Is Istanbul Spice market better than Grand Bazaar?

I definitely liked the spice bazaar more than the grand bazaar - the spice bazaar was a bit more "authentic" whilst the grand bazaar was primarily filled with a) poorly made Chinese replicas of everything from handbags to fashion b) expensive rip off tourist shops for carpets, lamps etc.

Which is better Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar?

No visit to Istanbul is complete without stopping by the atmospheric Spice Bazaar. While the Grand Bazaar may be the largest and most famous of Istanbul's covered bazaars, this spice market wins the prize for being the most colorful, fragrant, and often the most fun – as visitors can taste the goods on offer.

Which Bazar is best in Istanbul?

1. Kapali Carsi. Istanbul Grand Bazaar, apart from being a spectacular and beautiful market, is also the best place to shop in Istanbul.

Is the spice market in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul?

The Spice Bazaar (Turkish: Mısır Çarşısı, meaning "Egyptian Bazaar") in Istanbul, Turkey, is one of the largest bazaars in the city. Located in the Eminönü quarter of the Fatih district, it is the most famous covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar.

What is the most popular market in Turkey?

Istanbul FAKE Designer MARKET Shopping: Better THAN Original???

What is worth buying in Istanbul?

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 most famous market in Istanbul?

Today the Grand Bazaar is a thriving complex, employing 26,000 people visited by between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily, and one of the major landmarks of Istanbul.

What to buy in Istanbul Spice Market?

What day is Spice Bazaar closed?

Istanbul Spice Bazaar opening hours are between 09:00 in the morning and 7:00 in the evening as of 2024. The Bazaar is open every day of the week. Thus, it is a good alternative to the Grand Bazaar, which is closed on Sundays.

How much is the entrance to Spice Bazaar Istanbul?

The bazaar is open every day from 09:00 until 19:00 except for national/religious holidays. There is no entrance fee or reservation. A guided tour of Spice Bazaar is free with Istanbul E-pass.

How to bargain in Turkish Grand Bazaar?

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.

Why is Grand Bazaar Istanbul so popular?

A Tapestry of History

The Grand Bazaar was born from this grand vision, and it has flourished ever since. Covering a staggering 61 streets and over 3,000 shops, the bazaar is a testament to Istanbul's historical significance as a melting pot of cultures and civilizations.

What is the best time of day to visit Grand Bazaar Istanbul?

Best Time To Visit

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.

Can you bargain in Spice Bazaar?

Haggling for a better price is expected in the Spice Bazaar. Decide in advance what you would like to pay and suggest a price that is lower than that, as the vendor will try to haggle it up. Always be willing to walk away from a purchase. Often the vendor will bring down the price as you are leaving.

Do you haggle in the Grand Bazaar?

Shopping in the Grand Bazaar

Expect to negotiate over the price in artisan shops that sell large items such as carpets, paintings, statues, furniture and textiles, and those stocking counterfeit luxury goods.

How much time do you need at the Grand Bazaar?

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.

What can you buy at Spice Bazaar?

One of the most popular items to buy in the Spice Bazaar is Turkish saffron, which is known for its vibrant color and unique flavor. You can also find a wide variety of tea blends, including traditional Turkish black tea and herbal teas made from locally grown ingredients like sage and thyme.

Which day is Grand Bazaar Istanbul closed?

Entrance, Tickets & Tours to Grand Bazaar Istanbul

Entrance: The Grand Bazaar is open every day from 8:30 to 19:00, except Sundays and the first day of religious holidays.

Why did Spice market close?

The closure comes after its property owner, Midtown Equities, announced plans to kick out the restaurant from its massive location at 403 West 13th St. when its lease ended next year, but the Spice Market team decided to shut down earlier than expected.

Can I bring spices back from Istanbul?

No problem at all bring them back. The merchants will vacuum seal them for you. Put them in either your checked or carry on luggage and just be sure to declare them. Look for saffron - excellent quality and inexpensive.

What is a must buy from Turkey?

Handmade carpets, beautiful ceramics, soft leather… these are only some of the crafts on offer. Then there is the food, from delicious baklava, to organic honeys. Beyond these well-known gifts for yourself or others, there is a deep reserve of well-crafted designer goods.

Which things are cheaper in Turkey?

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.

What to buy in Turkey Grand Bazaar?

Where do rich people shop in Istanbul?

Abdi İpekçi Avenue

Abdi İpekçi Street is a prestigious shopping street in Nişantaşı. Some of the famous luxury brands that you can find on Abdi İpekçi Street include Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, and many more. The street is also home to many renowned Turkish fashion brands, such as Beymen.

What is the famous street in Istanbul for shopping?

Let's start with the most popular and obvious one, Istiklal Avenue. This street is easily one of the most crowded places in Istanbul. It has so many brands of stores, cafés, and restaurants that experiencing everything this street has can easily take a month.