Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is the oldest and one of the world’s most fabulous covered (indoor) shopping centers. This fascinating bazaar or traditional shopping center is one of the most popular attractions in Istanbul, Turkey. This bazaar has 30,700 square meters of land, which takes 60 streets and more than 4000 shops and units. The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul was inaugurated in 1461 and has expanded over centuries. In this article, we will talk about the spectacular Grand Bazaar of Istanbul and tour the maze of hallways in this magnificent shopping center.
Take a tour of the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul city with us
The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is a place to shop for souvenirs, learn more about the culture and heritage of Turkey, and explore different areas of it as you explore an attraction in the city. The salesman of the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul has unique ways of selling. They will call you and ask you if you want their product. They will block your way and ask you to look at their products and shop. Bargaining is a tradition in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, so bear that in mind when purchasing a product.
As you walk through the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, the first thing that catches your attention is the hundreds of thousands of colorful lanterns hanging from the walls, ceilings, and shelves. The Grand Bazaar is like an exhibition where you can see traditional handicrafts from Turkish culture in various shapes and colors that you can purchase as souvenirs.
Accessibility, location, and timings of Grand Bazaar / Istanbul
- Location: Beyazit, Kalpakçılar Cd No: 22, 34126 Fatih / Istanbul, Turkey.
- Timings: Every day from 10 am to 6 pm.
There are several ways to get to the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul. In this section, we will discuss some of these ways.
- Tram: This is the first option for getting to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. If you take a tram from Taksim, you will reach the Bazaar in less than 15 minutes.
- Taxi: You can take a cab from wherever in Istanbul and get to the Grand Bazaar.
- Metro: you can take the M1A and the M1B line and get off the train at Vezneciler station. You have to walk to the entrance of the Bazaar.
- Bus: several bus lines will take you to the entrance of the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul. There’s a bus station next to the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul.
Distinct zones of Istanbul Grand Bazaar
Guilds know different areas of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, primarily in that zone. Every guild is situated on a specific part of the Bazaar, and all the shops in that area sell the same product in various shapes and at different prices. This helps you find the products you are looking for straightforward and more reasonable. You can find anything you need daily in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul. Also, there are numerous dining places and cafés in this shopping center where you can enjoy a pleasant Turkish meal in the middle of your shopping.
Â
Attractions that are located next to the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul
The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is one of the oldest areas in the city. It is located in the central part of the city. Many attractions, mostly historic places, are located next to the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul. We will name some of these places in the following section. You can plan to visit one of these places the same day you visit the Grand Bazaar.
1- Suleymaniye Mosque
Suleymaniye Mosque is a remnant of the Ottoman Empire. It was inaugurated in 1557. Some amenities include a traditional hospital and bathhouse (Hammam), some charities, a library, etc., and the Sule, many Mosques, which are traditionally managed.
2- Istanbul University
Istanbul University is one of the places near the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, located on the same street. This university is the oldest and first university in Turkey. Tourists and outsiders of the university are allowed to visit this place on working days of the week at specified hours.
3- Column of Constantine
Another attraction near Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is the Column of Constantine. You should visit this magnificent column to learn more about Turkey’s history and greatness. It is 35 meters tall and is the oldest monument from Constantine that has survived. You can see it in Istanbul city.
4- The Aqueduct of Valens
The Aqueduct of Valens is another attraction near the Grand Bazaar. It dates back to the 4th century and is one of the oldest structures in Istanbul. Ataturk Blvd is built under its arches, and you can see it as you drive under it.
Final words about the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul
In this article, we tried to tell you about the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul and why this traditional shopping center is so important and popular among the local people and tourists that visit this city. The memory of strolling through the mazes of covered streets of the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul will always stay with you and make you fall in love with the culture of Turkey. The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is a shopping center just like all the traditional shopping centers you will see in the Middle East and one of the greatest.
