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GRAND BAZAAR Opening Hours (Updated → 2025)

11 December 2024 by Serhat Engül

With its 500-year history, the Grand Bazaar offers an unforgettable experience to shopping enthusiasts who visit Istanbul. Although Istanbul has giant modern shopping malls, the Grand Bazaar still remains popular in the city.

In the subheadings of this article, you can find the Grand Bazaar opening hours, frequently asked questions about the bazaar, a list of things to buy from the bazaar, and things to do around the Grand Bazaar.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Grand Bazaar (Istanbul) Opening Hours 2025
  • FAQ about the Grand Bazaar (2025)
    • 1. Should I Make a Bargain in Grand Bazaar?
    • 2. Do Local People Shop in Grand Bazaar?
  • How to Go to Grand Bazaar?
  • Things to Buy from Grand Bazaar 2025
    • 1. Jewelry
    • 2. Turkish Carpets
    • 3. Iznik Tiles
    • 4. Scarves
    • 5. Lanterns
    • 6. Towels
    • 7. Kaftans
    • 8. Handbags
    • 9. Watches
    • 10. Turkish Delight
  • Things to Do around Grand Bazaar in 2025
    • 1. Mahmutpasa Bazaar
    • 2. Cemberlitas Hammam
    • 3. Donerci Sahin Usta
  • Conclusion

Grand Bazaar (Istanbul) Opening Hours 2025

Grand Bazaar opening hours are between 09:00 in the morning and 19:00 in the evening as of 2025. From 18:30 onwards, the lights in the bazaar start to turn off and the shops close one by one. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is closed to visitors on Sundays.

The Grand Bazaar is not open on Sundays and is closed on religious holidays. If your visit to Istanbul coincides with times such as Ramadan Feast (Eid al-Fitr) or Sacrifice Feast (Eid al-Adha), you may not be able to visit the Grand Bazaar.

FAQ about the Grand Bazaar (2025)

If you wish, let’s start the article by answering frequently asked questions about the Grand Bazaar. We will also answer the question “how to get there” with a map showing the location of the bazaar.

1. Should I Make a Bargain in Grand Bazaar?

Definitely yes! Otherwise you will get the product you want to buy at the highest possible price. There is a traditional way of shopping in the Grand Bazaar and bargaining is customary.

While you are walking through the labyrinth-like streets, it is inevitable to come across enthusiastic vendors trying to sell you something and the only way to buy their products in an affordable way is to bargain with them.

By bargaining in the Grand Bazaar, you can buy a single product at a discount of around 10% to 20%. On the other hand, if you buy the same product in large quantities, the discount rate will increase.

In addition, if you are buying expensive products such as handmade Turkish rugs or original Iznik tiles, you can bargain and reduce the price of that product between 20% and 40%.

It should also be added that the prices are fixed when shopping in districts of Istanbul outside the Historical Peninsula. Bargaining is not welcome in Istanbul’s shopping malls and modern districts.

2. Do Local People Shop in Grand Bazaar?

The answer to this question is partially yes. Because Istanbul has a lot of modern shopping malls which can satisfy all the needs thanks to the national and international brands inside them.

Then what do local people buy in Grand Bazaar? The answer is: gold. Local folks see Grand Bazaar as a huge jeweler and Bazaar is the heart of gold market. Gold prices are commonly priced on gram basis and you can buy it there.

One can also find various golden necklaces, bracelets, rings made by the most experienced craftsmen. The price for milled gold depends on the quality of workmanship.

During the Ottoman Empire, the Grand Bazaar was a place where locals could find the most variety of products. However, there are many options for shopping in Istanbul today, so the Grand Bazaar is considered a touristic and expensive place.

How to Go to Grand Bazaar?

How to Get to Grand Bazaar of Istanbul on a Map

You can follow two ways to go from Sultanahmet to the Grand Bazaar. The first of these is to pass through Nuruosmaniye Street, which is a street parallel to the tramway. This street is a pleasant walking path full of stylish shops and cafes.

You will see mainly carpet and jewelery shops on Nuruosmaniye Street. There are also some Turkish delight and souvenir shops. This street is attractive enough to make you shop before you even go to the Grand Bazaar.

At the end of Nuruosmaniye Street is the Nuruosmaniye Mosque, which was built in the 18th century (this mosque is marked in the visual above). When you pass through the courtyard of this beautiful mosque, you enter Grand Bazaar through gate number 1.

The second way is to follow the tramway (Divanyolu Street) and walk until Beyazit Square. When you arrive in Beyazit Tram Station, you can enter the Grand Bazaar through gate number 7. The Bayezid Mosque from the 15th century is also here.

As the Grand Bazaar consists of 67 streets and 3000 shops, it can be difficult to find directions for first timers. Since Kalpakcilarbasi Street between Gate 1 and Gate 7 is the main street, it makes it easier to find directions.

If you want to examine the Grand Bazaar map in detail, you can access the full resolution version from this link. You can find many useful maps like this in the article named Istanbul tourist maps.

Things to Buy from Grand Bazaar 2025

There are many things related to oriental culture among the things to buy in the Grand Bazaar. Silk carpets and Iznik tiles that used to adorn Ottoman palaces are at the top of the list. On the other hand, you can find souvenirs for every budget.

1. Jewelry

Jewelry is one of the major things that can be bought in the Grand Bazaar. There are dozens of jewelery shops on Kalpakcilarbasi Caddesi, which is the main street I described at the beginning of the article.

While I am working as a private tour guide in Istanbul, one of the most asked questions to me was whether the jewels here were real. Of course, many replicas are sold in the Grand Bazaar. But jewelry is not one of them.

There are jewelry shops that make boutique designs in the Bazaar and they are all very good at their jobs. Istanbulites also come to the Grand Bazaar to buy gold or jewellery. For this reason, you can be sure that it is real when purchasing jewelry.

2. Turkish Carpets

Grand Bazaar shopping and bargaining tips

Turkish carpets have been sold in the Grand Bazaar for centuries. For this reason, there are many families that have been in carpet business for several generations. You can find handmade Turkish carpets in these shops.

However, buying a Turkish rug is a difficult task even for locals. Before buying, you can visit places such as the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum and the Istanbul Carpet Museum to learn about the history of Turkish carpets.

Of course, most of the carpet shops in Istanbul give you a presentation about Turkish carpets. However, I still recommend that you learn about the types of carpets in advance. It is okay to have enough knowledge to distinguish between “Classical Carpets” and “Nomadic Carpets”.

If you need help on this subject, you can find it in the article named where to buy Turkish carpets in Istanbul. From this content, you can have general information about carpet shopping in Istanbul.

3. Iznik Tiles

Iznik Tiles and Ceramics in Grand Bazaar

Iznik Tiles represented the pinnacle of Ottoman pottery. Especially in the 16th century, which was the peak of the empire, Turkish tiles also experienced their golden period.

The best examples of Iznik tiles can be seen in places such as the Blue Mosque, Sokullu Mehmed Pasha Mosque and Rustem Pasha Mosque built during this period.

Also, while visiting Topkapi Palace, you can see excellent tiles in the sections like Imperial Council and Harem Rooms. You can also find these tiles, which include blue, green and red tones, in the bazaar.

4. Scarves

Scarves are among the top clothing items that women can buy in Istanbul. You can find dozens of shops selling scarves and shawls in the bazaar. While some of these shawls are made in Turkey, others are imported from countries such as Pakistan and India.

Since Turkish women also love scarves, thousands of different scarves can be found here. There are so many shops selling scarves in the Grand Bazaar that you cannot visit all of them even if you wander all day.

5. Lanterns

Istanbul Grand Bazaar Opening Hours 2025

Lanterns adorn every street of the Grand Bazaar with their colorful glasses. You can see dozens of color combinations of Turkish lamps, which attract attention with their pastel colors.

Shops selling lanterns decorated with colored glass offer the opportunity to take wonderful pictures for travellers wandering the streets of the bazaar. For this reason, these lamps are always present in the most beautiful photos of the bazaar.

6. Towels

Towels are one of the most colorful items of the Grand Bazaar. You can buy loincloths, bathrobes or cotton towels used in Turkish baths at the bazaar. These bath equipments are generally of high quality and durable.

Turkish towels are also one of the most functional souvenirs to buy in Istanbul. You can use these products for many years instead of ornamental objects that will stand on one side.

7. Kaftans

Turkish Caftans

Kaftans had a very significant place in Ottoman history. The caftans, which were the clothes of the sultans, had an important place in the classical period Ottoman art. The caftans would have embroideries and even precious stones.

Today, the centuries-old caftans worn by the sultans are exhibited in the clothing section of the Topkapi Palace. If you like this style of clothing, you can find great kaftans in the market. You can also have a suitable caftan made for yourself in some tailor shops in the bazaar.

8. Handbags

Handbags has a large share in the Grand Bazaar. You can see many shops selling colorful women’s handbags. While some of them are domestic designs, most of them are imported.

You can find replicas of many famous handbag brands in the bazaar. In general, the reflections of the bag fashion of that year can be seen in the bazaar. Exact replicas of the designs of the most famous brands can be purchased.

9. Watches

Watches are the best shopping item for men that can be found in the Grand Bazaar. While scarves, shawls and handbags for women adorn every place, few things appeal to men in the bazaar. Among them, watches that imitate the models of famous brands stand out.

Jewelry, Turkish carpets and gold sold in the bazaar are generally original. However, it should be noted that most of the bags and watches are replicas. For this reason, it is necessary to be careful when purchasing these products.

10. Turkish Delight

What to Buy in Grand Bazaar of Istanbul

Turkish delight comes first among the things to buy in Istanbul. While you are wandering the streets of the city, you will be interested in the colorful shops selling Turkish delight everywhere.

In my opinion, the best place to buy Turkish delight is Spice Bazaar. Because Spice Bazaar is more specialized in food. However, many beautiful shops have opened in the Grand Bazaar in recent years.

In addition to these two bazaars, there are centuries-old Turkish delight shops in old districts such as Eminonu, Beyoglu and Kadikoy (Asian Side). For more information on this, you can also check out this article.

Things to Do around Grand Bazaar in 2025

There are many things to do around the Grand Bazaar. These include visiting the centuries-old local public markets, scrubbing in the Turkish bath and tasting delicious street food.

1. Mahmutpasa Bazaar

Mahmutpasa Yokusu

Mahmutpasa Bazaar is a place where Istanbulites go to shop for cheap clothing. This is actually a slope connecting Beyazit and Eminonu and stretches between Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.

Mahmutpasa Bazaar (locally known as Mahmutpasa Yokusu) is a place where young girls go for dowry shopping. As this is a very old tradition in Istanbul, you can see many young girls shopping here with their mother.

It is possible to shop for men’s, women’s and children’s clothing at very affordable prices in Mahmutpasa Bazaar. Since Turkey is a textile country, the quality of the clothes you will find here is good even though it is cheap.

For those visiting Istanbul for the first time, finding the way in Mahmutpasa Bazaar can be a bit difficult. On the map at the beginning of the article, you can roughly see how to go from Grand Bazaar to Spice Bazaar.

2. Cemberlitas Hammam

Cemberlitas Hammam is within walking distance of Gate 1 of the bazaar on the Nuruosmaniye Mosque side. This hammam is located right next to Cemberlitas Tram Station.

Cemberlitas Hammam is among the best Turkish baths in Istanbul. Here you can relax and have a pleasant time after shopping in the bazaar. Scrubbing in the Turkish bath will make you feel refreshed.

3. Donerci Sahin Usta

Donerci Sahin Usta is one of the best street food places in Istanbul. As a famous doner shop in Istanbul, Sahin Usta is recommended by reputable travel guides such as Lonely Planet.

When you think of street food in Istanbul, doner kebab, kofte and kokorec come to mind first. The best doner kebab places in Istanbul are usually located in the old districts.

You can find great street food in Beyazit, where the bazaar is located, and Eminonu by the sea, and Beyoglu (near Taksim Square) on the opposite side of the Golden Horn.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Grand Bazaar is one of the must-see places in Istanbul. However, visiting the bazaar can be overwhelming after a long day of visiting historical monuments.

It may take a long time to visit the bazaar, which has 67 streets and more than 3000 shops. For this reason, if you make your itinerary accordingly, you can get the most out of your visit to the bazaar.

The Grand Bazaar can be interesting even for people who don’t like shopping. In fact, you can even go to the bazaar just to take pictures or examine the architectural features of the bazaar.

Written by Serhat Engul

Filed Under: OLD CITY, SHOPPING Tagged With: Bazaars

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About Serhat Engül

Hello explorer of Istanbul! This is Serhat Engul. I am a licensed TOUR GUIDE IN ISTANBUL. I offer PRIVATE HALF DAY TOUR which includes a visit to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern and the Spice Bazaar. This is a fantastic option to see some of the ICONIC LANDMARKS in the whole of Istanbul and you’ll receive plenty of background information on each location to enlighten you. You may see the details of this tour on the HOMEPAGE of the blog. I wish you a wonderful trip!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. blankMarina says

    11 October 2021 at 23:27

    Hello there,
    We are visiting Istanbul next month only for a couple of days and interested in taking a tour. Can you tell me the cost of your half day tour please? We are staying in Beyoglu during Nov 27th and 28th.

    Reply
    • blankSerhat Engül says

      11 October 2021 at 23:58

      Hello Marina, thank you for reaching out. I can see your email address in the system and I will write a reply to your tour request tomorrow.

      Reply
  2. blankRoc says

    22 December 2021 at 09:48

    Hello Serhat
    I am getting in early but a group of friends and myself are coming to Turkey in October 2022. We are on a tour but have time where we are not been taking around. Looking at getting a guide for 10 of us around Istanbul for places that our tour does not take us.

    Reply
    • blankSerhat Engül says

      22 December 2021 at 18:11

      Hi Rochelle, of course I can guide you and your friends. However, in order for the tour to be confirmed, I need to know the exact date. Also, to prepare an itinerary, I need to know what your other tour doesn’t include. Thus, a list of alternative places can be prepared.

      If you wish, you can check the Fener Balat and Beyoglu walking tours from the private tours category. These two activities include places that aren’t on classical tourist tours. It would make sense to arrange one of these tours.

      Reply
  3. blankIram Hussain says

    3 June 2022 at 17:40

    Hi, I’m hoping you can help, my family and I are hoping to visit 11th July 2022 (just after Eid ul Adha)
    Do you know which places will be closed during this time?

    Reply
    • blankSerhat Engül says

      3 June 2022 at 22:17

      Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are closed during Eid al-Adha. In other words, these historical bazaars will be closed on July 9, 10, 11 and 12 in 2022. On the other hand, museums and mosques are open on Eid. They may only be partially closed on the first day.

      Reply
      • blankIram Hussain says

        4 June 2022 at 00:51

        Thank you so much for confirming!

        Reply
        • blankSerhat Engül says

          4 June 2022 at 12:15

          You are welcome. Have a nice trip!

          Reply
  4. blankMaria says

    1 December 2022 at 14:12

    Dear Serhat

    I have a plan to visit Grand bazar On 30 December, will it be open on that they?

    Reply
    • blankSerhat Engül says

      2 December 2022 at 12:02

      Hello Maria, in the relevant section of the article, it is clearly noted which days the Grand Bazaar is closed. For this reason, I think there is no point in asking any day of the year specifically.

      Please don’t take this personally, but many people ask about the days that coincide with their trip. Normally I delete these comments. I answered this to avoid such personal questions.

      Reply
  5. blankTasneem says

    25 June 2023 at 18:06

    Dear Serhat,
    We are planning to visit Istanbul during Kurban Beyrami days. Wanted to find out if the Grand Bazaar will be open on Saturday, 1st July 2023

    Thanks in advance.

    Tasneem

    Reply
    • blankSerhat Engül says

      29 June 2023 at 18:48

      Hello Tasneem. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Eid al-Fitr (3 days) and Eid al-Adha (4 days). There is no exception for this in 2023.

      Reply
  6. blankJohn says

    3 September 2023 at 05:33

    Hi Serhat
    Do you only do walking tours? I ask because i am limited in the distances i can walk

    Reply
    • blankSerhat Engül says

      5 September 2023 at 23:42

      Dear John, yes I only do walking tours. Touring by car is not very efficient in the Old City. Because most of the streets in Sultanahmet (around Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque) are already closed to traffic.

      Reply
  7. blankR. Noel says

    20 January 2024 at 01:07

    Hello! Do you know if there are resources near the Bazaar or at the airport for shipping purchases? We are flying through Istanbul at the beginning of a trip and won’t be able to carry our souvenirs with us. Thank you!

    Reply
    • blankSerhat Engül says

      22 January 2024 at 12:03

      Hello, unfortunately I have no information about the luggage storage facilities around the Grand Bazaar. However, if you search for “lockers in Istanbul” on Google, many results come up. I think you can entrust your shopping bags to one of these companies.

      Reply
  8. blankSheeba Anis says

    29 February 2024 at 23:03

    Hello, we are planning to come Istanbul in this Eid al-Fitr. Can you tell what days will be holidays in Grand Bazaar .

    Reply
    • blankSerhat Engül says

      29 February 2024 at 23:45

      The Grand Bazaar is closed on religious holidays. It is closed every year, without exception, for 3 days during Eid al-Fitr and 4 days during Eid al-Adha.

      Reply
  9. blankDammy says

    5 July 2024 at 13:34

    Hello,

    I am due in Istanbul on the 7th July to 12th, I will like to arrange a tour of the Grand Bazaar. Would you be available that week ?
    Kindly be in touch.

    Regards,

    Reply
    • blankSerhat Engül says

      7 July 2024 at 21:57

      Hello Dammy, thank you for your interest in my tours. However, none of my tours this year include the Grand Bazaar. Have a nice trip!

      Reply

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blankHello, I'm Serhat Engul. I am a licensed tour guide operating in Istanbul. I do walking tours in Istanbul focusing on Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history. If you want to join a private guided tour in Istanbul, you can check out my references and tours from ABOUT page. Read More…

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