Istanbul Bazaar Travel Guide

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of Turkey's most notable attractions. This is the largest covered Bazaar in the world and once boasted 4,000 shops. One could spend hours browsing the many stalls filled with carpets, tea, jewelry, hookahs, clothing and endless other hand made and everyday Turkish goods. The building that houses the Bazaar is a site in itself, with tall ceilings and azure tiles this echoing and bustling market is a classically Turkish experience.

The many tiny shops in the Bazaar often sell the same items. Many visitors to Turkey have come solely for the shopping. Turkish carpets are famous around the world and the Grand Bazaar is a great place to find beautiful pieces at excellent bargains. Of course, nothing comes too cheap in the Grand Bazaar, where you will not find the great prices you are looking for without considerable haggling. Haggling is a social custom in Turkey (as in many parts of the world) and the price you are offered is never the final price. When purchasing a Turkish carpet, be sure to familiarize yourself with signs of quality in carpets; know what you are looking for and what you are willing to pay. Tip: start your offer at half the amount you are willing to pay.

The Bazaar is also dotted with tea and sweet shops where you can find bulk jars of powdered Turkish apple tea, Turkish black tea, dried roses, Turkish delight candies and the delicate glasses in which Turkish tea is served. Once you have spent even one day in Turkey you will become familiar with the Turkish custom of drinking tea constantly. In Turkey, tea is served in tiny thin glasses and is usually consumed with lots of sugar. The Bazaar offers small tea sets for tourists as well as bulk glasses for tea shop owners. The Bazaar is a popular shopping place not just for visitors, but for locals as well, giving it a busy and authentic feel.

A relatively recent addition to the Bazaar is the appearance of small restaurants and tea shops. While kebab stands are unavoidable, one now has the option of sitting down in the midst of the Bazaar and enjoying some salep or apple tea and even lentil soup for a break from shopping. No visit to Turkey is complete without a trip to the famous Grand Bazaar; this world-famous and ancient mall will give you a taste of Turkey that you will be sure to savor.