The Grand Bazaar is one of those vast shopping experiences that has been around forever. How the Grand Bazaar is designed is that you walk in through security and shop row after row of very tourist-orientated object. Each salesman tries to lure you into their shop. If you want Turkish rugs, they've got 'em. You want a fake Rolex, a fake Louis Vuitton, a fake whatever, they're everywhere. Shoes, shirts, purses, tee-shirts, jewelry, all kinds of stuff that you really don't need or want. It is really amusing! The down side to this place, and this is the case, (in my opinion), with all of Istanbul, is that everyone smokes. Every salesman is standing out in front of their shop with a cigarette in their hand. For those of us who try to stay health conscious, this is a bit disconcerting. But, what can you do? The Grand Bazaar is basically an indoor space. So, you are protected from the elements, if it is raining or something like that. But, not the heat. It can get pretty hot in there. I've been visiting Istanbul since 1984 and I can tell you, there has not been a lot of change at the Grand Bazaar in all of those years. It has really remained a staple of exhibiting a true Turkish shopping experience. Overall, whether your planning to buy something or not, this is a place you need to visit in you are in Istanbul as it is a true representation of Turkish culture.

Really beautiful architecture and nice to see all sorts of things being displayed for sale. However every item there is priced so ridiculously high you don't even feel like haggling. Save your money, take pictures and purchase elsewhere.

Any other Doviz (money exchange) anywhere else in Istanbul cannot compare to the money exchange rates within the Grand Bazaar. Of course, you still have to compare their posted rates. When we were comparing, the difference outside & inside the Grand Bazaar was 50-60 cents/US$; which could be substantial for large amounts. Fyi: we exchanged at Guven.

I highly recommend this store in the big market. This is a store of bags of all sizes and brands. The sellers are very kind. You can negotiate the prices and reach fair and good prices when each party leaves satisfied. You are offered a cup of tea and given bottles of mineral water. Recommended store. The address is: Beyazit Mahllesi, Ressam Basmacilar Sok. Kapalicarsi (Grenadbazaar), Beyazit, Istanbul. + 90 5421169563Ask for Aydin GELAN.

Somewhat disappointing because of what was sold in the shops. Guess it now has a modern take and products sold met market demand. Not a warren of alleys as I expected but a main alley with off shoots. Shopkeepers did not pester you to buy anything and that was good,

Really enjoyed walking round here, well worth a visit.. the shops are a bit repetitive but I expected that, lots of Turkish delight, teas, ceramics etc., nice atmosphere. I spent more in the little shops outside and bartered down the prices. There is money exchange places and a few banks. I was on my own and did not get hassled at all.. really happy with all my purchases I’ve had a bargain!

The huge Bazaar, the first covered Market is a must see for anyone visiting Turkey. Though one can get lost in the labrynths and alleys, one can always ask for directions to the exit gates. There are about 4000 shops inside selling, coffee powder, various flavors of tea, dried fruits and nuts, souvenirs, Turkish Lamps, and carpets, dresses, jewellery, leather goods, dresses and perfumes. Though it is crowded, it is not hot inside. The Grand Bazaar is accessible by trams.

It can be rather too much, a city into itself where you may get lost without a map. Several thousand stalls sell almost anything you can think of, but it gets a bit repetitive after a while (sweets, spices, tableware, carpets, souvenirs, plus a large jewelry "district") . Unmissable for the first-time visitor to Istanbul.

I think the Grand Bazaar is good for a quick visit. The items are overpriced and generally speaking of poor quality and sold to gullible tourists at high prices. They lie and use sales tactics to convince you their quality is superior but that"s not true because you will get the same quality they are offering outside of Grand Bazaar for cheaper prices.

Yes, it's a tourist trap, yes it's expensive. But with 60 streets and 4,000 shops it is just great fun to walk and get lost in it. The colors, the smells, it is a feast for the eyes. But maybe you'd be wise to buy your souvenirs outside . . .