A Must-Have Guide to Shop in the Grand Bazaar

There’s no better way to experience the vibe of a city than to spend time at a local-favorite market. But the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is much more than that. Built-in the 15^th century, the market spanning 61 streets sees a whopping 250,000-400,000 visitors daily. An architectural beauty, the collection of 4000 shops selling everything from spices to jewelry are bordered by handicraftsman workshops, which are making what you buy right their real-time. An artful experience as a whole, we do recommend that you indulge in retail therapy and combine it with the goodness of bargains that help you up to your negotiation skills, if not much else. Once a simple space with just a handful of rooms and shops, the Grand Bazaar now stands as a city within a city, complete with thousands of offerings — everything from jewelry and carpets to antiques and sweets.

The Grand Bazaar on all days except Sundays and bank holidays. Timings are 8:30 am and 7 pm giving you a good window of time for checking things off the shopping list. The Grand Bazaar is situated roughly between the Beyazit and Nuruosmaniye mosques. Situated within the walled city, the Grand Bazaar is at a walkable distance from both Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque, and visiting all these places can be combined to one day should you be short of time. The best way to get to the Grand Bazaar is by the city’s tram, getting off at the Beyazit-Kapalicarsi stop. Given its gargantuan size, there’s no surprise that the place has 21 entrances! As the Grand Bazaar is situated in the central location of Istanbul, there’s no chance that you’ll miss it if you’re visiting the other major attractions of the city.

Turkish silver and gold jewelry and the sparkle of the town’s bazaar. The sight of glistening jewelry kiosks lining the old streets as you admire the great craftsmanship is quite enthralling. While buying gold, you can ask for a receipt with the karat for future use. Although it may seem pricey with most shops keeping similar items, do remember that bargaining is accepted. The choices are plenty, and you can pick up anything from modern designs to antique jewelry. Traditional Turkish jewelry uses stone laying techniques that date back to more than 500 years. Sevan Bicakci, Gilan, and Tina are well-known jewelry shops in the city’s market. If you have the time, you can also make an order on request option for something truly unique to you. Zincirli Han, Varakci Han, and Kalcilar Han are famous for this type of specialization.

Istanbul prides itself as the antiques central of the world. The old bazaar section of the Grand Bazaar contains quirky and curious treasures, and if you’re one to deck your home with such details, you’re going to love it. You can find lots of nice items, including old prints, painting, furniture, and even old weapons. Whatever you’re into – Grand Bazaar Istanbul has an antique for it. As the historic meeting point between the west, Turkey is filled with fascinating goods from all over the world. For something traditional, Ottoman metalwork is the recommended choice. You can pick up antiques at Sofa, Alaturca, and Zaiya Aykac Antukaci in the Grand Bazaar. If you’re exclusively looking for metalwork, Murat Bilir’s shop is the place to be. If you’re a pipe enthusiast, make sure that you visit these antique shops as you are assured that you’ll find some unique items. Culhaci Han has a large concentration of antique shops, with many focusing on vintage silverware. If you are an ocean-enthusiast, Minyatur sells a variety of nautical instruments, including globes, maps, compasses, and more.

If there’s one thing that defines the beauty of the Grand Bazaar, it’s the multitude of colors that line the walls of the place, thanks to the many kiosks selling beautiful lanterns. These pleasing ornaments are the take home and make it a feature on the front porch. Almost a lantern version of mosaic tiles, Turkish lamps can spruce up a dull place with minimal additions. The lanterns are available in a variety of forms, including desk-lamps, vase-shaped lamps, chandeliers, and hanging lamps. Ceramics

Turkish ceramics celebrate the colors of life, in a multitude of choices. The beautiful works of art come in many forms, including Iznik bowls, plates, ornaments, and even ashtrays. One that makes a perfect gift for a loved one, Turkish ceramics are a sure shot way to serve as a reminder of the beauty of the architectural mosaics of Istanbul.

Turkish carpets have revered the world over and are one craft that the country has preserved so well over several generations. The souks of Grand Bazaar Istanbul feature plenty of Kilim rugs that celebrate a variety of distinct styles from across the country. If you’re wanting to purchase Turkish treasures but are worried about baggage space, these Kilim rugs make a great buy. The tapestry is usually sold by the meter, and you can get very creative with its usage. The vibrant patterns are probably some of Turkey’s biggest exports. There are several types of designs that include the more traditional antique-looking patterns to the more modern look. Kilims are often made from silk thread and use the Holbein design as the pattern base. The designs have a dazzling geometry and are an excellent over-the-top addition to shake-up simplistic spaces. Punto, Adnan & Hasan, and Dhoku are the famous carpet shops, but there are plenty more options to choose from! Takkeciler Sokak has many famous carpet stores, including some who have been running for six generations.

As you walk into the Grand Bazaar, the waft of the aromatics is the first thing that is going to light up your senses. Saffron being one of the most precious exports of Turkey, you can choose from various grades of saffron at the Grand Bazaar. Apart from saffron, you can also pick up meatball spices, curry powders, and even lavender. Dried foods are also a specialty. But the real big seller is lokum or Turkish delight. Operating since the 18^th century, Haci Bekir is the most famous vendor for Turkish Delight. The honey and molasses sweet is easy to take back home. However, if you’re not much of spice and sweet person, you can indulge in custom-blended perfumes. Most of these perfume shops have plenty to offer to lure you in, including Turkish tea. But for something with a hit, try raki and anise liqueur.

Grand Bazaar Istanbul is a crowded maze in its elemental form. You should be able to develop a resistance to the large crowds as you make your way through the throngs if you don’t visit early in the morning or late in the evening. But the experience is so worth it because you get a chance to enjoy some nice kebabs while you walk down the alleyways, even if you’re not that much into shopping. For those who love the shopping game, though, the place is a paradise as bargaining is accepted. A good way to start a good bargaining game is to straight-up counter with half the quoted price and then work your way up slowly. As you are most likely going to be dealing with a salesperson rather than the owner themselves, the earlier you go, the more likely you’re going to get a better deal as the salesman is just trying to make his daily quota. If you’re tired from all the walking, be sure to take quick breaks and enjoy delicious Turkish coffee.

It is not recommended that you try getting around the Grand Bazaar with a map, as it is just plain silly! Get lost for a while; you never know what you’ll find along the way if you are short of time, though, you should try shopping closest to the gates. If you’re looking for jewelry, in particular, use the Beyazit Gate and follow the main alley, Kalpakcilar Caddesi.

Apart from the items mentioned above, you can also look out for pottery, textiles, and boutique ware. If you are looking for home décor items, meerschaum products are aplenty. Turkish towels made from handwoven, pure cotton are a delight to easy and one of the easier items to pack and carry home.

Some safety tips, though, is that you need to be alert for pickpockets and always stow things in handbags as the place gets quite crowded. There have been complaints of a hand grabbing by the salesman, and if you do encounter a stern stare should do the trick rather than making a scene in a crowded place.

The main reason that you have to try some of the restaurants at Grand Bazaar is that several establishments are the preferred choice of the locals, and see loyal customers daily. Many have served the city for decades and have stood the test of time in terms of consistency and quality.

This classic restaurant upholds the traditional style of Turkey and serves some of the best Turkish and Ottoman Food. Known for its authenticity, the place has a daily changing menu, and the items get sold fast. So, make sure that you reach before 3.00 pm if you want to the best. However, if you’re looking for a quick bite and a coffee, you can take a seat by the fountain.

Just outside the Grand Bazaar, tucked away on the second floor of a building, is one the most popular restaurants in Istanbul. Running for more than 3 decades, Aslan has a daily-changing menu and serves seasonal food, including sea bass and salmon. The restaurant offers tea after every meal.

If there’s one item that a must-try in Turkey, its kebab. And what’s better than to try it at a busy locale in the heart of Istanbul. Tucked away on an arrow street, the grill house is considered one of the best in Istanbul. Freshly cooked to order, the restaurant’s specialties are the alinazik and the pomegranate molasses. The place gets very crowded and has limited seating capacity. You may need to wait for quite some time.

The most revered coffeehouse of Grand Bazaar Istanbul, Sark Kahvesi, has a unique antique-looking vibe. The Anatolian table cloths and the wooden tables and chairs are sure to raise some nostalgic moments. Setting down for a cup of coffee after a long walk, as you watch the crowd going about their busy lives is surprisingly quite refreshing. Turkish coffee, prepared over a stove filled with hot sand, is the highlight of the place. However, if you’re not a coffee person, there’s always traditional tea on the menu. Grab a quick bite to go and order anything from grilled sandwiches to cheesecakes. But the Turkish specialty, Baklava, a layered pastry is a must-try dessert here.

Keep in mind that the restaurant list is not exhaustive in the slightest and most eating places in and around the market are quite famous for their quirky delicacies. This work’s out quite well for everyone as it is very much necessary to get a recharge after walking around the endless market for hours!

When you’re in Istanbul after you’re done with all the sightseeing if there’s none place that will make you want to go back for more so that you cover the entire place is Grand Bazaar. Whether it’s the food or the antiques, there’s a lot to uncover from Istanbul’s heritage, and the Grand Bazaar is in the thick of it.