Shopping · 18 of the best in Istanbul
Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)
A city under one roof
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Jorge Franganillo · CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Jorge Franganillo · CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Laima Gūtmane (simka… · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons1 / 3
About Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)
The Grand Bazaar grew around the two domed bedestens built under Mehmed II in the 15th century into a labyrinth of more than 60 covered streets, with thousands of shops, small mosques, fountains and hans (courtyard workshops). Wander from the jewellers of Kalpakçılar Caddesi into the quieter lanes and hans, where craftsmen still work. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Why it's on our list
- From the 15th century
- Jewellery, carpets, ceramics, lamps
- Closed Sundays
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest metro & tram stops
- Beyazıt - Kapalı ÇarşıT1350 m5 min walk
- Beyazit - Kapali Carsi/Grand BazaarT1350 m5 min walk
- ÇemberlitaşT1400 m5 min walk
Nearest taxi ranks
- Taxi rank, Şehzadebaşı Caddesi800 m10 min walk
- Taxi rank, Kennedy Avenue1.0 km13 min walk
Key sights
- Spice Bazaar550 mWalk 7 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 5 min
- Süleymaniye Mosque650 mWalk 8 minCycle 3 minCar or taxi 5 min
- Basilica Cistern850 mWalk 11 minCycle 3 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Blue Mosque950 mWalk 12 minCycle 4 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Galata Bridge1.0 kmWalk 12 minCycle 4 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Hagia Sophia1.0 kmWalk 13 minCycle 4 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Topkapı Palace1.2 kmWalk 15 minCycle 5 minCar or taxi 7 min
- Galata Tower1.6 kmWalk 20 minCycle 6 minCar or taxi 8 min
- İstiklal Avenue2.5 kmWalk 32 minCycle 10 minCar or taxi 11 min
- Taksim Square3.1 kmWalk 39 minCycle 12 minCar or taxi 12 min
Getting around
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)31 kmCar or taxi 97 min
- Istanbul Airport (IST)34 kmCar or taxi 106 min