The Covered Bazaar in Istanbul
There is only one place to visit in Istanbul if you want to shop till you drop.You simply have to go to the Grand Bazaar also known as the Kapali Carsi. It is as large as a small town which is amazing.
When you think it has 65 streets, covering over 50 acres and there are 4000 shops, it is quite some place. That leaves out the eating places, cafes and restaurants, all inside a wall.There are 11 different entry points.
The Bazaar was constructed a long time ago in the 15th century. In truth there has been a large amount of repair work, caused by fire damage. It's a blessing the original passages and the tiled fountains remain.
It was once described as the oldest shopping mall anywhere. The facts are you can buy nearly anything between these walls.Whatever you are looking for, then it is quite likely you will be able to buy it in the Bazaar.There will be thousands of people in the bazaar, but don't be scared, just get in and get going.
The alleys are small, crowded and completely amazing, but most of the people you will push past are like yourself tourists. Local people tend not to shop here, because they go to the side streets well away from the tourists. If you can get into the side streets you will find something non touristy and much more the way it was a hundred years ago. It's well worthwhile to take the time to find these areas where the locals shop, and you will see the real genuine Istanbul as it used to be.
You will be approached dozens of times by stall holders, even their children, tempting you with the best price. By all means go and look but be prepared to be offered small glasses of tea, in attempt to oblige you to buy. No thank given with a smile is the best approach and it can save you a lot of hassle.
Shopkeepers will accept a firm response, after all there are thousands more where you came from.You must of course shop and buy that is part of the fun, but know how much you are prepared to pay and don't go beyond that. The price you will be offered is not the price you should pay, and you must realise that before you start to bargain.
If the item you want is small and very cheap anyway don't insult the sellers intelligence by trying to barter it down. On the other hand, if it is something substantial like a rug, or a curio, and you should beware fakes, then the trader will expect you to offer a far lower price. Play the game because that is what bargaining is, and be prepared to get up and go, albeit regretfully, and you might get the bargain you are after. Just enjoy the experience, because the covered bazaar in Istanbul is like no other in the world.
When you think it has 65 streets, covering over 50 acres and there are 4000 shops, it is quite some place. That leaves out the eating places, cafes and restaurants, all inside a wall.There are 11 different entry points.
The Bazaar was constructed a long time ago in the 15th century. In truth there has been a large amount of repair work, caused by fire damage. It's a blessing the original passages and the tiled fountains remain.
It was once described as the oldest shopping mall anywhere. The facts are you can buy nearly anything between these walls.Whatever you are looking for, then it is quite likely you will be able to buy it in the Bazaar.There will be thousands of people in the bazaar, but don't be scared, just get in and get going.
The alleys are small, crowded and completely amazing, but most of the people you will push past are like yourself tourists. Local people tend not to shop here, because they go to the side streets well away from the tourists. If you can get into the side streets you will find something non touristy and much more the way it was a hundred years ago. It's well worthwhile to take the time to find these areas where the locals shop, and you will see the real genuine Istanbul as it used to be.
You will be approached dozens of times by stall holders, even their children, tempting you with the best price. By all means go and look but be prepared to be offered small glasses of tea, in attempt to oblige you to buy. No thank given with a smile is the best approach and it can save you a lot of hassle.
Shopkeepers will accept a firm response, after all there are thousands more where you came from.You must of course shop and buy that is part of the fun, but know how much you are prepared to pay and don't go beyond that. The price you will be offered is not the price you should pay, and you must realise that before you start to bargain.
If the item you want is small and very cheap anyway don't insult the sellers intelligence by trying to barter it down. On the other hand, if it is something substantial like a rug, or a curio, and you should beware fakes, then the trader will expect you to offer a far lower price. Play the game because that is what bargaining is, and be prepared to get up and go, albeit regretfully, and you might get the bargain you are after. Just enjoy the experience, because the covered bazaar in Istanbul is like no other in the world.
About the Author:
Ian Smith loves travel generally. If you enjoy travel and are thinking of a romantic vacation then you should take a look at a website which discusses theBest Honeymoon Places. also the 10 top vacation spots.
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