Grand Bazaar Shopping Tips!

Editor Istanbul

Jul 21 910 read

Grand Bazaar Shopping Tips!

The Grand Bazaar is one of Istanbul's most popular tourist destinations. The Grand Bazaar is a must-see for every visitor who like shopping. It is located towards the conclusion of the cultural tour. With its massive dimensions, 60 covered streets, and 3000 stores, it's only natural that Grand Bazaar piques people's interest. Is it Worth It to Bargain at Grand Bazaar? Yes, absolutely! Otherwise, you will be charged the maximum possible price for the goods you wish to purchase. Grand Bazaar is designed in an oriental style and offers traditional shopping. While wandering through the maze-like streets, you will undoubtedly run across eager merchants attempting to sell you something, and the only way to purchase their goods at a reasonable price is to negotiate with them. The most essential thing is to know how to negotiate in order to reduce the price of most products by 20-40%.

The Grand Bazaar's History

Palaces, mosques, and bazaars began to be constructed in Constantinople when the Ottomans conquered the city in 1453. The Grand Bazaar was one of the earliest structures built. The Old Bazaar (Cevahir Bedesteni) was the earliest building constructed inside Grand Bazaar. The contrast between the walls and ceilings of Old Bazaar and the remainder of the Grand Bazaar is clearly discernible. This hub has grown significantly throughout the ages to become what we now know as the Grand Bazaar. In Old Bazaar, you may find amazing antique clocks, maps, and daggers.

What Are the Benefits of Visiting Grand Bazaar?

Because Istanbul offers a plethora of contemporary shopping malls that can meet all of your requirements due to the national and international brands that are housed there. So, what do the locals purchase at Grand Bazaar? The solution is, of course, gold. Locals see Grand Bazaar as a massive jeweler, and Bazaar is the epicenter of the gold market. Gold is usually priced per gram, and you may purchase it there. Various golden necklaces, bracelets, and rings created by the most skilled artisans may also be found. The cost of milled gold is determined by the level of craftsmanship. Grand Bazaar, the Ottoman Empire's only and largest retail area, functioned as a shopping center with the widest range of goods for locals, but it is now considered as a touristy and costly destination.

Tips for the Grand Bazaar

Carpets, porcelain, leather, antiques, hookah, copper, silver, and lead soldiers, wool and cotton goods, embroidered towels, and fragrant soaps may all be found within the Bazaar. These items are produced in the area and are of excellent quality. Aside from that, there are a variety of fake purses, watches, and t-shirts to choose from. These aren't unique goods, and they're mainly made in China. Some of the carpets are of excellent quality and produced in Turkey. However, some of them are not originals and are imported from Pakistan, India, and China. To be able to recognize a genuine Turkish carpet, one must have a certain level of knowledge. If you're interested in purchasing a carpet, I also suggest reading my blog article on Where to Buy Turkish Carpets in Istanbul.

Opening Hours of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

The Grand Bazaar is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. On Sundays, the Grand Bazaar is closed to visitors. During religious holidays, the Grand Bazaar is completely closed. During Ramadan Bayrami (Feast of Ramadan), the Bazaar is closed for three days, and during Kurban Bayrami, it is closed for four days (Eid al-adha). If you like shopping, you must visit Istiklal Street, where you will discover the most prestigious brands and enjoy the finest shopping in Istanbul. Aside from this street, you may read more about the greatest shopping streets in our post!