Grand Bazaar

4.3

5000 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.

Ольга Ярцева

Level 8 Local Expert

Интересно посмотреть на архитектуру и роспись. Но очень много людей и, конечно, покупать ничего не стоит, всё ориентировано на туристов и сомнительного качества.

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

Сергей Грималюк

Level 17 Local Expert

Сладости и паленые шмотки. Все!

Robyn Michelle Furman

Level 2 Local Expert

Unbelievable!! Start haggling at 1/2 of what they're asking and be sure to visit the outside merchants.

ProExpert [subscribe]

Level 30 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 22 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 10 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

Оксана В.

Level 15 Local Expert

The place is highly overrated as a market/bazaar: the price tags here are initially infernal 3-4 times higher than in other places in Istanbul. If you do not know how or do not want to bargain, then you will be ripped off like a stick with your voluntary consent. The bazaar itself is huge in size, with interesting architecture inside, and it's worth visiting it at least for sightseeing/familiarization purposes. A wide range of goods, centered mainly on jewelry (different from our Russian one), leather goods (clothing, shoes and bags), Turkish sweets and teas. There are also plenty of different clothes for every taste, but it is more on the periphery of the bazaar. The quality of things, especially leather, in my opinion, is excellent! I recommend going to check the price, discount the price several times, they refuse, leave, they will stop you with a 90% probability and give you the item for the amount you need. Or better yet, look for the things you like on the street next to the bazaar, you will find 100% and cheaper at times. For example, we looked at a leather jacket at the bazaar itself, the price was announced to us at $ 400, first dropped to $ 250, after further bidding, the price dropped to $ 200. We decided to take our time and went to another pavilion on the street, where we bought the exact same jacket for $ 140!!!! By the way, at every turn you will be invited to see their product, sometimes too intrusively. In such cases, face the brick and walk past in silence.

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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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сергей

Level 17 Local Expert

Yes, this is a market, yes, this is a tourist destination, yes, the prices are too high, but I believe that it is necessary to come here to enjoy the atmosphere of the East, its aromas and colors. Have a real coffee in one of the khans (an inn), sit by the trees that have heard more than one hundred stories of this place.

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Елена

Level 17 Local Expert

It's expensive to buy something here, but it's colorful. Tea, dried fruits, sweets, souvenirs, someone is looking at shawls, carpets and jewelry. It's interesting to see the old market building and it's impressive. You definitely need to go once!

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Антон

Level 17 Local Expert

The Grand Bazaar was impressive except for its size. In the room itself, you can still find interesting benches with dishes, mosaic lamps, spices, baklava and various types of tea. Otherwise, the usual market with various goods is clothing, jewelry, hats, suitcases, leather goods. As for the streets adjacent to the bazaar, they are dotted with the same shops and stalls. If you visit it just for show, then you can. Prices are the same as in other stores in the area. In general, it is not of particular interest.

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Zoi Live

Level 29 Local Expert

The Grand Bazaar is the Istanbul version of our Apraksin Courtyard. The same chaos, the same abundance, the same endless stream of people. But instead of the smell of pies and dampness, there is the aroma of spices and sweets, and instead of Soviet chandeliers, there are thousands of oriental lamps. I walked around the bazaar in the "curious researcher, not a spender" mode. 😅 Every counter beckons: "Buy, beautiful!" You must bargain!

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Виктория Ченцова

Level 18 Local Expert

Very atmospheric and beautiful! You can buy not only dried fruits, nuts and products, but also a variety of souvenirs, jewelry and much more!

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Ольга Клейн

Level 6 Local Expert

It's an exotic place, but the assortment is quite monotonous-gold rows, national shawls and textiles. It's interesting to see, there's not much to buy. The cotton blankets and towels are good.

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Алена К.

Level 4 Local Expert

The Grand Bazaar is a colorful place where everything is probably for sale. It's definitely worth coming here for the atmosphere, ancient architecture, beautiful mosaics and the opportunity to taste real Turkish coffee made on the sand. However, in my opinion, this is a one-time location.It is better to come here early in the morning, while there are few people. Closer to lunch, there are a lot of people and it gets stuffy inside.You also need to be able to bargain here. All products are sold without price tags: sellers first evaluate your appearance, and then name the amount. If you know how to bring down the price, it easily halves. If you don't like to bargain, I don't recommend shopping — it's better to come here just as on an excursion or take a strictly limited amount of cash with you so as not to spend too much. It's definitely worth visiting for the sake of interest!

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Яша

Level 30 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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Марина Батурина

Level 11 Local Expert

It's worth a look here as an excursion. Look at the movement, the assortment. There are a lot of people, it's fussy and noisy. The prices are high, if there is anything to take, then you need to love and be able to bargain. And understand that you need to spend a lot of time on this.

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Виталий Слободин

Level 21 Local Expert

I agree and support all the negative reviews about the cost of goods, the opportunity to feel the atmosphere, see the architecture and enjoy sweets. Prices are overstated by 2-3 times. Walk out of the bazaar and into the Egyptian Bazaar, where there are street stalls with reasonable prices, possibly the lowest in Istanbul. You can also enjoy delicious food at Turkish prices.

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Людмила Док

Level 12 Local Expert

It's noisy, crowded, and cold, even though it's indoors, smoky, and dirty. So, let's go for a check. Those who are used to the comfort of the shopping center will not like it here. And it's difficult to approach something, it's just difficult to consider it - they start offering it without stopping. I wanted to see replicas of bags (everything from Gucci, YSL, etc.), but I didn't even come up because of the clinginess. Lots of gold jewelry, carpets, souvenirs, etc. In the Old Bazaar there are only figurines, silver Turks, glasses, etc. dishes. I wouldn't go again.

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Евгений Кремер

Level 19 Local Expert

The bazaar certainly impresses with its scale, diversity, antiquity and its special atmosphere. Be sure to bargain for the product) The disadvantages for me are a huge territory and a lot of people.

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Татьяна Качурина

Level 11 Local Expert

The Grand Bazaar is interesting as a huge collection, but it is annoying as the dominance of copies of luxury brands. I would like to see more normal authentic goods of Turkish origin at reasonable prices. Of course, it's nice when they give you a taste, treat you to tea, etc., but when they squeeze in something for double or triple the price, which is closer to the "back" exits and costs much less on the street, you don't feel very good. Therefore, never immediately rush to the goods of the central gallery or at the entrance. First, study the entire bazaar, compare the offers, prices and quality in your head, and only then make a purchase. Set aside at least 3 hours to study. This is a tourist destination and the surroundings are appropriate, you can have a snack in a cafe and almost every merchant is ready to treat you to tea, you can't refuse them hospitality.

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Юджин

Level 10 Local Expert

A huge bazaar with lots of goods and people. There are so many people that it is difficult to get through in some places. Unfortunately, there is a lot of garbage. A lot of people smoke. The delivery guys manage to ride electric scooters and bikes even there. Many products can be found in Istanbul in stores at the same price. Visiting the bazaar for a lover of a large number of people and jostling in the crowd.

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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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Александр Мамонтов

Level 14 Local Expert

An interesting place, mainly selling souvenirs, things, sweets and spices, is better to look at the Egyptian market. Not everyone is haggling, but you can lower the price.

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Айк Бабаян

Level 27 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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Лилия Лилия

Level 7 Local Expert

It's a colorful place, but the sellers are very annoying and the prices are x10. Three stars only for the design, the goods are definitely not worth taking there - there is an ordinary bazaar nearby with absolutely adequate prices

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Бозиева Айшат

Level 13 Local Expert

The bazaar is simply huge, with a very large selection of clothes, accessories, and souvenirs! You can find everything you need.

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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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Osman Kahraman

Level 7 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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Сергей Лобзов

Level 10 Local Expert

A grandiose building, a lot of retail outlets. But in fact, there is a huge Chinese consumer goods market. There aren't a lot of really good things, you have to look for them and bypass a lot of points. Unaccustomed to it, it's hard to navigate. Of the good ones, ceramics, fabric shops (excellent quality and choice), antique shops, I came across one good knife shop and a handmade leather slipper shop (I found another one in the city with lower prices). There are a lot of shops with gold products, but I wouldn't risk taking something there (my prejudices). Food at the bazaar and nearby at fairly high prices. Nuts and spices are very expensive. Houses can be bought much cheaper.

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Екатерина Колосова

Level 30 Local Expert

The place is incredibly bright and colorful. An ancient bazaar with endless rows, all under one roof. This is truly a city within a city! But for me personally, it's very noisy and chaotic here. You are constantly being pulled, tempting to yourself, even if you walk past at a brisk pace and don't even look in the direction of the store. This kind of obsession is annoying, although there is an understanding that it is part of the local culture. To be honest, I went to the bazaar only for sweets, because I knew that they should be of high quality there. Right at the entrance, they actually pounce on you, starting to sell. That's why I didn't look for a candy store for a long time, I wanted to buy it faster and leave. But! Everything I bought was very tasty and, as I later realized, quite adequate in price (although at the time of purchase it did not seem so to me. But I haggled as best I could!). So if you're ready for some chaos and increased attention, go ahead. Go anyway, at least for a little bit. It's worth getting an idea of the oriental bazaar.

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Дмитрий С

Level 17 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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Александр Че

Level 19 Local Expert

It's a great, very authentic place, purely "like a look around." We don't need fake Gucci and Dior, we don't sell gold, we know where oriental sweets are sold much cheaper. However, we bought very beautiful pillowcases for dummies here, having haggled a lot with the seller (however, to his great pleasure). Bargain by all means, this is a necessary element of the game!

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Евгений А.

Level 5 Local Expert

When you visit Istanbul, it is naturally interesting to explore similar places in search of local flavor and ancient culture. Walk around and look at the entourage paraphernalia, taste the onion and take a couple of souvenirs. Unfortunately, the presence of small ants on one of the candy stands spoiled the impression, but I think this is an eternal problem of all food stalls, restaurants, and so on. Powdered tea was tasted at this bazaar, pomegranate and currant flavors were especially liked, pistachio and, yes, pomegranate again were very popular with onions. It became clear that in Turkey, in general, they make amazing various goodies from this green nut and red fruit, so I advise you very willingly.

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Александр Клевцов

Level 7 Local Expert

In fact, a small city with narrow cobbled streets, goods on the left and right, in general, I did not see anything special for a Russian accustomed to marketplaces. It is advantageous to change the currency here. Well, jewelry is also a little cheaper, but it 's just interesting to walk around .

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ОТЗЫВЧИВЫЙ

Level 26 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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Ольга Иванова-Мюллер

Level 30 Local Expert

A bazaar where you can get lost... kilometers of shops... very colorful. Be sure to drink Turkish coffee. I always feel noisy and market-like here, endless corridors and lines of shops. Of course, you can go take a look and immediately quickly disappear.…

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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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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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Татьяна Г.

Level 8 Local Expert

An interesting place, you will find everything you need for yourself. I bought handmade embroidered women's neckerchiefs there, that's what I was looking for..the prices are reasonable, some things are even cheaper than in shops or stalls.

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Grand Bazaar

1789 reviews