Stock up on artisanal curios as you explore thousands of shops in Istanbul's enormous covered market, one of the largest and oldest in the world.
The staggeringly large Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) in Istanbul's Old City is the ideal place to experience the sights and sounds of a traditional Turkish marketplace. Crammed to the rafters with glazed tiles and ceramics, spices, brassware, leather goods, belly-dancing costumes, Persian rugs, smoking paraphernalia and much more, even if you're not in the mood to buy, this lively and colourful bazaar is worth a visit for the atmosphere alone.Located between the Bayezid and Nuruosmaniye mosques, the huge Grand Bazaar was commissioned in the middle of the 15th century by Sultan Mehmet II, who wanted to construct a purpose-built space for textile trading in the Fatih district. Visit the Cevavir, the bazaar's oldest building, for a prime example of the classic Ottoman architecture of the period.The 60 or so covered streets in the Grand Bazaar originally housed different types of craft and were named accordingly. Nowadays, although the street names remain, the bazaar's more than 3,000 shops no longer conform strictly to this division. You'll need time and energy to explore this labyrinthine market, but the throngs of people and dazzling array of exotic wares only add to the experience. Be prepared to engage in some hardcore haggling if necessary – the local vendors expect it.You may visit the Grand Bazaar without intending to buy, but beware the traders are fantastic salesmen and the delights on offer will be hard to resist. However, there's plenty to enjoy even if you're just browsing. You can watch a carpet-weaving demonstration, sample some Turkish delight, take in the scents of spices and herbs, or grab a few snaps of colourful Turkish slipper displays. Take a walk to the old mosque and fountain or head to one of the hans (three-storey buildings) to refuel at a café or restaurant.As you would expect in any busy place like this, the Grand Bazaar is home to pickpockets and thieves, so be careful. It is open every day, except for Sundays. You can take the tram to the Beyazit stop, or simply enter the market on foot via one of its 21 gates.
