The Grand Bazaar is located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, surrounded by historic landmarks like the Nuruosmaniye Mosque, Beyazit Square/Mosque, and the Süleymaniye Mosque. Nearby attractions include the Sahaflar Carsisi (book market), Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi, and the Column of Constantine.
Recommended Span of Visit: 2 – 4 Hours depending on needs and availability. Tips and Things to Know Before You Visit: Grand Bazaar is very big and shops can be very similar in narrow corridors. If you are looking to spend extra time, consider visiting with a guide.
The Grand Bazaar is located inside the walled city of Istanbul, in the district of Fatih and in the neighbourhood (mahalle) bearing the same name (Kapalıçarşı). It stretches roughly from west to east between the mosques of Beyazit and of Nuruosmaniye.
With over 4,000 shops spread across 61 covered streets, the Grand Bazaar is more than just a market; it is a labyrinth of commerce that has operated since 1461. While it can be a tourist trap if you aren't careful, it remains the best place in Istanbul to shop for gold, leather, and souvenirs.
Istanbul Airport is surrounded by historic sites, unique attractions, and delicious food options, making it perfect for a layover adventure. Whether you explore Hagia Sophia, take a Bosphorus cruise, or relax at a Turkish hammam, you'll leave Istanbul with unforgettable memories.
Istanbul, Turkey: Grand Bazaar - Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Guide - Travel Bite
How far is it from Istanbul airport to city centre?
Approximately 35 km from the city center, Istanbul Airport is one of the world's largest and busiest airports. Welcoming tens of millions of passengers every year, Istanbul Airport is easily accessible from the city via several transportation options.
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.
Shops are usually open Monday through Saturday, with some open on Sunday as well. Both the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar are open seven days a week, including on national holidays (except they close on the first day of the multi-day religious holiday periods of Ramazan and Kurban bayrams.)
Spices and teas from Turkey's markets, such as saffron, sumac, and Rize tea, are perfect for culinary enthusiasts. Pair teas with traditional glass sets for a complete gift. Handmade jewelry and accessories, including Ottoman-inspired designs and evil eye ornaments, reflect Turkey's rich artistic heritage.
Taksim Square attracts attention not only for its vibrant social life but also for its cultural richness. It is home to many of the most important theaters, art galleries and museums in the city.
A must-buy from bazaars in Turkey is a Turkish rug or carpet, known for intricate designs and craftsmanship. Other top picks include lokum (Turkish delight), hand-painted ceramics, and spices.
No, the Hagia Sophia is not free for most tourists; a €25 entry fee for foreign visitors was introduced in January 2024, restricting them to the upper gallery, while free entry is generally reserved for Turkish Muslim worshippers for prayer.
Yes, the Blue Mosque is open every day of the week, including Sundays. However, since it remains an active place of worship, visitors cannot enter during prayer times.
Balat is one of the oldest and most spectacular districts of İstanbul. The second you step foot along its narrow cobbled streets and historic buildings, you sense an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in İstanbul, and indeed the world.
Bazaari refers collectively to the merchants, bankers and craftsmen who work in a bazaar. The term souk comes from Arabic and refers to marketplaces in the Middle East and North Africa.
A first time visit to Istanbul would not be complete with seeing the wonders that are the Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. It should be at the top of the to do list. These are some of the classic sights to visit in Istanbul that you'll find it in every guidebook and travel blog.
It is mostly known for its Emerald, Ruby, and Sapphire stones, as well as a wide range of other alternatives, passed on through the culture of the Ottomans. Moreover, the price tags are usually on the more affordable side, and the materials and stones are always authentic and original.
Is a 7 hour layover enough time to leave the airport in Istanbul?
To leave the Istanbul airport and explore for part of the day: 8-12 hours. It takes at least 45 minutes without traffic to get between the airport and city center. If you have a shorter layover (around 8 hours), that will leave you enough time to explore the central Beyoglu district.
Taxis are one of the quickest and cheapest ways of getting around Istanbul. A normal journey should cost between 8 TL ( US$ 0.18) and 12 TL ( US$ 0.27). Some taxi drivers in Istanbul are a little wild with their driving, and if you've only travelled around Europe it might be a little worrying.
