Grand Bazaar

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nice bazaar but expencive prices. Iran-Isfehan has better handcrafts with lower prices.

I’m not a materialist, I’m not, nevertheless 2 words…. red gold = D~ The whole concept of a bond between gold and copper is just, well, it’s just… sexy!

My impression is that they have some sort of price alliance and ask for about the same price for similar stuff.

That is good because you can bargain at a bunch of sellers and practice “walking away waiting for them to catch you” to find out their lowest acceptable price. On the other hand, it will be hard for them to go below that well accepted price.

I’m really good at ignoring people – meaning not looking at or hearing those sellers. You’ll have a hard time if you cannot do this. Bringing along guys definitely helps.

This is a great place to visit but beware of any “helpful” young male locals who offer to show you round. They are after money and if you are female they can be extremely pushy.

DO NOT ACCEPT A CHANCE TO VISIT THEIR HOMES!

I know of one young girl who was raped because she was too polite to say no.

You must experience the Grand Bazaar at least once while you’re in Istanbul. My Turkish friends couldn’t believe I went, but you just have to. Barter, barter, barter!!! And be polite-if they don’t accept your price, smile and move on-you’ll definitely find something just like it a few shops away. Women-the men are shameless, but harmless! Enjoy!

I talked a guy down to $9 USD for Levi’s 501 jeans in the Grand Bazaar. I compared them both on the inside and outside with the pair I was wearing. If they were fake I couldn’t tell…. The place is huge and just crammed with stuff – if you like shopping this is the place for you.

The scam some bars have is that the guy on the street talks you into the bar to try some wine. Sounds good until they give you a cheque for several hundred dollars and that’s usually when more bouncers come out to ensure you pay. Don’t be shy, ask how much before you drink.

I can’t say I 100% enjoyed the bazaar experience. It’s crowded. It’s loud. Men are shouting at you in multiple languages, trying to entice you into their shops for tea and heavy bargaining (“I make you very good price!”). If you’re not a haggler, you’re going to pay too much, period. That’s just how it’s done. Even though it’s very much sensory-overload, I think if you’re going to visit Istanbul, you have to see the Bazaar, if for no other reason than it has to be seen to be believed: it’s huge, massively enormous, and if you can’t find it in one shop, the shopkeeper will send a boy to find it in another shop.

Because it’s crowded and confusing, watch your wallet/purse. We never felt unsafe in Istanbul, never got pickpocketed, but we were very (very) careful. Be sensible with your money and don’t flash it around, if for no other reason than if the shopkeeper sees you’re flush with cash, he might not be as inclined to bargain with you. :)

Don’t go in there even thinking about buying anything – if you do, the hagglers will get you!

I’ve only been to the Grand Bazaar once, and I’m pretty sure that’s enough for me. As you may have heard/read, the salesmen&women are very luring & will attempt to draw you into their shops (though this is similar to most tourist areas in Istanbul, that I’ve experienced at least) with hilarious lines. A few of said lines include:

To my brother –
“You can buy one for your girlfriend! I’m sure you have SIX girlfriends! You can buy one of each color!”
“Oh no! You’re leaving without a carpet!”
“Don’t worry. I know exactly what you need. And do not be mistaken, I’m not talking about myself.”

& a few others.

Anyhoo, the items they have in the Bazaar are nice, but you can usually find them anywhere else for much cheaper. Though true, I would still recommend going…just to go.