BootsnAll Travel Community

Hey guys,

I'm off to Turkey pretty soon and, as usual, haven't done much research yet and have no idea of any actual plans. Since I haven't really started researching, I don't know anything about the Grand Bazarre!

Can anyone tell me if it is the sort of place that would sell cheap knock-off t-shirts (like the ones found by the gazillions in Thailand) or if the wares are a bit classier and more traditional. I need to stock up on some shirts and might as well wait till I get there if that sort of thing is on offer.

Thanks!

The Grand Bazaar won't have the type of stuff that you see in Thailand.
Also, it is not at all an inexpensive place to buy things.

One does "better" at the area behind the Egyptian Spice Market.

One does better at the Egyptian Market, on Sundays when the streets leading to the Egyptian Bazaar becomes one vast market, one does better in Taksim, in certain wholesale areas. One can get incredibly cheap textiles by the docks at the night, when it becomes a market area. I got great hats in the tunnels under the Galata bridge, and all kinds of fun goods.

If, however, you want to wander for hours looking at any kind of tourist product you can imagine in a huge mall of small shops, then the Grand Bazaar is the place to go. it is a place to get all kinds of things, if you know where to look. I once spent four hours looking for silver wire in the Grand Bazaar, and actually found it. Don't ask me how. It had a lot to do with asking at least 20 people, and finally being herded to a section where jewelry was repaired, and from there, to a place that sold jewelry repair items, WAY back in the Bazaar area.

A friend of mine found a real belly dancers outfit in the Bazaar. It wasn't cheap, but it was genuine. Once again, it was a one hour search.

IN the bowels of Istanbul are people who do amazing things. Theres a section of tailor shops, where one can bring in any picture of the newest Armani suit, and they'll make one just for you, for a lot less than Armani.

In another section is a bunch of malls devoted only to bridal wear. HUNDREDS of shops, all selling bridal wear from top to bottom.

Want a 'used' Cellphone? Its in a market somewhere. Just be sure you have have manual for it, and are willing to accept it may have been stolen.

The Polish Market specialises in hardware of all kinds and sorts. Its outright fun.

I once found a whole street devoted to pig and ham products,believe it or not.

If you know where to look in Istanbul, you can find it.

Theres even a 'safer' house of prostitution near the city, but you won't be able to use it. It's for Turks and VIP's only.

If you are told there are prostitutes in the Russian district, DON'T go there. The 'customers' are as often robbed as serviced. Ask a Turkish friend to arrange something. Its a LOT safer.