Grand Bazaar

4.3

4304 ratings

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Grigor B.

Level 4 Local Expert

My experience at the Grand Bazaar was disappointing. The market is highly overrated, with prices inflated far beyond reasonable levels. Bargaining does not really work, and the quality of many products does not justify the cost. The environment is overcrowded, noisy, and difficult to navigate. Additionally, most sellers do not accept cards or dollars — only cash in Turkish lira, which creates unnecessary inconvenience for visitors. Overall, the place feels focused solely on extracting as much money as possible from tourists. I would not recommend the Grand Bazaar to anyone looking for fair prices or a comfortable shopping experience.

Airat

Level 17 Local Expert

It's a unique place, it seems to have everything. It's worth a visit to see how many people can trade at once. + huge selection + light + good exchange rate - if you don't know Turkish, it's better not to bargain

daniyar n

Level 5 Local Expert

Beautiful place. I always visit the place when I come to Istanbul. The atmosphere is amazing. Bring a bit of money because once you start shopping, you can't stop

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Level 25 Local Expert

One of the world’s oldest covered markets — perfect for souvenirs and spices. Get off at Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı tram stop.

Larina Olga

Level 21 Local Expert

Nice place to buy everything but too expencive because of colorite)

Химера

Level 13 Local Expert

Nice experience, but pricy

Mohamed Elbersy

Level 15 Local Expert

Perfect

rebellia r.

Level 7 Local Expert

Old bazaar or grand bazaar ?

Jamshid Jalalov

Level 10 Local Expert

Crowded place

Teo Generoso

Level 10 Local Expert

Super

Cem İPAR

Level 8 Local Expert

Amazing

sandsn

Level 15 Local Expert

History

Level 9 Local Expert

You just have to come here and buy something at least once. Be prepared to bargain, be prepared to be charged money, and around the corner you will find Turkish delight much better for less money. This is the bazaar in all its beauty and ugliness. There are a lot of people, there are even more touts, it's noisy, it's boring, it's easy to get lost without a map and the Internet, but if you have them, feel free to leave the covered part of the Bazaar and go to the open-air places. A separate piece of advice for girls, go with a man. I walked away for just a second, and the merchants immediately swooped down on my girlfriend, seeing (in her words) easy prey. If you come with an excursion, stick to some guy, just ask him to be there. If you are alone, get ready for numerous vultures. Under the roof and closer to the edges, everything is pretty monotonous: spices, nuts, Turkish delight, (possibly) gold, but it's worth delving into the open-air part - the variety begins. Don't take everything in one place! Take it in different stores, check it out first, then take it. And just in case, don't take anything for free unless you've paid for something. You can try the product safely before buying, but it is better to drink teas after payment, as the transaction is completed.

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Евгений Толмачев

Level 8 Local Expert

To be honest, I expected a lot more from the famous Grand Bazaar. I won't say what upset me, I took what I wanted, but I thought this attraction would be more fun. I will say this, those who really dealt with our Cherkizon, in terms of buying there, haggling or maybe even working, will not be surprised by the Grand Bazaar. There are a lot of rows, yes, but it won't be a problem to find something worthwhile there, the rest is all chipboard, where you don't even want to look. The sellers were either already lazy or I was so unlucky, I didn't see this famous market, "hey, come in brother!" and so on. I didn't go to the bazaar just to look. And for a specific purpose - to buy a good leather jacket for no more than $ 120. I found a jacket that I liked and even agreed to participate in the seller's presentation that my son would come now and take you to our main location, where there is more choice. Yes, he came, and even maybe his son, yes, took me to a completely different location and where there is more choice, but this choice is, let's just say, much worse in quality than the first option that I measured in the original shop. I canceled a couple of options and merged from there, returning to that original store. The same charming grandfather once again gave me the same jacket and tried it on, and after my question "How much?" the most interesting thing began 😂 He started dodging and saying that the price would be lower especially for me, he started showing a comparison of this model with others, hinting that this jacket was much higher in quality than everything else, and it was 100% true, because why did I choose it? and after my "So, how much?” He gave me a price of $250)) well, then there was my round, I laughed and made it clear to him that I was interested in this particular model and there was no need to offer others, but the price of $ 250 was too high, because then it would be cheaper for me to buy it at home. And after my performance, I told him my price of $150, he was outraged and said it was a robbery, that he sewed it with these hands and that he simply couldn't give it away for less than $200, as a result, I announced that $170 was my maximum and that I would be hungry today and tomorrow, so that the money doesn't run out before the end of the visit in Istanbul. He laughed looking at me, apparently realizing that the same marketeer was standing in front of him and agreed. As a result, I didn't meet my goal of $120 for a jacket and took it for $170, but honestly, in terms of the quality of the tailoring, in terms of the finest natural suede, this jacket cost more than the $250 he originally offered it to me. So it's profitable for me to take a good product that I'm sure will last me a long time. 👌🏻 Summing up the visit, Cherkizon is pure water, but you can bargain well for a good thing. 👌🏻

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Дмитрий С

Level 15 Local Expert

There is a sense of the East in the architecture. The atmosphere of the East . a bazaar with lots of sweets and various jewelry . The price tag is a bit high. Everything is expensive because it's a tourist destination. A lot of people. Keep your pockets buttoned up)) Relatively clean for such a place with so many visitors.

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Сергей Иванов

Level 15 Local Expert

It's interesting to go more like an excursion. Prices are often higher than for the same product in a store somewhere outside the bazaar. They are reluctant to bargain. Prices are often not indicated, but sellers name prices by looking at the buyer and externally assessing his financial capabilities. We didn't buy anything, we just walked around like a museum. On the plus side, the bazaar has the most profitable currency exchange rate that we've seen. On the downside, the bazaar itself is closed with a roof, and every second seller smokes, sometimes the smoke of cigarettes makes it impossible to breathe. I advise you to go, but no longer for shopping, but for the sake of interest.

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Татьяна Анатольевна К-Нова

Level 28 Local Expert

I definitely recommend this place for a walk! It's just steeped in antiquity! The most ancient market! An old building! A huge assortment. We didn't buy anything! It's just a place for a guided tour!

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Екатерина

Level 9 Local Expert

The bazaar is not for shopping, but as a museum) prices are definitely higher than outside, but there are samples of what you can't find anywhere else: dishes of incredible beauty, carpets, lamps. Well, an old building that has preserved a century-old history. The sellers are very kind, they invite you, show you, and treat you to tea. You can just visit for inspiration)

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Natalia K

Level 10 Local Expert

It's a whole city! Beautiful murals on the vaults, you feel like you're in some kind of fairy-tale maze. I would have liked to get lost there and wander around a bit longer, but I didn't have time, so we bought some delicious tea and stared for a while. Expensive, but interesting :)

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Aleksei Vazhov

Level 15 Local Expert

A place for merchants and tourists with the Cherkizon vibe of the 90s. From the point of view of history, it is a landmark place, but now it is just rows of shops of Chinese counterfeit clothes and goods, past which crowds of tourists walk. It's uncomfortable here because of the stuffiness. They're always calling me somewhere, and I have to go up and down.

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Яша

Level 26 Local Expert

A colorful place to visit, but without the hope of finding cheap goods here, I would say that this is the most expensive market in Istanbul, designed for tourists :) and a walk, a walk, and preferably with an accompanying guide, yes, it's worth it! It's a whole city within a city, with narrow streets, ancient caravan hotels, and an observation deck somewhere under the roof of shops where we were allowed to order tea :) but with a gorgeous view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus! I recommend it to everyone!

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Надежда Гмызо

Level 28 Local Expert

A magical place! Vintage, noisy, bright, colorful! You need to understand that the Grand Bazaar is not only an indoor part of it, but a whole city within a city! The indoor part is really expensive relative to the rest, but here you overpay for the atmosphere of history. If you want the same thing, but it's cheaper for entertainment, go for a walk in the open air. There are whole streets of children's clothes, dishes, only shoes, only jewelry, only "brands" (they are, by the way, not Chinese, but locally made, which are located in another industrial part of the city, and therefore the replicas here are of better quality), but not brands, spices, tea, bedding, jackets, and a lot the other one. Istanbul is one big market where everyone can find something for their wallet. If we return to the historical part, it impresses with its eastern history, when merchants from all over the world sold their goods here. Many people are disappointed precisely because they expect cheapness. But, for example, we don't expect the same from the historical GUM or the Living Room Courtyard. Don't listen to anyone and enjoy walking through this fabulous place. After all, it's a tourist attraction.

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Сергей Ирушкин

Level 10 Local Expert

I visited Istanbul for the first time and I am absolutely delighted! The Grand Bazaar is the oldest and largest indoor market in the world. There is everything for every taste! You can just go on an excursion!!! Many sellers speak Russian, all are friendly, friendly! You can bargain and immediately cut the price 2-3 times!!! There are good things, but there is also junk))) In general, it was very interesting to me!

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Татьяна Ш.

Level 9 Local Expert

An atmospheric place. It is a must to visit both to see and to purchase high-quality clothes, goodies and souvenirs. For those who are looking for fur and leather, go here. You can just stare.

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Мария Лубинец

Level 8 Local Expert

It is very smoky, it is impossible for non-smokers to stay. The price is 2,3,4 times more expensive than just in the city. It's a dubious attraction, but as a bazaar, I don't recommend it at all. We came in just for show

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Антон Баланчук

Level 21 Local Expert

A great place to definitely visit while in Istanbul. However, not to participate in VERY expensive shopping, but to plunge into the real atmosphere of the oriental bazaar and flavor, to sit at a table with a cup of coffee, literally on the streets where crowds of tourists scurry around trying to crush your feet. To see and admire the architecture and arches of the largest indoor bazaar in the world, enveloping you in the smells of all kinds of spices.

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Патрик Екатерина Викторовна

Level 30 Local Expert

Large space, lots of souvenirs and tourist products. You can also buy clothes, even leather and furs, there are cafes and toilets.

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Osman Kahraman

Level 6 Local Expert

I stopped by the Grand Bazaar about two months ago. As usual, it was crowded but lively. The historical atmosphere is still impressive. The prices are a little touristic, but when you negotiate, they can come down to reasonable levels. There may be too much insistence in some shops, but in general it was a pleasure to visit. It's worth stopping by even for a short break.

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Елена Решетова

Level 19 Local Expert

An atmospheric place, very reminiscent of our Cherkizovsky market. There are crowds of people, many of them just come for a walk. You have to bargain everywhere. Without this, the cost is too high. It's very easy to get lost. On the downside, it's stuffy. And while I was just standing there, waiting, I was literally dragged away from all sides to my pavilions by merchants, you can't walk here without a man.

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Юлия У.

Level 16 Local Expert

Grand Bazaar, must-visit, 1461 . Colorful, impressive, alluring, interesting, vintage. It is necessary to be able to bargain confidently and persistently. It is almost impossible to leave without buying.

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Артур Сатиков

Level 12 Local Expert

Being in Istanbul and not going to the Grand Bazaar is nonsense! A unique place combining centuries-old traditions and modern trends of trade and culture of the Turkish society. Here you can buy souvenirs, groceries, jewelry and all kinds of various household items for every taste and purse! The atmosphere of the oriental bazaar is like being in a fairy tale from The Arabian Nights. It is necessary to bargain with sellers and with pleasure! An unforgettable place and a wonderful experience! By the way, one of the latest James Bond episodes was filmed here!

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Юлия

Level 7 Local Expert

Well, the place is certainly colorful, as you can and probably even need to go on an excursion) in terms of shopping, of course, it's so ... for an amateur) the prices are very high, you need to bargain, if you like such attractions, then super

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Дарья Устюжанина

Level 8 Local Expert

A huge bazaar, you can find everything you need, an atmospheric place, you want to walk around and look at everything, but the prices are too high, you need to either bargain well or buy somewhere else, and here you just enjoy the view

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Stark Industries

Level 7 Local Expert

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is a real oriental maze with thousands of shops where you can find carpets, ceramics, spices and souvenirs. The atmosphere here is incredibly colorful: the noise, the smells of spices and the ringing of bells create a real oriental fairy tale. It is important for tourists to remember that it is necessary to bargain, but many goods can be bought cheaper elsewhere in the city. Even if you are not planning on shopping, a walk through the bazaar will give you an unforgettable experience and will allow you to feel the spirit of old Istanbul.

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Юлия Германовна

Level 16 Local Expert

It's a beautiful market, definitely worth a visit! Condiments, teas, sweets, gold, a lot of souvenir shops, a fairly large market. I can't say the same about clothes and shoes, I thought I'd see something of their production there, of good quality, the scarves are the same as in Russia at ridiculous prices, the quality leaves much to be desired! I thought there would be a large selection of carpets, but I saw only a couple of shops. In general, you can walk around and take a look

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Alina

Level 5 Local Expert

It's a very colorful place, I went there for a photo, and bought a set of jewelry. Bargain- because the price increase there is good, you can bring down the price by almost 2 times.

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Юрий

Level 15 Local Expert

A beautiful atmospheric place for tourists visiting Istanbul, it is necessary to bargain, check everything for quality, a lot of fakes of all kinds of brands, of course. But there are also good things at an inexpensive price, prices are overestimated at least 2 times, bargain.

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Альфия Паукова

Level 12 Local Expert

An iconic place in Istanbul, steeped in history. Colorful photos are provided. A huge territory, you can't get around it in a day, a very large selection of goods for every taste and purse.

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Антон К.

Level 8 Local Expert

A great place to visit. View the architecture and structure of the bazaar. It is better to visit with a guide. There are antique shops. I would not recommend buying things. What is the original and what is the replica is not clear.

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Айк Бабаян

Level 26 Local Expert

A picturesque place that perfectly captures the spirit of Istanbul. There is everything here - from shawarma for 1,500 rubles to currency exchange offices. In the corridors, you can hear all the languages and smell all the smells of the world. Lots of jewelry and clothes, few books and coffee.

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Roman Fundukoff

Level 12 Local Expert

One of the places that must be visited. A variety of Turkish-made goods and more. There are whole rows of oriental sweets, condiments and teas. You can also profitably buy leather and clothes. But don't forget to bargain. This is a must. And it is very interesting to bargain with the Turks.

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Дмитрий Голуб

Level 11 Local Expert

It's a beautiful and noisy place. The Turkish flavor is bursting with life. Beware of shopping. They are 2-3 times more expensive there than in other places. Turks, seeing a tourist, try to deceive at every step and sniff absolutely unnecessary things.

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Максим

Level 15 Local Expert

Atmospherically clean and friendly, it is definitely worth a visit to experience the flavor of Istanbul. Talk to the sellers, ask them how they are doing and bargain for your pleasure. It is not necessary to buy =)

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Марина Афонина

Level 8 Local Expert

Visited for show, sooo many people. The shops are all of the same type, just a regular market. It differs from Cherkizon only in the presence of architecture. All the same products can be found on any street.

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Андрей Соколов

Level 15 Local Expert

It's expensive, there are a lot of unpleasant odors, it stinks of mothballs, where carpets, spices, something else, The toilet in the alley is paid and it's scary to go there, Prices are more expensive than at a street bazaar, Sellers sit and eat in the middle of the aisle or wash the floor and wave a mop at visitors so that they don't walk on the washed, T-shirts for 40 Euros! On the street, the same T-shirts cost 7-10 euros. The summer bag a la Prada costs 400 euros and is not traded.

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ОТЗЫВЧИВЫЙ

Level 25 Local Expert

A dubious place for shopping. The market mainly consists of shops with Chinese counterfeit clothes and bags. There is gold, but very little, and the prices are simply space. The strangest possible location. There are many shops with intrusive sellers nearby.

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Денис Р.

Level 9 Local Expert

It's a very colorful place. Ancient buildings. Everything just breathes antiquities. Piles of locally made goods and jewelry. You can bargain absolutely everywhere. Crowds of people. They smoke almost everywhere. Joyfully.

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Павел, просто Павел.

Level 30 Local Expert

It's a strange place for personal feelings. First of all, it's expensive, at least where we priced it. Secondly, it's crowded, but I haven't seen a single purchase. Everyone is walking and staring. Thirdly, the rows of jewelry are completely unguarded, while the windows are full of jewelry. This observation leads to bad thoughts. We were in a hurry, ran through three rows and returned to the planned route, so the conclusions above are superficial. But once you're in Istanbul, you need to take a walk.

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Тимур Исаев

Level 10 Local Expert

One of the most famous and visited tourist attractions in Istanbul! It is located in the very center of Istanbul, in the Fatih district. It is easily accessible by high-speed tram. I recommend laying an hour and a half. If you want to buy souvenirs, baklava, etc. inexpensively, then this is here

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Юлия Суздалева

Level 22 Local Expert

The Grand Bazaar, known in Turkish as Kapalıçarşı, which literally translates as "Indoor Market", is one of Istanbul's most iconic and historical attractions, as well as one of the oldest and largest indoor markets in the world. The construction of the Grand Bazaar began shortly after the Ottomans conquered Constantinople. Its foundation is attributed to Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror (Fatih Sultan Mehmet) in 1455-1461. Initially, these were two stone bedestens (storage rooms) for trading in jewelry and fabrics, designed to generate income for the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Over time, the market grew to include many streets, caravanserais (khans), workshops and shops, gradually turning into a huge indoor maze. The Grand Bazaar is a real city within a city. It covers an area of over 30,700 square meters. Inside there are more than 60 streets (alleys), about 4,000 shops, several khans (courtyards), mosques, fountains, cafes and restaurants. Streets have traditionally been grouped by type of goods or crafts, although now this division has become less strict. You can find a huge variety of products here. This is not just a place to shop, but a whole world where you can spend hours wandering through the narrow streets, inhaling the aromas of spices and tea, admiring the craftsmanship of artisans. Visiting the Grand Bazaar is a unique experience. It pulsates with energy, noise and bright colors. It is customary to bargain here (this is part of the culture and pleasure of shopping), especially when buying expensive goods. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors annually. The Grand Bazaar is located in the historic Fatih district, close to other major attractions. The easiest way to get there is by tram T1 (stops Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı or Çemberlitaş). The Grand Bazaar is not just a market, it is a living monument to the history of the Ottoman Empire, a witness to centuries of trade and cultural exchange, which still retains its unique atmosphere.

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Grand Bazaar

1492 reviews