Everything You Need To Know Before Shopping At Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar

istanbul grand bazaar

Libby Ryan

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey is a labyrinth of shops leading through dozens of covered streets. It’s like a gallery for all the goods you imagine when you think of Turkey: rugs, spices, scarves, teas, jewelry and, of course, Turkish delight. But regardless of whether you like the marshmallowy treat that shares its name with the country, you will be delighted by a day exploring the enormous marketplace.

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar dates back to the 1450s, making it one of the oldest covered markets in the world. It was a major player on the Silk Road, the trading route that connected Asia and Europe. Istanbul, or Constantinople as it was called until just before the bazaar was built, was one of the bridges between the two continents, and the market became the heart of the city.

istanbul grand bazaar

Pixabay

Today, wandering the bazaar is a sensory overload. You’ll first notice the bright colors of the walls and flags hanging in the arched ceilings, and then you’ll start to hear the sales pitches. The shopkeepers are experts at guessing what language you speak, so you’ll get offers in whatever language they overhear you using (or the one that stereotypically fits your look).

After you get used to the onslaught of beckoning merchants, you’ll smell the scent of the spices, steeping rose tea and sugary candied fruit. But beware: As soon as you touch the beautiful Turkish rugs or soft silk scarves, it’s going to be a lot harder to walk away without making a purchase — both because you’ll want a bazaar souvenir and the sellers are very good at their jobs.

Shopping For Days

istanbul grand bazaar

Pixabay

There are more than 4,000 shops at the Grand Bazaar. Just to put that into context, the much-bragged-about Mall of America boasts 500 stores. But since the bazaar has become one of the most touristed attractions in the world, it isn’t quite the hidden trove of treasures it once was in the Middle Ages. Now, you can find stunning Turkish rugs, lamps, leather bags and ceramics, but the prices are inflated for the tourist eyes that traipse through the bazaar every day.

Bargaining is part of the game here. If you take the ticket price, you’re almost definitely paying up to five times as much as the item’s worth. We’ll be real — even your best haggling skills will likely only get you to pay the low price of double your souvenir’s value, but that’s a totally acceptable loss at the bazaar.

RELATED: How To Haggle Like A Pro (Without The Guilt)

We suggest going into the Grand Bazaar with a budget limit and carrying just that much in cash. That way, if you come across the Turkish rug of your dreams, you can’t even shell out the money to make it yours. Plus, how are you going to get a full-size Turkish rug home? Stick to snacks, scarves and small things that can fit easily into a suitcase without burning a hole in your wallet.

Finding Your Way In The Maze

istanbul grand bazaar

Pixabay

The most fun part of the bazaar can also be a source of frustration for travelers who are on a mission to see as much as they can in as little time as possible. The Grand Bazaar is a maze of hallways leading from shop to shop. Even if you plan to stick to the big main halls that lead calmly from one side of the market to the other, it’s too tempting to turn off into a row of spice sellers with glistening tile lamps at the end of the corridor.

Outside the bazaar, it’s a similar labyrinth. Immediately after leaving the bazaar gates, you can find a gorgeous 19th-century mosque (don’t forget to pack a scarf if you want to go inside). Also not far? The famous Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and Topkapi Palace.

Long story short: Don’t plan on making a short trip to the Grand Bazaar. You’ll want the time to examine all the treasures and need the time to find your way back to the entrance.

RELATED

3 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Istanbul Layover

Get Lost In The Bargains At The World’s Biggest And Best Markets