One of the main draws of Istanbul for many people is the shopping in the bazaars! Just like a visit to any major market anywhere, it can be overwhelming and chaotic, but also an amazing cultural experience. One of my favorite things about the Grand Bazaar was how colorful it was. Between the ceiling, lanterns, textiles, and sweet treats, it truly is a feast for the eyes! It definitely made my list of top 5 sights to see in this magical city!
On my list of what to buy was hammam towels, scarves, tiles, Turkish delight and apple tea (since I became addicted during my stay)! Of course, Istanbul and Turkey in general are famous for their carpets and textiles, but it wasn’t in my budget this time to purchase one. Something to keep in mind is that bargaining is expected, so make sure you’re in the mood to negotiate. Be patient and don’t get too attached- it’s easier that way to walk away and perhaps end up with a good deal.
The Egyptian or Spice Bazaar near the New Mosque and close to the Galata Bridge is another great market to explore if you’re shopping for food. Besides spices of course, there’s dried fruit, nuts sweets, tea, coffee and more. If you’re buying Turkish delight or baklava, you can buy it fresh (not boxed) and have the shop vacuum seal it! We happened to stumble upon a Turkish coffee roaster just outside the market with a very long line. I bought some Turkish coffee for gifts with the logic that if locals are standing in line to purchase it must be pretty good!
If you’re looking for a more structured visit to the Grand Bazaar, consider joining a tour such as the Grand Bazaar Walk from Istanbul Walks. If you’re a photography buff, there’s a photography walk from Alternative City Walks. I researched this as a possibility if I went alone, but I ended up going with colleagues so opted not to take the tour. No matter how you visit the bazaars, the experience is bound to be a memorable one!
Have you visited the bazaars in Istanbul? Do you want to ? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
