How To Prepare Before Visiting The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

You have most likely visited some type of bazaar in your life. But if you're on a Turkey tour, you will find Istanbul's Grand Bazaar in a class of its own . Don't miss out on one of the largest landmarks in Istanbul - 500 years in the making.

Encompassing more than 1,200 shops, the giant marketplace welcomes upwards of 400,000 visitors per day. From jewelry to pottery, the ornateness of Turkish designs can be found in many products here. Turkey's rich history of spices, as well as world-famous rugs are quintessential purchases that exudes the Turkish experience. If you're looking for a particular item, don't fear, as stalls are grouped together that provide similar types of goods.

But before you start browsing through precious objects and try the art of bargaining, there are a few things to remember  in order to prepare yourself:

1. Be in a good mood and get ready for friendly banter with shopkeepers who will do their best to lure you in to their shops.

2. Take your time and look around carefully. You don't want to miss out on a unique gold bracelet, carpet or unique book.

3. Take a break and drink cups of tea or Turkish coffee. Chat with a local or shopkeeper and learn something new about one of the largest covered bazaars in the world.

4. Compare prices and try bargaining. Shoppers at the Grand Bazaar have been doing it for 500 years, so go on, give it a shot!

Kensington Tours offers a variety of private-guided tours to Turkey that include a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Click here for more info.

Or, discover Turkey with Kensington Tours' Custom Cruising. Cruise the magnificent southwestern coast of Turkey on a private Gulet charter on our 11 Day Turkish Riviera by Private Sailboat tour.  The pre cruise land tours (private guides, tours & activities, hotels, & airport transfers) includes a visit to the Grand Bazaar - a fantastic stop before you set sail to historic ports and scenic coves of the Turkish coastline, while making your way to the ancient settlements of Symi and Rhodes of the Greek islands.