PM, besides Sunday. You will have plenty of time to look around, eat and bargain at the bazaar. It is best to go early in the morning so that you can explore without having to worry about closing time. And if you get exhausted after a long day of shopping, you’re in luck because Cemberlitas Hamam is just a few feet away.
Quick History of Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar, a thriving market hub, was conceived by Sultan Mehmed II shortly after Constantinople’s conquest in 1455 to invigorate the economy and stimulate trade. The Ottoman Empire’s influence quickly elevated the bazaar’s status in the global market. By the 1600s, the bazaar began to resemble its current form, bolstered by expanding vendor numbers and increasing visitor footfall.
The bazaar diversified its product range to include textiles, luxury items, and leather goods, necessitating further expansions. While the 17th Century brought a vaulted cover for fire prevention and natural disaster resilience, the bazaar had to undergo several reconstructions following fires and earthquakes, with the last restoration in 1980. Many of today’s stores are helmed by 5th or 6th generation vendors, particularly those dealing in carpets and ceramics.
What to do an See in Grand Bazaar?
Navigate the Labyrinth: One of the first things you’ll want to do is lose yourself in the maze of over 4,000 shops. The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world and exploring its intricate pathways is an experience in itself.
Shop for Jewelry and Precious Metals: The Kalpakçılar Caddesi, the Grand Bazaar’s main street, is home to a vast array of jewelers. From exquisite gold designs to intricate silver works, you can find some truly unique pieces.
Discover Turkish Delights and Spices: Check out the variety of Turkish delights, spices, and other foodstuffs. Try a new flavor, like pomegranate or rose, or stick with the classic lemon and powdered sugar.
Admire Turkish Ceramics and Pottery: Turkish ceramics, with their distinctive motifs and vibrant colors, are renowned worldwide. Find a new statement piece for your home or a beautiful, one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Haggle for Carpets and Kilims: Turkish carpets and kilims are world-renowned. The Grand Bazaar has numerous carpet shops, each one filled with piles of these beautifully crafted items. Don’t forget to haggle for the best price!
Try Traditional Turkish Tea: Take a break from shopping and enjoy a tulip-shaped glass of Turkish tea at one of the bazaar’s many cafés.
Visit the Old Book Bazaar (Sahaflar Çarşısı): This charming corner of the Grand Bazaar is a paradise for book lovers, with second-hand and antique books stacked high.
Take a Leather and Fur Shopping Spree: Istanbul has been a hub for high-quality leather goods for centuries. At the Grand Bazaar, you’ll find a plethora of shops selling everything from jackets to handbags.
Buy a Turkish Lamp: Beautifully decorated with colorful pieces of glass, Turkish lamps or ‘mosaic lamps’ are an excellent gift or keepsake.
Invest in a Chess Set: Turkey is known for its beautifully crafted wooden chess sets. A perfect gift for someone back home, or a timeless memento of your trip to Istanbul!
Things to Keep in Mind When Shopping in Grand Bazaar
Research Beforehand: If you’re after specific items like Turkish rugs, ceramics, or jewelry, do some research to understand quality and pricing. It’s easy to get swayed by the persuasive shopkeepers if you aren’t armed with some basic knowledge.
Bargaining is Essential: Prices in the Grand Bazaar are usually marked up because it’s a tourist hotspot. Don’t accept the first price offered; haggling is a part of the shopping culture here.
Best Time to Visit Grand Bazaar: To explore the bazaar more comfortably, aim to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the most crowded times.
Watch Your Belongings: As with any crowded place, pickpockets can be an issue. Keep your valuables close to you and be mindful of your belongings.
Avoid Fast Talkers: Some shopkeepers may try to rush you into making a purchase. Take your time and don’t feel pressured to buy on the spot.
Try Not to Get Lost: The Grand Bazaar is vast and can be confusing. Keep track of landmarks as you wander, and don’t hesitate to ask for directions.
Politeness Goes a Long Way: Turkish people are generally warm and polite. A smile and a thank you (‘Teşekkür ederim’ in Turkish) can go a long way to making your interactions more enjoyable.
Don’t Trust All ‘Authentic’ Labels: While many shops sell genuine, quality products, others may offer fakes. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Check Your Purchases: Before leaving a shop, double-check that the items you’ve purchased are in your bag and are the correct ones.
Leave Room for Tea: Don’t be surprised if a shopkeeper offers you a cup of tea. It’s a common part of the hospitality and doesn’t obligate you to buy anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Grand Bazaar so famous? The Grand Bazaar is famous for its size, age, and incredible variety of goods. It’s one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, and it’s steeped in history, having been in operation since the 15th century.
Is the Grand Bazaar cash only? While some smaller vendors in the Grand Bazaar may only accept cash, many shops do accept credit cards. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases and bargaining purposes.
Is the Grand Bazaar expensive? The Grand Bazaar offers a wide range of goods, from inexpensive trinkets to high-end antiques and jewelry. As such, prices can vary greatly. It’s worth noting that bargaining is a common practice, and initial prices can often be negotiated down.
What day is Grand Bazaar closed? The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. It’s also closed on Turkish national holidays.
Is the Grand Bazaar the biggest market? With over 4,000 shops spread across 61 covered streets, the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world. However, it’s not the largest overall. That title goes to the outdoor market in Kashgar, China.
Are Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar the same? No, the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are not the same. They are two separate markets in Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar is larger and sells a wide range of goods, while the Spice Bazaar, as the name suggests, primarily sells spices, along with other food items like dried fruits, nuts, and sweets.