Grand Bazaar Tours and Activities

Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar


Visit one of the biggest and oldest covered markets in the world, a real taste (and smell and sound!) of the diversity that Turkey has to offer.

Originally opened in the mid-15th century by Sultan Mehmet II as a site for textile trading, the Grand Bazaar continues to offer everything from pottery and tiles to spices and brassware, as well as belly-dancing clothes, pipes, ashtrays, and much more. It used to be that each street had a craft, and while this isn't strictly the case any longer, there are areas of the bazaar where you'll be able to compare your craft of choice side by side with lots of others.

Located between the Bayezid and Nuruosmaniye mosques, the Grand Bazaar covers a huge area. Keep a look out for the Cevavir building, the oldest structure here and a fine example of Ottoman architecture and design.

Walking through one of its 21 gates, you'll find yourself among 3,000 shops under a seemingly endless sea of roofs, in a maze of over 60 streets. Allow yourself to get pleasantly lost among the bustling crowds, and soak up all the different and varied goods on offer – this is not a place for a quick visit! Listen to the calls of the vendors, and make sure that you're ready to engage in the strong local custom of haggling, as the shopkeepers can be very good at talking you around.

Pick up a beautiful and intricate Persian rug, or watch a demonstration of the weaving process. The goods on offer are wonderful, but they form only a part of the experience here. The Grand Bazaar is always full of people, so soak up the atmosphere as you walk around. Check out the old mosque and the fountain. Sit down in a cafe or restaurant in a hans (three storey building), or sample some deliciously sweet Turkish delight.

The Grand Bazaar is in the Old City, in the Fatih district and is open every day, except Sundays. The easiest way to get here is to take the tram to Byazit or to walk. Given that it is always crowded, you should be cautious of your belongings and beware of pickpockets.

Plan a trip to see Grand Bazaar

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Top Grand Bazaar Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant

Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant

4 out of 5
Türbedar Sk. 20, Istanbul, Istanbul
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class

Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class

Cankurtaran Mh., Tevkifhane Sokak 8, Istanbul, Istanbul
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Legacy Ottoman Hotel

Legacy Ottoman Hotel

5 out of 5
Hobyar Mahallesi Hamidiye Cad. No: 16, Sirkeci, Istanbul, Istanbul
Legacy Ottoman Hotel
AJWA Sultanahmet

AJWA Sultanahmet

5 out of 5
Emin Sinan Mah Piyerloti Cad No: 30, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
AJWA Sultanahmet
Seven Hills Palace & Spa

Seven Hills Palace & Spa

Sultanahmet Mahallesi Kadi Cikmazi Sok., No 11 1 Fatih, Istanbul
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

Divanyolu Cd. Alemdar Mah., Ticarethane Sk. No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Holiday Inn Istanbul - Old City by IHG

Holiday Inn Istanbul - Old City by IHG

4 out of 5
Gencturk Cad. Sirvanizade Sokak No. 5, Vezneciler-Fatih, Istanbul
Holiday Inn Istanbul - Old City by IHG
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul

Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul

4 out of 5
Dr. Imran Oktem Cad. No:1, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Grand Bazaar

While visiting the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, immerse yourself in a vibrant shopping experience, where you can browse countless stalls offering everything from traditional textiles to intricate ceramics. Enjoy leisurely walks through the bustling alleys, soaking in the lively atmosphere, or join guided tours to discover the rich history and culture of this iconic market. It's a must-visit for any traveller keen to explore local treasures and unique finds.

Shopping

The Grand Bazaar offers a vibrant shopping experience with countless stalls for gifts and souvenirs. Nearby, the Egyptian Bazaar is just 644m away, while Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre and City's Nişantaşı Shopping Center are 6.4km and 4.8km away, respectively, offering a mix of shopping and entertainment.

Recreation

Experience the rejuvenating Kilic Ali Pasha Hamam, where traditional body treatments immerse you in wellness and relaxation. For a lively evening, head to Nardis Jazz Club for captivating music, or enjoy a romantic dance at Kumbaraci50, blending culture and entertainment perfectly.

Adventure

For an adrenaline rush, experience bungee jumping at Istanbul Jumping, located 1.6km from Grand Bazaar. For scenic adventures, tackle the Sultans Trail, a hiking trail 1.1km away, or unwind in the outdoor vibes at Fethi Paşa Korusu, 4.8km from the market.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Grand Bazaar offers vibrant entertainment options. Catch a show at the nearby Dance of Colours, only 322m away, or enjoy the unique performances at Tiyatro Kara Kutu, 1.6km away. For a memorable experience, Mahseri Cumbus Hayalhane, 3.2km away, adds to the cultural vibe.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Grand Bazaar

When visiting the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, you'll find a vibrant mix of mosques, historic buildings, and art museums, perfect for culture lovers and those seeking an outdoor experience. Explore the wonders of Istanbul, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, and uncover its hidden gems. Whether you're keen on shopping or simply soaking up the local vibe, there's something for every traveller in this iconic market.

  • Blue Mosque: This stunning mosque, known for its intricate blue tiles and impressive architecture, offers a serene atmosphere for contemplation. Located 966m from the Grand Bazaar, it captivates visitors with its grandeur and rich cultural heritage.
  • Hagia Sophia: A marvel of history, Hagia Sophia is a former cathedral and mosque now serving as a museum. Just 966m away, its breathtaking dome and mosaics tell the story of Istanbul’s diverse past, making it a must-see.
  • Galata Tower: Standing 1.6km from the Grand Bazaar, this historic tower provides panoramic views of the city. Its medieval architecture and the surrounding area are perfect for a leisurely stroll and taking in Istanbul’s vibrant culture.

Best time to go to Grand Bazaar

The best time to visit Grand Bazaar can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Grand Bazaar falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). The coolest average temperature around Grand Bazaar falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.7°F (17.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.5°F (22.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
July77.4°F (25.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
August77.9°F (25.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September72.3°F (22.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
November57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Grand Bazaar

To save money on your visit to the Grand Bazaar, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation prices, as opposed to the peak season from June to August. Saturdays are the most affordable days to stay, while Thursdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly eco-certified hotels and sort by price to snag the best deals. Additionally, combining your hotel booking with flights and activities can lead to further savings. Don't forget to explore free activities in the area to stretch your budget even further!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Grand Bazaar are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Grand Bazaar is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Grand Bazaar is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Grand Bazaar hotel booking with flights and activities through an Expedia package.