One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar dates from the 15th century. Having more than 4000 shops, the Grand Covered Bazaar is visited by the tourists and the citizens regularly.
The most important historical shopping center of Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar, which has gates opening to many areas of the Historic Peninsula. First time visitors to the Grand Bazaar will be astounded by its splendor and size.
Grand Bazaar in Numbers: The bazaar is just like a gigantic labyrinth with its vast area that contains 4000 authentic shops, 25000 full time staff, 61 covered streets, 18 gates that open to various points of the city, mosques, fountains, 40 rest houses, and looks as much to the present as it does to the past. Its high ceiling is covered with a dome that has hundreds of windows.
No wonder it is one of the most popular shopping areas in the world. The number of daily visitors reaches half a million people during the peak summer months.
The 554-year-old Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s most exciting shopping experiences. This is the perfect place to end your visit by shopping for some souvenirs for beloved ones back home.
The world-famous handmade carpets and kilims of Turkey, some of the most beautiful examples of Turkish silver art, souvenirs and decorations made of copper and bronze and high-quality ceramics, onyx, and leather goods are for sale. In the jewelers’ shops, filled with gold, silver and precious stones, you can find all sorts of valuable handicraft accessories, from antique jewelry to modern pendants.
A walk through the Bazaar is a journey amidst enchanting scents of spices, dazzling colors, hypnotizing sounds, beautiful handicrafts, and of course the tempting smell of Turkish coffee.
Opening Times: All shops in the Grand Bazaar open from Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 19:00. It is closed on Sundays.
