Istanbul · Bazaars and Süleymaniye
Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)
A covered market of shops, inns and lanes, begun in 1460 and rebuilt after the 1894 earthquake. It is free to walk through.
- 2 h
- Free
- Booking: not needed
- Bazaars and Süleymaniye
Data checked on November 2, 2026
Mehmed the Conqueror began the bazaar in 1460, and it took its present form after rebuilding in the 1890s. It covers about 30,700 square metres of lanes, with many gates and old hans, which are courtyard inns. Gold, silver, carpets, textiles and antiques are the traditional goods.
What to look for
- The jewellery lanes
- Carpet and textile shops
- Hans with quiet courtyards off the main lanes
Opening hours
Hours not confirmed. Check the official site.
The tourism ministry portal gives 08:30 to 19:30 in summer and 08:30 to 19:00 in winter. It lists no closing days, so check before you go, especially on Sundays and public holidays.
Source: GoTürkiye (Ministry of Culture and Tourism), checked November 2, 2026
Tickets and booking
Free. There is no ticket.
Getting there
Take the T1 tram to Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı and walk to the Beyazıt Gate.
Tip
Go in the morning, before the lanes fill, and decide what you want to buy before you start. Prices are usually negotiated.