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.