One of the oldest and largest covered markets on the planet, a roofed labyrinth of more than sixty streets and thousands of shops that has traded continuously since the fifteenth century. Under its painted vaults you find carpets and kilims, gold and silver, ceramics and Iznik-style tiles, lanterns, leather, textiles and Turkish delight, loosely grouped by trade so the goldsmiths cluster in one lane and the carpet dealers in another. Bargaining is not just accepted but expected: start well below the asking price, stay good-humoured, and be ready to walk away, which often produces the real price. Even if you buy nothing, the architecture, the hans (old merchant courtyards) tucked off the main lanes, and the endless glasses of offered tea make it worth an hour or two. Go on a weekday morning when it is calmer, keep your bag zipped in the crush, and remember it closes on Sundays.
Plan your trip with Seen