Travel bucket list idea:
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey
Credit Shutterstock.com/Belikova Oksana
It’s the oldest shopping mall in the world, and possibly the biggest, with 5,000 shops to browse through. Glittering like Aladdin’s cave, Istanbul’s Covered Market or Grand Bazaar consists of 66 streets covered with stone vaulting and enclosed by a wall.
All of Turkey’s treasures are on display, but it’s an everyday market too, selling everything from diamonds to dishcloths; during peak times there are as many as half a million people inside its walls. Maybe not the best place for bargains, but an unparalleled treat for the senses, and an essential part of the Istanbul experience.
Haggling is expected, and as a general rule you should pay no more than a third of the original asking price. Be prepared to walk away – vendors will likely chase after you and accept your price. Occasionally the stallholders will pretend to get angry, either at you or their ‘inexperienced’ apprentice, to increase the price. It’s an old trick, so just smile and walk away.
After you’ve visited, the adjacent Sahaflar Carsisi book market is a wonderfully picturesque bibliophile’s enclave, crammed with dozens of second-hand book stalls for browsing and an eclectic café for leafing through your purchases.
There are 22 entrances to the Bazaar, but the main ones are on Beyazit Square and at the end of Nuruosmaniye Caddesi. If you’re determined to bag yourself a major purchase – like a carpet – visit at least three shops and haggle for the lowest price. Stalls sell a lot of the same goods, so never buy from the first place you see something.
You could easily spend half a day here. It’s completely safe, but beware of pickpockets and keep your belongings close to you.
Give the size, guided tours are a good option here, and especially if you’re time is limited. They’ll have insider knowledge on discovering the Bazaar’s best treasures, bartering for bargains, and the tasty lunch spots.
The Bazaar is open all year round, Monday-Saturday. Closed Sunday.
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