Historical SitesIstanbul

Grand Bazaar

The world's oldest covered bazaar

Image credit: A.Savin, FAL

About

Sprawling like a labyrinth with over 4,000 shops, the Grand Bazaar is a historic shopping paradise where you can find everything from carpets to jewellery, spices to handicrafts.

History

Construction began in 1455 during the reign of Mehmed the Conqueror. It expanded over the centuries to reach its present enormous size.

Visiting Tips

  • ✓Don't hesitate to haggle
  • ✓Browse the antiques in the Inner Bedesten
  • ✓Take a Turkish coffee break

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Grand Bazaar?

Grand Bazaar is located at Beyazıt, Fatih, İstanbul in Istanbul.

When is the best time to visit Grand Bazaar?

Recommended time: Mornings (closed on Sundays).

Best time

Mornings (closed on Sundays)

City

Istanbul

Last updated: 2026-10-13

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