Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) Tours and Tickets

You can buy just about anything at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. But many tourists come excited for the Iznik bowls and other Turkish ceramics, gold jewelry, Turkish rugs (Kilim rugs), traditional crafts and teas, Hammam soaps, and uber-fresh spices by the pound.

Yes, guided tours are available for the Grand Bazaar, and they can be a great way to demystify—and break into doable parts—this massive, ancient market with more than 4,000 shops. Your guide will know the vendors to patronize (or not) and where to find the best souvenirs and deals.

Saying “hello” and “thank you” in Turkish goes a long way. You can start your bargaining and ask, “What if I pay in cash?” which may lower the price. Do comparison shopping and note lower prices at other stalls and, as always, stay good-natured and willing to walk away.

While you can use credit cards at many shops inside Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, many vendors prefer cash. They may charge you a higher price if you’re paying with plastic. If you can, pay with cash—and let them know it, for a lower price—especially for smaller purchases.

Yes, the Grand Bazaar is organized by sections, thankfully—otherwise you’d never make it around the market’s 4,000-plus shops without getting lost. You’ll find sections dedicated to what the bazaar is known for, like gold and silver jewelry, Turkish ceramics and textiles, antiques, as well as spices and soaps.

While the Grand Bazaar is a marketplace with a reputable, 500-year history, always be cautious. Certain goods—especially those geared toward tourists—may seem authentic and precious, when they’re mass-produced. Know that bargaining is an option, as is comparison shopping, and you should never pay more than you’re comfortable with.