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Grand Bazaar
Historic Mall A big maze, it's the ideal place for shopping in Istanbul. The shopping lovers have everything there, their companion may enjoy the site. Much more organized than the Islamic souks, the place keeps the oriental touch, and bargaining is the general sport. Don't miss it, but have a look at street markets too Website: Grand bazaar |
Arts and Crafts
Some typical yards inside walls are used to display art and crafts, using the beauty of the scenery to promote the works. These cozy places bet in quality and design, far from the "chinawork" that fills the touristy stalls everywhere. The prices are, as expected, higher than in the banal markets. Maybe the most beautiful yard that we visited was entered by accident, when searching for the closed Roxelane baths. |
Taksim
Tricky square
Taksim is the centre of modern and nightly life in Istanbul, and, to be honest, an ugly square. Furthermore, it is bigger than it seems, very irregular, with a garden squeezed in the middle, and it may become tricky at night. It happened to me, coming back to the hotel by the "wrong" side, finding a close way, with two alternatives: crossing the empty dark garden, or turn all the way back. This was my decision, and then I noticed how tired I was... |