I did a walking tour in Istanbul. Our last stop was at the Grand Bazaar. I have been told that it is the largest market in the city. It's huge! You can easily get lost looking at a ton of merchandise. I bought M&M's cell phone cases. I also got Turkish tea. You can score pretty decent deals. If you need to bring back gifts, this place is for you. It does get busy. Pack patience with you! (106) read more

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This place is a haggler's dream. I remember my visit so vividly. From the Turkish delight samples and gentleman pushing free apple tea to the comical haggling and beautiful scarves. This is *the* grand bazaar often credited fir today's modern mall concept. The energy is buzzing in every nook and cranny of the grand bazaar and you could easily lose yourself in the abundance of colorful stalls selling nearly everything under the sun- but most importantly, artistic Turkish treasures like rugs, lighting, scarves, etc. A few other notables that will mark this experience in your memory forevermore: -The beautiful call to prayer playing over the speakers throughout the hallways -the Grand Bazaar is located conveniently not too far from the spice bazaar (another great stop for treasures and smells) Don't be shy! Bartering is part of the experience and if you work at it, you're in for some deals and fun. (Note that bartering is part of the Turkish culture and almost like a sport in the Grand Bazaar). read more

This historical bazaar is well known all over the world for her massive stores to shop. Bargaining is a must! Due to the large amount of people it is wise to watch your belongings while shopping. I love to go off the tourist beaten path, and I found a gem in this place. Being a foodies, i follow my nose & instinct alot of the times. I found the oldest restaurant in Grand Bazaar, first open in 1959, called Havuzlu Restaurant. When shopping for Turkish lamps and carpets becareful as some are from China. Before shopping is good to do some reseach ahead of time how to detect the difference. read more

Sani Grand Bazaar - Grand bazaar, Turkish lights - Istanbul, 34

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My nephew and 2 nieces were so excited to go to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Unfortunately, the experience was awful! My nephew was ASSAULTED by 2 men at a shop. One guy was holding his arm tight and poking him in the ribs saying you wasted my time, the 2nd guy tried to punch him in the face. He ducked and got hit in the neck and shirt got ripped. Wish they called the police but they were too upset and just left. My niece was looking at a purse and told him she would think about it so he told her f you I'll charge you more if you come back. The shop men are very aggressive so beware! And the prices are expensive. I tried on fake Nike and they were more expensive than the really Nike in the US! My recommendation, find shops on the street to buy from. read more

This is a good Bazaar of vendors, shops, and food stalls. Not as good as the big one but you can still find deals on most of what you want. And you can still get lost here. Try the caviar. Its good and its cheep (mostly from Azabejian). read more

Para para-- get ready to spend that money! Knock off shoes, purses and clothes galore. Bargain and negotiate on all prices. Bring a native to get the good deals! You can also find decorative home items, spices, souvenirs, books, anything else.. You just name it and they have it. The alleys Just can get confusing so definitely remember where you are going. read more

I love the Grand Bazaar! There are 4,000 shops there and you can find anything you're looking for - from jewelry to rugs to musical instruments to a new outfit. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. read more

Sani Grand Bazaar - Istanbul, 34

Plan at least half a day to do this place justice, preferable a day. The place is immense and the options are limitless, the quality is good. Remember to bid half of what they ask, sometimes you can get even less. I suppose part of the experience is the feeling of walking away with a "bargain" and pride in your negotiating skills. read more

Sani Grand Bazaar - Istanbul, 34

This place is extremely crowded all day every day. But beside all that it is a nice place to visit . About 40 minutes walking distance from Galata tower. You can also take the tram if you don't enjoy walking. If you're buying anything this is the place. You can find their traditional packages for bridal shower and bridal ceremonies. You'll get a better deal if you're buying Turkish delight. A lot of good restaurants to stop by and drink tea and kenafe. Delicious food and variety of tea available inside the slice Bazar. It's 20minures walking distance to Topkapı museum. read more

Sani Grand Bazaar - Istanbul, 34

I heard about this and how great it is and I thought it was just ok. Tons of shops and each shop specializes in certain items whether it be pottery, shirts, tea sets, watches, jewelry, etc. Many of the shop owners were friendly and liked to joke with us a bit, "no money no honey" was a popular phrase. Love the turkish people. People smoke inside and it's covered so if you cannot handle smoke you might want to avoid this place. I found prices to be a bit more expensive here than out on the streets. The nice thing about shopping here is it's all in one location so you can grab all the souvenirs you want. read more

Ahhhhhh heaven! You could spend hours in here just looking at all of the fun international treasures. Best prices on gold. Anything you could think of they have here. Friendliest merchants, love to bargain. Remember no usd read more

Sani Grand Bazaar - Istanbul, 34

If you love shopping, this will be your heaven. It's stall after stall with spices, fruit, trinkets, jewels....they have it all! If you aren't a real shopper, go for the photo opportunities and to tell friends back home you've been. The best Turkish towel place is at this unassuming shop: www.eginteksil.com run by Dr Suleyman Ertas. He is so nice and will give you good deals. He and his son made the costumes for top Hollywood hits like 300, The Hobbit, and others. So cool! Best lunch spot in Istanbul near the Grand Bazaar: http://istanbuleats.com/2010/10/aynen-durum-feeding-at-the-kebab-trough/. read more

What a feast for the eyes and an amazing place to get lost in. From jewelry, nic nacs, collectibles to rugs to food and Turkish delight this labyrinth of stalls has it all a must for anyone visiting Istanbul. My favorite rug guy ever is here! read more

This place was down the street from my hotel so I decided to check it out. I spent a long time shopping and bought a lot of cool souvenirs. I highly recommend visiting this bazaar if you visit Istanbul. read more