Here was a surprise for us: having been to "bazaars" in other countries and equivalent marketplaces in other cultures, we were expecting a much more crowded, noisy, and pushy environment. I was expecting for example, the equivalent of the Khan il Khalili Bazaar in Cairo. Instead, I found the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul to be relatively spacious and orderly with... more

The Bazaar is so unique and characterful. I have been there a number of times, and was overwhelmed with the attention you get as you pass each seller. After plucking up the nerve to haggle, and regularly walking away to come back later, I really got into the swing of things. Since then I have been back twice, and tend... more

So much fun. It offers something for everyone. What a treat. more

Grand Bazaar is one of the most authentic venues of Istanbul. You don't necessarily have to buy anything, just going there, walking among the shops (which are indeed selling more or less the same things) is in itself a nice experience you must have once you are in Istanbul. As it's a covered bazaar, it would be a perfect choice... more

Oh please! I am sick of whiners complaining about the Grand Bazaar's pushy shop keepers! It's all part of the experience and fun of being there! We LOVED our time spent inside the bazaar and were sad we did not have more time. We purchased silver jewelry, leather, cashmere pashmina's, tapestry's and were treated kindly by everyone. We enjoyed free... more

The Grand Bazaar is supposedly the world largest covered market, with 4000 stalls. You can also feel the historical pedigree to it, with impressive stone entrances, ornate arched walkways, and beautifully tiled floors and walls. Being totally free to enter, it too is a must visit site. However, you soon get the feeling that 90% of the stalls now sell... more

The grand bazaar is as described a whole bunch of independant retailers under one roof. you can buy all fo your gifts, fake clothing from here. it is very large there are plenty of eateries scattered around. Note for groups : if you are a mixed gender group split the genders as fellas you do not want to be dragged... more

Having had the good fortune to have been able to visit Istanbul twice in a six month period, I eventually found the Grand Bazaar, The Kalapicarsi (translation: the Covered Bazaar), it turned out to be my favourite haunt, not just for shopping, as the large candelabra with seven multi coloured mosaic shades which hang on chains from a circular support... more

While it has more atmosphere then most enclosed malls, that is all that the Grand Bazaar really is. We are not all that interested in shopping, so we did not find it to be very interesting. But, if you like to shop you will probably enjoy it more then we did. more