Grand Bazaar

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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Things to do near Grand Bazaar

At the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with shopping, sightseeing, and guided tours. Explore the myriad of stalls offering traditional Turkish goods, from ceramics to spices, while enjoying the bustling ambiance. Take leisurely walks through the historic streets to fully appreciate the local culture and architecture, making your visit a memorable experience.

Shopping

The Grand Bazaar offers a vibrant shopping experience filled with unique gifts and souvenirs. The Egyptian Bazaar is a nearby public market with bustling city vibes, only 644m away. Historia Fatih Shopping Centre, 1.6km away, and Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre, 6.4km away, provide family-friendly entertainment and shopping options.

Recreation

Experience the rejuvenating Kilic Ali Pasha Hamam, where traditional body treatments will leave you feeling refreshed, just 1.6km from the Grand Bazaar. Enjoy the enchanting Whirling Dervishes performance, located 644m away, for a captivating cultural experience, and take in the vibrant dance scene at Kumbaraci50, also a mile from the bazaar.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of bungee jumping at Istanbul Jumping, located 1.6km from the Grand Bazaar. For an exhilarating twist, try the GMAX Reverse Bungy, 6.4km away. For a more serene adventure, explore the scenic Sultans Trail, situated 1.1km from the Bazaar.

Nightlife

In Istanbul, the Dance of Colours theatre, only 322m from the Grand Bazaar, offers a vibrant cultural experience. Tiyatro-Z, located 1.6km away, showcases romantic and entertaining performances, while Mahseri Cumbus Hayalhane, 3.2km from the bazaar, provides a delightful family-friendly atmosphere.

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

Find the best attractions near Grand Bazaar

Whether you’re a culture enthusiast or an outdoor adventurer, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Within and around this historic marketplace, you can explore stunning mosques, picturesque squares, and magnificent historic buildings. With an abundance of attractions catering to every type of traveller, your visit promises to be both memorable and immersive in the vibrant essence of Turkish culture.

  • Hagia Sophia: Once a cathedral and later a mosque, Hagia Sophia is a stunning architectural marvel that showcases the rich history of Istanbul. Its magnificent dome and intricate mosaics offer a glimpse into Byzantine artistry, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
  • Blue Mosque: Known for its striking blue tiles, the Blue Mosque is an iconic symbol of Istanbul. This active mosque welcomes visitors to admire its grandeur and serene atmosphere, providing a unique insight into Islamic architecture and culture.
  • Sultanahmet Square: This lively piazza is the heart of Istanbul’s historical district, surrounded by significant landmarks. Here, you can soak up the vibrant city vibes, enjoy local cafes, and experience the rich culture of this magnificent area.

Best time to go to Grand Bazaar

The best time to visit Grand Bazaar can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Grand Bazaar falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Grand Bazaar falls in January, 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 between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Saturdays are the best days for affordable stays, while Thursdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to filter hotel options by budget and location, and look for package deals that combine flights and activities for added savings. Additionally, explore the area on foot to enjoy free sights and experiences, making the most of your visit without spending excessively.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia's search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, preferred location, and ideal type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation near the Grand Bazaar with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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