The bazaar is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., though merchants typically begin closing for the day around 6:30 p.m. The market is closed on Sundays and certain public and religious holidays. Most shops accept credit cards, but cash is preferred and will often result in a better price.
It's usually best to have both cash and a card when travelling in Turkey. You will need cash for small shops and markets, taxis and buses, while it's often easier to pay in hotels and restaurants with a card.
What time does the Grand Bazaar open? Bazaar is open every day except Sundays and national/religious holidays from 08.30 until 18.30. There is no entrance fee or reservation.
If you're in a tourist area or a large city, you may spot prices marked up in euros - or even US dollars or pounds. Euros may well be accepted by some stores, hotels and restaurants - although if you're headed to the countryside, you'll definitely need lira to pay your way.
How to bargain in Istanbul: 3 TIPS for the Grand Bazaar!
Should I carry cash in Turkey?
It's worth noting that many businesses that do accept cards may charge extra for processing fees, so cash can help you avoid these small but annoying expenses. Public transport in Turkey, particularly bus and minibus services, will often require cash payment.
Yes. In many cases, cash will be the only option for making payments in Turkey. In general, making sure you always have some cash in Turkish lira, and a travel card for spending or getting cash from an ATM, is a good choice so you have a back up plan if you ever need it.
The Grand Bazaar is open between 8.30 am-7.30 pm in the summer and 8.30 am-7.00 pm in the winter. It's closed on Sundays. Time needed You will need to spend at least 3-4 hours.
You need to spend at least 3 hours to visit the Grand Bazaar, including coffee and a lunch break. If you want to skip lunch, you can probably cover the market is about 1.5 hours – but we recommend tasting some of the local delicacies in the market.
Yes, 100 Lira was considered a generous tip in Turkey in 2023. Depending on the situation, a tip of this amount could be given to tour guides, private drivers, or for exceptional service in a high-end restaurant.
This means that British tourists won't need to buy travel permits for the country from Monday 2nd March 2020 onwards. Before the change, British tourists needed a travel permit which cost £27 to travel to the country. In addition to a £10 entry fee.
As we'll see, to pay while you're visiting Turkey, you'll either need to buy lira banknotes before or during your trip, use your ordinary credit or debit card, or (cheapest of all) use a savvy multi-currency debit card like Revolut's or Wise's travel debit cards.
As an international customer you can pay with your Visa, Mastercard or PayPal as usual. Grand Bazaar Shopping can´t be held responsible for any variations in the exchange rate between the two currencies.
If we generally talk about the safest and easiest way to spend money is through credit card without a doubt. But this is a bit different in Turkey as you must have cash in your pocket to spend in Istanbul. Much wide range of hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, but they usually offer a discount on cash payments.
All prices displayed in Grand Turkish Bazaar in 13 Different Currencies are listed on the top-right of the screen. As an international customer, you can pay with your Amex, Visa, MasterCard, and Debit Card. Grand Turkish Bazaar can't be held responsible for any variations in the exchange rate between currencies.
TL 100 can only get you 1 bottle of milk, a bag of chips, and medium-size bags of Nescafe and Coffee-Mate if you like this waker-upper combo like many do. If you earn your money in Dollars, you're one of the lucky few. Average salaries in Turkey for mid-level jobs are at 7k to 8k per month.
Start low. After browsing the shops, you should know that prices might still be inflated by up to 50%. So when you start haggling, make sure you offer half or even one third of the price. Even if you don't expect to agree on that price and you're willing to pay more, you need to leave a lot of room for negotiation.
Prices may vary depending on location and quality, but you can generally find many goods cheaper than in other European countries. Popular items to buy include textiles, ceramics, and leather goods which are offered at very reasonable prices, particularly when purchasing handmade goods from local markets and bazaars.
Istanbul has always been known for its silk and leather products. There is also a traditional felt-making tradition, which today produces many highly contemporary fashion items, particularly slippers and hats.
What is the best time to visit Grand Bazaar Istanbul?
The Grand Bazaar remains open from 9 AM to 7 PM and is closed on Sundays. The best time to visit the covered market is in the morning or any time before 5 PM. This is the time when it is less crowded and visitors can indulge in shopping, exploring the market with ease.
Planning a 7-day trip to Turkey can be an exciting adventure, but it's essential to budget wisely to make the most of your experience. With a budget of 7,000 Turkish Lira (TRY) for two people, you can explore the vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes that Turkey has to offer.
However if you are an ordinary tourist you will spend 22 dollars a day (300 Turkish Liras) in Turkey so.. if you are not alone it means a double (600 Turkish Liras) …. 10000/ 600 = 16 days. Yeah. It is enough money for an ordinary couple to spend 15 days in Turkey.
The best currency to take to Turkey is the local currency, the Turkish lira. It is the most accepted currency in Turkey. Although you can pay with euros in some places, you'll always get a better deal paying in the local currency. Get Turkish lira from ATMs using your debit card or travel card.
