I knew what to expect when I was going to this shopping district, but I was just not in thr mood…read morefor the haggling. I wanted to walk around and check out the stuff maybe get something to eat and purchase 2 t-shirts. lol. However, that plan ended quickly. Window shopping in peace is not an option. Don't get me wrong. the locals are very sweet and everyone wants you to stop by their shop. Each section sells similar to the same products. I stopped to get my two shirts and the bidding started at $40 for two t-shirts. I just smiled said no thank you and left. lol. I absolutely could've stayed and played the back and forth haggling but I wasn't interested. I walked around got lost trying to get back to the tram because this place was huge. They sell just about any and everything. All I can say is I went and don't have to go back. lol.

I don't get how there's less than stellar reviews about this place. What are the complaints? It's…read moreloud? Crowded? Yes, all those things, but it's a historical landmark/tourist trap/marketplace; it's like if Macy's was half a millennium (and counting!) old. I obviously looked/dressed/acted like a tourist so I knew I was definitely getting the tourist upcharge. However, there's 0 reason you can't do as the locals do and haggle. The larger stalls have seating, sit there, enjoy the tea but don't be afraid to say thank you and leave. There's plenty of other merchants that sell similar items. Speaking of, the lokrum here was somehow the best I had in Istanbul; believe me, I was hoping that it wouldn't be the case but it was.

First off, I am a rabid Sephora fan and VIB here in the US. I try and visit a Sephora wherever I…read moretravel. So when I traveled to Istanbul last week, I visited this location while in the Taksim Square area. What I found was nowhere near the service I always receive in the U.S. When I walked in, I was chatting with the clerk welcoming people into the store. After few minutes, a stern and intimidating man in a suit and earpiece walked over and said something to her. She described him as "the secretary". After that, she walked away from me. I browsed around the store, seeing what they had. I noticed at least 10 employees standing around talking with each other, only 1 other customer in the store, who appeared to be a Turkish woman, and she was being assisted by staff. Not once did anyone ever ask if I needed help. The icing on the cake was when I was taking photos of the inside of the store to show my local Sephora store. Mr. Stern Man in a Suit walked over and told me I could not take any pictures. I tried to explain that I wanted to show them to my local Sephora. He stared me down until I put away my camera. Needless to say I left the store. Sephora - listen up! This is no way to treat your loyal customers! And if you are a foreigner, do not expect to get any assistance. This store is not worth you time or money.

Amen previous reviewer...WORST SERVICE EVER...I am not sure Sephora understands how horrible this…read morestore is. The way they treated me when you want to buy is SO different when I came back the next day less then 24 hours to return the UNUSED/ UNOPENED merchandise With the Receipt! I told them, I didn't even get it out of my bag and they said, sorry, you can only exchange. Called the manager, she was Beyond RUDE and actually lied, saying policy in Turkey!!! Called Sephora and right away and Lisa on the line from Sephora tried to talk to them, but, they pretended they don't speak English!!! AMAZING how RUDE and LYING with a straight face. BE AWARE. It is not the same service you get from any Sephora and really, I kinda blame Sephora too, they should check more often on who represents them. When I came home and used Google translate , the receipt said returns can be done within 14 days!!!!! Stay away!