Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Hagia Sophia
Istanbul, Turkey
A sixth-century domed masterpiece that has been a church and a mosque.
Market · Turkey · Istanbul
Grand Bazaar
A huge covered market of lanes selling carpets, ceramics, jewellery and lamps.
Free to enter about 2 h
For storytellers
Why Grand Bazaar matters
The Grand Bazaar is a labyrinth of covered streets that has been a trading hub for centuries. You will find carpets, ceramics, leather, jewellery and lanterns. Bargaining is part of the fun, and tea is offered everywhere. Get a little lost, then find your way out for a coffee.
Talking points
- It has been trading for centuries.
- Bargaining is expected.
- Closed on Sundays in general.
Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.
More in Istanbul
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Blue Mosque
Istanbul, Turkey
Sultanahmet Mosque, known for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles.
Palace · UNESCO
Topkapi Palace
Istanbul, Turkey
The home of Ottoman sultans for centuries, with courtyards, treasure and Bosphorus views.
Historic site · UNESCO
Basilica Cistern
Istanbul, Turkey
A vast underground Byzantine water reservoir with hundreds of columns.
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Suleymaniye Mosque
Istanbul, Turkey
A grand sixteenth-century mosque by the architect Sinan, on a hill above the Golden Horn.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.