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Istanbul Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)

22 Kalpakçılar Caddesi, Beyazıt, İstanbul

Description

The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) of Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world; it has 61 streets and over 4,000 shops. It was developed in the mid 15th century, shortly after the fall of Constantinople, for the purpose of textiles and jewels trading. Over time, several markets expanded and eventually formed one single massive commercial complex - effectively one of the first shopping centres ever. This concentration was done mostly for security reason (to guard against theft and fire) as the doors would be closed every night. The old way of selling and bargaining, sitting in a relaxed way around Turkish tea or coffee has long disappeared.

Access & Transport

The bazaar is located 600m west of Sultan Ahmet, just north of Yeniçeriler st and the Beyazıt - Kapalıçarşı tram station (T1). It is also walking distance (1km) from the Galata bridge from where you can cross to Karaköy / Beyoğlu.

Instructions & Recommendations

Do not expect to be able to cover the entire market, expect to get lost, and be patient. If you wanted to visit on a Sunday, head to the Spice Bazaar instead (not the same items but the experience is similar in many respects)

Meta review

This is one of the best-known attractions of the city and tens of thousands of people ply the market streets every day. Online reviews are not necessarily conflicting but highlight various aspects: it is a visual and sensorial experience, a little overwhelming at times, and you can find lots of interesting souvenirs. However, the haggling can be painful and no matter how good your bargaining skills are you can find the same item at a cheaper price somewhere else in town - even taxi fares are more expensive here. The best advice is to compare prices and buy only a few items just for the sake of it but knowing full well you are paying for the Grand Bazaar experience.

Environmental & Social

If you are environmentally conscious and wish to encourage sustainable activities and businesses, this probably will not be top of your list. Recycling and sourcing policies do not exist, and the sight of this mountain of cheap clothes and souvenirs will make you feel nauseous. Socially, the mercantile ethos has a negative impact on behaviours and the community

Conclusion

Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is quite the experience, and we would recommend everybody to visit it or the nearby Spice Bazaar at least once. There isn't much left of old trading and dealing customs beyond being offered tea and the market architecture, but it still feels quite unique and somehow historical. Just make abstraction of the constant selling pressure and once you get tired of it, simply move on to a more relaxing attraction.

Key positive

Very colourful and photogenic

Centrally located

Key negative

Very crowded

The constant hustle of vendors

Suitability

Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Technically the bazaar opens earlier but not all stalls do

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Monday10:00 - 19:00

Tuesday10:00 - 19:00

Wednesday10:00 - 19:00

Thursday10:00 - 19:00

Friday10:00 - 19:00

Saturday10:00 - 19:00

Sunday -

Pricing
Free

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