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.

I mean, you have to visit here, right?! The sights. The sounds. The smells. The haggling…read more Plenty of selection to choose from, whether you are shopping for yourself or someone else. Prices seemed fairly reasonable, even with it being a high tourist area. You definitely shouldn't lack for a helpful guide to assist you with your purchases. Fun to try the samples they are giving out also. Turkish treats and teas a plenty.

This end of the Grand Bazaar is the spice market, and although it's surely worth a visit, it would…read morenot be your best bet for spices. One of our favorite souvenirs is a brass pepper grinder but I prefer to load it up with Penzey's Tellicherry peppercorns. The displayed spices are lovely to admire, but the aggressive sales people can grate on your nerves. Still, you'll be passing through here to visit other sites, especially the Rustem Pasha Mosque so plan for the time.

Tourist trap or not, I was ready to explore the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul. This bazaar is massive…read moreand amazing, so be prepared to walk around. I ended up going multiple times to this bazaar while I was vacationing. The second or third time I visited, my hubby and I got many things from one particular shop. The shop owner wanted to show us more of his merchandise which was not in his store. The best part was that he took us thru a narrow staircase which opened to the factory part of the grand bazaar. Many shop owners have storage units and working areas on the second floor of the grand bazaar. It was a great experience checking out the working place with pots, pans, ceramics etc. Back to the buying part: I bought several goodies such as silk scarfs, jewelry specially rings and other treasures. It was fun walking around the many shops. There are around 3,000 small shops connected to each other. Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest covered markets in the world. Many of the vendors sell similar items. If you feel like your getting ripped off, just walk to the next shop. Bargain like a pro, use sign language, or any other sneaky methods. Some of my recommendations: You want to get the best deals? Do not wear expensive jewelry or clothes. The prices are not set so when the employees see you they can make the price higher or lower. Try not to say your from the U.S, say any other country. U.S is considered a rich country, therefore they will try to sell you everything double the price. Have fun, and definitely buy some items to remember your trip by. I loved the grand bazaar, wish I could shop there every week.~

Tourist Trap? For sure! The Grand Bazaar is a maze you'll get lost!…read more Oldest market, and for me the biggest I have ever been to. It has several entrances and exits, thousands of merchants (no exaggeration) and you'll find everything in here from souvenirs, teas, Turkish delight, spices, fake branded clothes and so on. Higher prices than anywhere else. Beautiful decor, prepare to face the crowds and the maze. You'll be trapped and get lost, so bring your patience along. But when in Istanbul, you have to visit!