Tourist Trap? For sure! The Grand Bazaar is a maze you'll get lost!…read more Oldest market, and for me the biggest I have ever been to. It has several entrances and exits, thousands of merchants (no exaggeration) and you'll find everything in here from souvenirs, teas, Turkish delight, spices, fake branded clothes and so on. Higher prices than anywhere else. Beautiful decor, prepare to face the crowds and the maze. You'll be trapped and get lost, so bring your patience along. But when in Istanbul, you have to visit!

The Grand Bazaar has been around since the 1400s and is one of the oldest and largest covered…read moremarkets in the world. It is worth a look just for the experience. There are several gates to enter and it is easy to get lost if you are not paying attention. You will find all kinds of stores here: clothing, jewelry, shoes, souvenirs, teas, spices, carpets and more. In terms of actual shopping though, you can find cheaper prices outside. Because their rent is higher and because they know they can ripoff many tourists, the prices here are inflated even after bartering.

My wife and I found Abi and his brother to be wonderful. We originally purchased a carpet from them…read moremany years ago in Istanbul and have really enjoyed it. We have stayed in touch and have purchased many more when Abi visits the U.S. on his annual road shows. I recommend a visit while you are in Istanbul. You will be impressed. Bob

Scammers from alibaba WhatsApp. They report cheap prices and…read morefake shipping. Big time scammers. Never shop with them.

BUYER BEWARE!!! This place will scam you big time! This is a total racket in Turkey. They sat us…read moredown, brought in this you lady who demonstrated making hand-knotted rugs and told us the rugs they showed us were handmade. I bought a 6 X 9 rug for $2500. When it arrived, it wasn't the rug I chose, but a 4 X 6 rug. I told them it wasn't the right rug or size and they tried to accuse me of changing my mind, suggesting I was lying about it not being the correct rug. I disputed the charge and they finally agreed to send me the correct sized rug. I received the rug and felt the need to confirm that it was handmade. I consulted a very reputable local rug dealer and my suspicions were confirmed, it was NOT handmade!!! It was machine made and not worth $2500!!! Mr. Melik told us that if the sheen of the rug changes when looking at it from one end to the other, that means it is handmade. This is a complete lie!!! Do NOT deal with these people!!! Lesson learned!!!