Yesterday we went to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, two of the most-recommended and most-warned about sights to see in Istanbul. Most recommended because they are really impressive. The Grand Bazaar is basically a huge mall, laid out in a grid of streets instead of one long line on multiple levels.
It’s highly recommended for good reason – the combination of architecture, history, and shopping is hard to beat. You can look up in several areas and see the old decorated arches above the rug shop you’re standing at. It’s a great place for souvenirs and general shopping. Trinkets, rugs, lamps and scarves, but also clothing, musical instruments, and shoes.
The guidebooks we read warned about pickpockets, crowds, and aggressive salesmen. We didn’t see any evidence of crime, and although the crowds were definitely there, it was never so tight as to be jostled (that was on the Metro, later). And while a few shopkeepers greeted us as we passed by, there was never anything you’d call aggressive.
The Spice Market was much smaller – two rows of shops in an “L” shape. Spices are a big deal, piled up in front of shops, but also halvah, dried fruits (some dried “pomelo lemon” was really interesting), and of course fresh Turkish delight candy.
We bought sausage, cheese, and olives there and had a nice dinner back at our rental apartment.
