Cultural and Historical Shopping Tour at the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is the absolute gem of Istanbul and a must-see attraction. As you walk through its numerous streets and narrow alleys with a local guide, find yourself in the former center of the Mediterranean trade that connected Asia and Europe and get a sense of how Ottomans lived in the past. 

Unless being accompanied by an expert, it is easy to get lost within the maze of the Grand Bazaar. On your guided tour, learn about the history of the world's most pristine mall, how it grew, expanded, survived many fires and an earthquake, and then got renovated.

Also called Kapalıçarşı ('Covered Market') and Büyük Çarşı ('Grand Market'), the Grand Bazaar dates back to 1461. It had opened its gates to the first customers to propel economic prosperity of the Ottoman Empire, solely dedicated to trading textiles and jewelry. Today, the Bazaar also sells ceramics, kilims and carpets, copperware, leather, lamps, antique handicrafts and fine textiles. Go on a souvenir hunt and bring back home exquisite gifts and memorable items.

Being the largest covered market in the world, the Grand Bazaar extends on 30,700 square meters of land with over 5,000 shops in function. Some shop owners are 4th or 5th generation traders and have a great knowledge of commerce and goods. Browse stalls, bargain for the best price and mingle, experiencing the Turkish hospitality. The sellers would frequently treat their customers with a traditional tulip-shaped glass of tea and interact, being most welcoming and patient.

Highlights: the Grand Bazaar.

Duration: 4 hours. Departure: daily. Includes: a local guide. Minimum 2 people.