Why to visit Grand Bazaar
There are around 4,000 stores in the bedestens (warehouses) and caravanserais, which are all connected by vault-roofed alleyways. Fortunately, being a little disoriented inside frequently leads to some of the more fascinating, off-the-beaten-path shops. Here you'll find the whole range of Turkish crafts, as well as pieces from Central Asia and the Middle East. From antique Turkish carpets and artisan gold jewellery to cheap, plastic Istanbul fridge magnets, there's something for everyone. It's a fantastic resource for learning everything there is to know about what's offered.
The most well-known shopping location in Turkey requires no introduction. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul has been in operation since the mid-fifteenth century. It's the mediaeval equivalent of a modern commercial mall. The specialised artisan stores and workshops, tucked away in the back alleys of the bedestens, are the greatest places to look. Many of the stores that line the main thoroughfares specialise in low-cost tourist trinkets. Embroidered textiles from Uzbekistan, handwoven silk shawls, and beautifully etched metalware can all be found with a little more digging.
The distance between Istanbul Airport and Grand Bazaar is around 47 kilometres, and driving there takes about 50 minutes. Other modes of transportation can also be used to get to the bazaar from the airport. To get to the Grand Bazaar, take the subway from the airport to Zeytinburnu and then a tram from Beyazit to the Grand Bazaar.
