Which part of Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar?

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.

Which is the best area to stay in Istanbul for tourists?

Sultanahmet is the best area to stay on your first trip to Istanbul, because it's the area where you can easily walk to the city's most historic attractions, including the stunning Hagia Sophia, the spectacular Blue Mosque and the mesmerizing Topkapi Palace.

Is the Grand Bazaar worth visiting in Istanbul?

The 554 year old Grand Bazaar is one of the world's most exciting shopping experiences. This is the perfect place to end your visit by shopping for some souvenirs for beloved ones back home. Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is high on most tourists' itineraries, and for a good reason.

What day is Grand Bazaar closed?

The Grand Bazaar is open every day from 8:30 to 19:00, except Sundays and the first day of religious holidays. How many shops are there in the Grand Bazaar? In the Grand Bazaar, there are about 4,000 stores employing about 35,000 people, spread on 60 covered streets.

Is the Grand Bazaar the same as the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul?

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.

Inside the Grand Bazar 2025: Secrets of Istanbul’s Iconic Market Revealed

Which side of Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar?

Location. 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.

Is the Grand Bazaar a tourist trap?

Today, many may refer to the Grand Bazaar as a tourist trap, but that's a distortion of the truth. Sure, without proper preparation for a visit to the Grand Bazaar, you may be an easy prey for the seasoned shopkeepers.

How much time do you need in the Grand Bazaar?

Most people devote around two to three hours to a spin of Istanbul Grand Bazaar, but they are really only scratching the surface. The bazaar is so huge, you could easily spend a day getting lost in its mazy depths – or longer.

What day is Hagia Sophia closed?

Hagia Sophia is open every day and, unlike many other monuments, has no weekly closures. The only time when tourist access is temporarily suspended is on Fridays between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to allow the weekly prayer to take place. The same is also done on the mornings of the first day of major Islamic holidays.

Where to go in Istanbul for shopping?

What is the nicest part of Istanbul?

Istanbul's coolest neighbourhoods are Cihangir, Curkucuma and Karaköy. Cihangir is also called the French Quarter, Curkucuma the Antique Quarter and Karaköy the former red-light district.

What is the most expensive part of Istanbul?

Which are the most expensive neighborhoods in Istanbul? As of 2024, Istanbul's most expensive neighborhoods include Sariyer, Nisantasi, and Uskudar—renowned for their Bosphorus views, upscale lifestyle, and strategic location.

What is the best thing to buy in Istanbul?

Must-have Istanbul souvenirs include Turkish carpets, evil eye charms, Turkish delight and hand-painted ceramics. Don't miss practical items like hammam towels, spice blends and artisan leather goods. For those who appreciate finer details, copper coffee sets and handcrafted jewelry make beautiful keepsakes.

Which side of Istanbul is nicer?

The European side, known for its bustling markets and vibrant nightlife, offers a modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere. On the other hand, the Asian side offers a more laid-back and traditional ambiance, with picturesque neighborhoods and stunning views of the Bosphorus.

What is the most touristy part of Istanbul?

Taksim Square

Considered the heart of modern Istanbul, Taksim Square is one of the city's main tourist attractions and cosmopolitan hubs. Here, you can find a variety of restaurants, bars, clubs, theaters and shopping…

Where to stay in Istanbul, old town or new town?

If you are: -a first time visitor, with limited time, say 2 – 4 days, stay in the Old Town. This will be convenient. -a first time visitor, but with extended time, like 6 – 10 days, you can break your lodging between the Old Town and the New district or the Bosphorus.

Is it free to enter Hagia Sophia?

Admission Fee: €25 for all visitors, including Turkish citizens and foreigners who have a legal residence permit in Turkey. The first floor is free for Turks; the second floor (the gallery floor) is 25 euros for local and foreign tourists. Children younger than 8 are allowed in for free.

What day is Topkapi Palace closed?

Topkapi Palace is closed every Tuesday. Apart from that, it is also closed for visits on 1st May, 1st day of Ramadan and the 1st day of the Feast of Sacrifice. Is Topkapi Palace open on weekends? Yes, Topkapi Palace is open on the weekends.

How much time does it take to see the Blue Mosque?

How much time does it take to visit the Blue Mosque? Plan to spend at least 1 to 2 hours exploring the Blue Mosque's interior and exterior. If you're interested in taking a guided tour, allow an additional 30 to 45 minutes.

How many shops are there in the Grand Bazaar Istanbul?

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.

How do you identify a tourist trap?

Is gold cheap in Turkey to buy?

Understanding Purity Standards

The purest form, 24K gold, is often used for investment purposes, while Turkish gold jewelry is commonly crafted in 22K or 18K. These variations in purity allow for a wide range of price points, making Turkey one of the cheapest places to buy gold for both investment and adornment.

Which area is best first time in Istanbul?

What can I buy at Grand Bazaar Istanbul?

What can you buy in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul? The rugs and jewelry that you can find are some of its great attractions. You can also find clothing, footwear, bags, handicrafts, souvenirs and spices.