Grand Bazaar - where history meets shopping

An international destination for shoppers. It’s recorded as the world's largest and oldest covered market. 

Stepping into the Grand Bazaar is like entering a labyrinth of exotic shops. It’s easy to get lost in the crowded maze-like shopping alleys, which is part of the adventure. Speaking of mazes, the infamous James Bond chase scene was shot here. 

But what's really the hype about Istanbul's huge market?

What’s with all the international brands — Tommy Hilfiger, H&M, and Louis Vuitton — displaying their limited-edition Turkish-inspired designs at this bazaar only?

Because there’s never a time when you could find this marketplace empty, which makes it unique. The area is filled with tourists. Despite the COVID pandemic, the Grand Bazaar remains open with safety measures to ensure customer well-being. Local residents also visit the Grand Bazaar for shopping.

Over 4000 shops sell different spices, textiles, and jewels. And it’s a custom for tourists to bring something valuable back to their home country from here. 

The most popular gifts tourists usually buy are:

Tea set: The Grand Bazaar has beautiful tea sets made of delicate glass or colorful ceramics. That's a favorite for tea lovers.

Turkish Delight: A popular treat in Turkey, the Grand Bazaar offers boxes of delight. (It is a gel-like confection made from starch and sugar, usually flavored with rosewater, lemon, or other fruits, and sometimes includes nuts or dried fruits.) It’s easily sent out to relatives when you return.

Handmade pottery: The Grand Bazaar is famous for its handmade pottery, and you can find beautifully crafted plates, bowls, and vases that would make a unique and memorable gift.

Lamps: The Grand Bazaar has a wide selection of intricately designed lamps made of colorful glass or metal that would make a stunning and functional gift, adding a touch of exotic elegance to any room.

Rugs: The Grand Bazaar is known for its handmade rugs, and you can find an extensive selection to choose from. A handmade rug would make a luxurious and long-lasting gift that adds warmth and character to any home.

While shopping is undoubtedly the main attraction of the Grand Bazaar, there's much more. Such as its remarkable landmarks like the Nuruosmaniye Mosque and the Old City, both are testaments to the rich history of Istanbul. Exploring these gems is a must-do during your visit here.

Another unique feature of the Grand Bazaar is the art of Turkish coffee. It’s ingrained deeply here at the bazaar, and over the years, vendors have refined ways of crafting it—there are soft and hard versions of the same coffee. You'll discover numerous cafes serving them, brewed slowly and carefully over hot coals. It's not just the coffee that's special, but also the entire ritual behind it. Turkish coffee is typically served with a side of lokum (Turkish delight) and a glass of water to refresh. And if you're fortunate, your coffee may even come with a fortune-telling psychic. These are "once-in-a-lifetime" experiences you surely wouldn’t miss out on. 

Locally, the people in Grand Bazaar are good souls who love to give a great deal to foreigners. Yet you’ll find some imitations being sold. There are valuable gifts you can find only in this place. So it's worth connecting with as many vendors as you meet down the shopping alleys. If you’re filming your trip, keep in mind the people from Grand Bazaar are not camera shy and will crack you up with jokes when bargaining and tell you the history behind each relic they’re selling, which then become stories you can share with others when you come back home.

So what are you waiting for? Book your ticket to Istanbul and get ready for the shopping adventure of a lifetime. The Grand Bazaar is waiting for you, and it's a destination you won't forget.

The Grand Bazaar isn't just a place to buy things; it's also a place to connect with locals and immerse yourself in Turkish culture. Strike up a conversation with a vendor and you might learn something new. And try your luck at bargaining for the best price. Join the Grand Bazaar, where shoppers unite from all around the world.