Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi)

Built in the 15th century during the Ottoman era, the market remains an active and lively center of commerce—and today, tourism—in Istanbul. Explore the best stalls on a guided shopping tour; many Istanbul sightseeing tours combine the Grand Bazaar with the Spice Bazaar or with other sights in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district, including the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia Museum (Aya Sofya), and the Basilica Cistern.

• The Grand Bazaar is a must-visit for history buffs, carpet enthusiasts, and shopaholics.

• Don’t be afraid to haggle; it’s expected.

• Wear comfortable shoes—you will be on your feet as you explore the vast market.

• Be prepared to take your time. The Grand Bazaar is large and it’s easy to get lost.

• The bazaar is accessible to wheelchair users, though there is a 4-inch (10-centimeter) drop at most entrances and some lanes are quite narrow.

The Grand Bazaar, a 20-minute walk from Sultanahmet Square, has many different entrances. One main entrance is a short walk from the Beyazit tram stop; another is behind the Spice Bazaar, not far from the Eminonu tram stop. Taxis are a convenient option.

The market is typically open from the mid-morning until the early evening, Monday–Saturday. Beat the crowds—and possibly strike better deals—in the morning or close to closing time. The Grand Bazaar is generally closed on Turkish and religious holidays.

Many Istanbul visitors aim to pick up a Turkish carpet. The buying process in the Grand Bazaar involves haggling over a price while sipping Turkish tea. Take your time to speak with the seller and have a sense of what you’re looking for in a carpet. Don’t be afraid to walk away from the sale, as the carpet seller will often lower the price to keep you in the shop.

You can buy just about anything at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. But many tourists come excited for the Iznik bowls and other Turkish ceramics, gold jewelry, Turkish rugs (Kilim rugs), traditional crafts and teas, Hammam soaps, and uber-fresh spices by the pound.

Yes, guided tours are available for the Grand Bazaar, and they can be a great way to demystify—and break into doable parts—this massive, ancient market with more than 4,000 shops. Your guide will know the vendors to patronize (or not) and where to find the best souvenirs and deals.

Saying “hello” and “thank you” in Turkish goes a long way. You can start your bargaining and ask, “What if I pay in cash?” which may lower the price. Do comparison shopping and note lower prices at other stalls and, as always, stay good-natured and willing to walk away.

While you can use credit cards at many shops inside Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, many vendors prefer cash. They may charge you a higher price if you’re paying with plastic. If you can, pay with cash—and let them know it, for a lower price—especially for smaller purchases.

Yes, the Grand Bazaar is organized by sections, thankfully—otherwise you’d never make it around the market’s 4,000-plus shops without getting lost. You’ll find sections dedicated to what the bazaar is known for, like gold and silver jewelry, Turkish ceramics and textiles, antiques, as well as spices and soaps.

While the Grand Bazaar is a marketplace with a reputable, 500-year history, always be cautious. Certain goods—especially those geared toward tourists—may seem authentic and precious, when they’re mass-produced. Know that bargaining is an option, as is comparison shopping, and you should never pay more than you’re comfortable with.