In 2020, the mere increase in exports netted over $1.095 billion. Related content: 5 Fish Markets in Istanbul to Unleash Your Inner Poissonnier Carpets and Kilimsĭespite Italian leather making international waves, Turkey is also a powerhouse when it comes to leather. Note: All shops in the Grand Bazaar open from Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 19:00.
However, if you’re short on time, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to buy at the Grand Bazaar – and the best and authentic shops to get them in – for your convenience: Related content: Istanbul Markets: 20 Best Bazaars Every Traveler Must Visit
Just a word of warning, part of the charm is to literally get lost in the maze-like streets of this world-famous attraction. Fortunately, it’s open 6 days a week between 08:30 and 19:00, so you have plenty of time to explore the 64 streets that house over 4,000 shops, 26,000 employees and welcome between 250,000-400,000 visitors per year. Continuously restored, each step is an opportunity for photographers, and shopaholics may be delighted to know that the world’s oldest shopping mall is so massive that they can’t conquer it in a day.