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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 07 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

It’s the oldest shopping mall in the world, and possibly the biggest, with 5,000 shops to browse through. Glittering like Aladdin’s cave, Istanbul’s Covered Market or Grand Bazaar consists of 66 streets covered with stone vaulting and enclosed by a wall.

All of Turkey’s treasures are on display, but it’s an everyday market too, selling everything from diamonds to dishcloths; during peak times there are as many as half a million people inside its walls. Maybe not the best place for bargains, but an unparalleled treat for the senses, and an essential part of the Istanbul experience.

How to haggle

Haggling is expected, and as a general rule you should pay no more than a third of the original asking price. Be prepared to walk away – vendors will likely chase after you and accept your price. Occasionally the stallholders will pretend to get angry, either at you or their ‘inexperienced’ apprentice, to increase the price. It’s an old trick, so just smile and walk away.

While you’re there 

After you’ve visited, the adjacent Sahaflar Carsisi book market is a wonderfully picturesque bibliophile’s enclave, crammed with dozens of second-hand book stalls for browsing and an eclectic café for leafing through your purchases.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

There are 22 entrances to the Bazaar, but the main ones are on Beyazit Square and at the end of Nuruosmaniye Caddesi. If you’re determined to bag yourself a major purchase – like a carpet – visit at least three shops and haggle for the lowest price. Stalls sell a lot of the same goods, so never buy from the first place you see something.

You could easily spend half a day here. It’s completely safe, but beware of pickpockets and keep your belongings close to you.

Give the size, guided tours are a good option here, and especially if you’re time is limited. They’ll have insider knowledge on discovering the Bazaar’s best treasures, bartering for bargains, and the tasty lunch spots.

When to do it

The Bazaar is open all year round, Monday-Saturday. Closed Sunday.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Highlights of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia - Suleymaniye Mosque - Grand Bazaar

Highlights of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia - Suleymaniye Mosque - Grand Bazaar

Istanbul

First-time travelers can discover the best of Istanbul with this small-group highlights tour, perfect for getting your bearings in this pict...

€25 | Rating 4.86 / 5 [23 ratings]

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Istanbul Old City: Hagia Sophia - Süleymaniye Mosque - Grand Bazaar

Istanbul Old City: Hagia Sophia - Süleymaniye Mosque - Grand Bazaar

Istanbul

Discover the highlights of Sultanahmet, Istanbul's historic 'old town' on this half-day walking tour. Join your guide for a curated Istanbul...

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Hagia Sophia&Blue Mosque Skip The Line Tour

Hagia Sophia&Blue Mosque Skip The Line Tour

Istanbul

Visit > Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar SKIP-THE-LINE Tickets, Guiding in English, Pick up service provided. This...

$34 | Rating 4.75 / 5 [8 ratings]

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Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar

Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar

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Admire the best of Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul on this full-day tour of this endlessly absorbing city. Traveling in a luxury minivan with...

$69 | Rating 4.21 / 5 [14 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hotel Ibrahim Pasha

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.7 miles]

This stylish, friendly and affordable boutique hotel is in sights-packed Sultanahmet, perfect for first-time visitors.

Official star rating:

Yasmak Sultan Hotel

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.8 miles]

Close to Istanbul’s top sights, this friendly hotel with a spa and rooftop restaurant is a dream for first-time visitors. And good value too.

Official star rating:

Sirkeci Mansion Hotel

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.9 miles]

Convenient for the major sights and plugged into Turkish culture, this charming, historic hotel is ideal for families and first-timers.  

Official star rating:

Four Seasons Istanbul Sultanahmet

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[1.1 miles]

Superbly staffed, relaxing oasis in an unbeatable location – the luxury choice in central Sultanahmet.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Istanbul

Marmara Region, Turkey

Exotic, inexhaustible and dynamic – East meets West head-on in this mesmerising city metropolis, famed for its extraordinarily rich history, superb food and shopping, and mind-blowingly magnificent, over-sized mosques.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Spice Bazaar

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.7 miles]

Istanbul’s second largest market is a sensory wonderland, full to bursting with fragrant spices and sweets.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.2 miles]

Super authentic spot near the Grand Bazaar where you can smoke nargile (a water pipe or hookah) and drink tea in the courtyard of a mosque from 1709.

Best for ages: 18+ | £5

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Great Palace Mosaic Museum

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Best for ages: 18+ | £2

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Istanbul Modern

Istanbul , Marmara Region, Turkey[2.2 miles]

A modern art museum housing the finest collection of modern and contemporary art in the country. The Modern’s temporary exhibits by Turkish and international artists – often organized in collaboration with MoMA (New York) and the Centre Pompidou (Paris) – are particularly exceptional.

Best for ages: 18+ | £4

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