The oldest and biggest enclosed bazaar in the world, also known as the Grand Bazaar, is one of the most enticing and mesmerizing attractions in Istanbul. Consisting of a vast labyrinth of 65 twisting streets crammed with more than 4,000 shops, teahouses, hamams (Turkish baths), mosques, storehouses and fountains. It is a fascinating experience to wander around the alleyways, looking and enjoying, or bargaining and purchasing. Here you can find almost anything, from meerschaum pipes, carpets and jewellery, to Turkish Delight, textiles, spices, clothing and hand-painted ceramics. Protracted bargaining over a cup of tea is an important institution. Built during the rule of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461, the bazaar grew by covering an increasingly large area of shops and streets with roofs, arches and domes, and it became the centre of trading during the Ottoman period. Caravans of silk traders traditionally stayed here and rested their camels while selling their merchandise, and many of these ‘hans’ or caravanserais still exist as storehouses today.

Opening time

Open daily except Sundays from 8.30am to 7pm

 
Prices

Free admission. Maps of the bazaar are available at newsstands for $5

Transportation

Nuruosmaniye Gate (from the Çemberlitas tramway stop on Divanyolu, follow Vezirhani Caddesi to the arched entrance to the mosque grounds, which lead to the bazaar)

Location

Best entrances through the Beyazit Gate (across from the Beyazit stop on the tramway along Divanyolu) and the Nuruosmaniye Gate.