Why visit / Interesting facts:
- The world's oldest covered market
- Dazzling atmosphere
Time required: 60 minutes
Opening hours:
| Time period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Mon - Sat: | 9am - 7pm |
| Sundays: | Closed |
Public transport:
- Tram Line T1: Beyazit stop
Address: Mollafenari Mh., Ç. Nuruosmaniye Caddesi, Istanbul
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: Stew Dean
Things you need to know:
- Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is the world's oldest market and one of the world's largest buildings
- Sultan Mehmet II built the market soon after conquering Constantinople as the trading center of the Ottoman Empire. The bazaar was opened in 1461
- The traditional leather stores, spice and pottery shops, carpet, antique, and jewelry dealers are typical of the bazaar. Many shops nowadays sell souvenirs
- The market is one of the liveliest places of the city
- The bazaar in numbers: 307,000 m2 (3,30500 sq ft), 61 covered streets, 4,500 shops, 30,000 traders, between 250,000 and 500,000 daily visitors
- Besides the shops, it gives home to two mosques, two Turkish baths, fountains, multiple restaurants and cafés
What to do there:
- Have fun getting lost in the labyrinth of the bazaar
- Enjoy the lively atmosphere
- Shop for some food, spice, jewelry and clothes
Tips & Insights:
- Do not forget to do some bargaining if you want to buy a souvenir
- Great experience even for those who hate to shop
