The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It has 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops that sell various goods, such as carpets, jewelry, spices, antiques, and souvenirs. It is a colorful and lively place that attracts thousands of visitors every day.
The Grand Bazaar is open from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
The entrance to the Grand Bazaar is free, but you may need to pay a small fee for some of the hans (caravanserais) inside the market.
The Grand Bazaar is located in the Fatih district, between the Beyazit and Nuruosmaniye mosques. You can easily reach it by tram (Beyazit-Kapalıçarşı stop) or by walking from Sultanahmet or Sirkeci.
The Grand Bazaar offers a variety of tours for different interests and budgets. You can join a guided tour that will show you the highlights of the market, or you can book a private tour that will cater to your specific preferences. You can also take a culinary tour that will introduce you to the delicious food and drinks of the market.
If you want to visit the Grand Bazaar, here are some useful information and tips:
- It is divided into different sections according to the type of products. For example, there is a gold market (Kuyumcular Çarşısı), a carpet market (Halıcılar Çarşısı), a spice market (Mısır Çarşısı), and a book market (Sahaflar Çarşısı). You can find a map of the Grand Bazaar at the entrances or online.
- It is a great place to practice your bargaining skills. You can expect to pay about half of the initial price offered by the sellers. However, be respectful and polite when negotiating, and don’t be afraid to walk away if you are not satisfied with the deal.
- It is also a cultural and historical attraction. You can admire the architecture and decoration of the market, which dates back to the 15th century. You can also visit some of the mosques, fountains, tombs, and hammams (Turkish baths) inside or near the market.
- You should also be careful of pickpockets and scammers who may try to take advantage of tourists.
The Grand Bazaar has some rules and prohibitions that you should respect:
- You should not smoke inside the market.
- You should not take photos without permission.
- You should not touch or damage any of the goods.
The Grand Bazaar is a must-see attraction in Istanbul. It is a place where you can experience the rich culture and history of Turkey, as well as find some unique and beautiful items to take home. Enjoy your visit!
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