Grand Bazaar Tours

Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar


Enter the maze of shop-lined streets in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world to browse hundreds of thousands of hand-crafted objects.

The Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) lies between the Bayezid and Nuruosmaniye mosques, and covers an enormous area. Once you enter one of its 21 gates and start exploring, it’s clear that this is one of the largest bazaars in the world. Under its seemingly endless roofs you can find glazed tiles, spices, pottery, brassware, leather accessories, belly-dancing costumes, pipes and ashtrays, among other curiosa and crafts.

The Grand Bazaar dates back to the mid 1400s, when Sultan Mehmet II ordered the construction of a special site dedicated to the trading of textiles. Today you can still see classic Ottoman architecture in the bazaar’s oldest building, the Cevavir. Originally every street represented a particular type of craft, which is still reflected in their names but no longer strictly the case.

Visit some of the more than 3,000 shops divided over 60 covered streets in this exotic retail paradise. The vast complex is a colorful maze that you’d happily get lost in. Allow yourself plenty of time to explore, because it is interesting... and extremely crowded.

Shop for a Persian rug or just witness carpet-weaving demonstrations. Serious haggling is expected, so don’t be shy to offer a much lower price if you suspect that an item is overpriced. Vendors can be very persuasive, so it takes a fair bit of determination to walk out empty-handed.

Even if you don’t have spare room in your suitcase, it’s worth coming here for the lively atmosphere of a typical Turkish marketplace. Admire the old mosque and fountain, or visit a café or restaurant in one of the hans (three-story buildings). Smell the spices and other exotic blends, take pictures of the attractive displays of Turkish slippers and taste sweet Turkish delights.

The Grand Bazaar is located in the Old City, in the Fatih district. It’s best to walk there or take the tram to the Beyazıt stop. The bazaar is open daily, except Sundays. As in any crowded space, pickpockets and bag-snatchers operate in the market.

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Reviews of Grand Bazaar

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1129
5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
740
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
240
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
27
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
29
1 - Terrible 1%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

The enclosed nature of the bazaar meant heading into a smoke filled crowded hallway. Smoking is prohibited inside but the shop owners and visitors do not seem to abide. A blackout also hit while we were there so the ventilation stopped and everything went dark in a large part of the Bazaar. Souq Waqif in Doha was much better in my opinion.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

looks good, but the shops are all the same. Also haggle haggle haggle, we managed to get an 85% discount and we didn't even try.

5/5 - Excellent

Shafqat

Nice staff.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

The gold sellers will rip you off for sure! They are there for one reason only-to rip off tourists by asking prices that are 4-5 times higher than the actual price but tourists don't know that so the sellers shamelessly rip them off.

4/5 - Good

Rusty

Grand and bazare are both good terms for this location. It is big and it is a shopping experience. Do not take any vendors first price. A little back and forth is expected and if you have the time, take the free tea and enjoy the back and forth. We saved over 50% off items we bought at a rug shop. have a vague idea of cost going in and stop by severa shops to compare prices. Don't be afraid to walk away. Ask a lot of questions. Don't get rattled by all the questions they ask. Where are you from, how long are you staying etc. The more info they know about you, the more ways they can spin it in their favor. One important note, We went in expecting things to be fake and made else where. Many times we were correct. Do a little homework about the things you want to buy before going in to shop.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Enjoy your time here - its a great place to pick up inexpensive souvenirs. Be wary of antiques and watches. We had people who knew both and there were many fakes.

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Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

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Seven Hills Palace & Spa

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Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class

Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class

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Fer Hotel

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Recital Hotel

Recital Hotel

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Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant

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Lenus Hagia Sophia Hotel

Lenus Hagia Sophia Hotel

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Mest Hotel Istanbul Sirkeci

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Grand Bazaar

When visiting the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, be sure to indulge in shopping for unique souvenirs, enjoy leisurely walks through its vibrant corridors, and consider taking guided tours to learn about its rich history. Don't miss the opportunity to explore local art galleries, showcasing the creative spirit of the area. The Grand Bazaar offers a captivating blend of culture, commerce, and artistry for every tourist.

Shopping

The Grand Bazaar offers a vibrant shopping experience with countless stalls selling unique gifts and souvenirs. Nearby, the Egyptian Bazaar (644m) is great for local spices and sweets. Historia Fatih Shopping Centre (1.6km) and Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre (6.4km) provide family-friendly entertainment and shopping options.

Recreation

Kilic Ali Pasha Hamam offers a soothing body treatment that promotes relaxation, located a mile from the Grand Bazaar. Experience the captivating Whirling Dervishes Istanbul concert, just 644m away, for an entertaining cultural immersion. Enjoy the vibrant dance at Kumbaraci50, also 1.6km away, blending culture and romance.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of bungee jumping at Istanbul Jumping, located 1.6km from Grand Bazaar. For a unique twist, try GMAX Reverse Bungy, 6.4km away. If you prefer hiking, explore the scenic Sultans Trail, just 1.1km away, offering beautiful views and outdoor adventure.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Grand Bazaar is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Dance of Colours theater, just 322m away, or soak in the culture at Tiyatro-Z, located 1.6km away. For a unique experience, visit Mahseri Cumbus Hayalhane, 3.2km from the bazaar.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Grand Bazaar

At the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, you'll discover a vibrant mix of cultural attractions, including historic buildings, mosques, and lively squares. This bustling area offers a rich outdoor experience for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the city's heritage. Whether you're exploring the intricate architecture of the mosques or enjoying the atmosphere of the piazzas, there's plenty to see and do within and around this iconic market.

  • Hagia Sophia: Once a cathedral and then a mosque, Hagia Sophia is now a museum that showcases stunning Byzantine architecture and rich history. Its massive dome and intricate mosaics offer visitors a glimpse into the past, making it a cultural treasure in Istanbul.
  • Blue Mosque: Known for its striking blue tiles and six minarets, the Blue Mosque is an architectural marvel. Visitors can admire its serene beauty and experience the tranquility of this active place of worship, immersing themselves in the local culture.
  • Sultanahmet Square: This vibrant public square is surrounded by historical landmarks and lush gardens. It serves as a hub for both tourists and locals, making it an ideal spot to relax and take in the lively atmosphere of Istanbul.

Best time to go to Grand Bazaar

The best time to visit Grand Bazaar is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.7°F (17.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.5°F (22.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July77.4°F (25.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
August77.9°F (25.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September72.3°F (22.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
November57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Grand Bazaar

To save money on your trip to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, consider visiting from January to March when prices are lower, and book your stay for Saturday, the most affordable day. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly accommodations and filter for eco-friendly options. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can lead to significant savings. Always check for the best prices and cancellation policies before booking to ensure you get the best deal for your travel budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Grand Bazaar are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Grand Bazaar is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Grand Bazaar is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and customize your preferences. You can arrange the results to display the lowest prices first, ensuring that you find the most affordable hotel options right away. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Grand Bazaar with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia