Is the Grand Bazaar Istanbul Worth It? | Turkey Travel Vlog

#turkeytravel #grandbazaaristanbul #chubbyandaway #istanbulturkey
Turkish Calligraphy: www.hatyazi.com/
In this video, we take you along as we explore the largest and oldest shopping mall in the world. Istanbul's Grand Bazaar! 30,700 sq meters, 4000 shops, beautiful lanterns, amazing carpets, fun souvenirs, and expert hagglers. Let's do this!
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Music: Epidemic Sound
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[@clubcocotravels]

I remember being exhausted mentally after a day in the Grand Bazar!!! You’re absolutely right about the harassment and haggling and ripping you off. Being a foreign visitor we automatically get the “tourist” price. I did find a fabulous Genie in a bottle type brass lamp with Turkish subscription in it. Some things are worth the hassle and as long as we go in knowing that…… this place is what it is. It’s still exhausting though 😆 Turkey has the best food in the world though :) so good!

[@ChubbyAndAway]

Yes, I think we are getting better at standing our ground to get what we want. In a place this big, we sometimes think that all stalls have the same thing, so we move on, but dont find it later.

[@bristolishome8049]

You hit the nail on the head when you said you have to be ready and have energy for the grand bazaar. Def a must see, but buy stuff elsewhere. That said, can't wait to see the stuff you did buy throughout the rest of the trip.

[@ChubbyAndAway]

We thought about doing a video of our treasures, but not sure if people would think its pretentious.

[@Jstubbs68]

I love the Grand Bazaar to look around in, but I find the shops on the outside of the bazaar along the side streets are way more affordable!

[@AlexUAE]

Very goood videooooo, well done 😉😉😉🥳🥳🥳. I love to TRAVEL as weeeeell ✈✈✈ good channel, keep up the good work :)

[@dori9024]

I was on a cruise ship and it stop in Turkey for one day. Our tour guide took us to see how they make Turkish rugs. The rugs were pretty, but very expensive, the vendors pushing to make a sale. I had no interest in buying, although it was somewhat interesting I felt I missed seeing the beautiful country being stuck in a factory a great amount of time. When we finally left the factory I wanted to buy a gold necklace, but felt uncomfortable because I was surrounded by groups of people asking for money. Did not feel safe and instead of going to the jewelry store I just went back to the ship. Turkey looked like a beautiful country and I am sure the people are kind. I just happened to be in the wrong spot.

[@ChubbyAndAway]

We are so bummed that you didnt have a great experience. That is the one bummer of group travel. They always take you to the places that really push hard to sell. I hope you are able to go back to visit!

[@noyesv1]

That market looks so fun, I can understand how overwhelming it must be. I need to put this on my travel list, thank you for taking us there!

[@bekahhooper9852]

I am loving these videos!

[@kayacenk4164]

u guys should go princes islands in istanbul. best place in istanbul. Buyuk ada best island there. u guys will love it. As Turkish my favorite place. and its very cheap to go there and easy from kadıkoy or from eminönü or from kabataş

[@PayTheDevil661]

Love the oboe.

[@tess4274]

Amanda you look so aggravated but you took it like a champ! ♥️

[@naomiu3779]

Enjoying your videos, we hope to spend a month there next spring. Had never been on my radar as places to visit but hubby wants to go.

[@ChubbyAndAway]

Its definitely worth a visit!

[@globalgeezers7785]

One thing we learned about the bazaar is if you buy something, make sure you take it with you. We had a friend that purchased a rug. Paid good money for it and shipping also. It never was sent to her. Total rip off!! So make sure you take it with you or don't buy it.

[@ChubbyAndAway]

Oh wow! We actually heard the opposite, because we thought they would scam you and folks told us its safe. We are with you though. Error on the side of caution.

[@tinacaven5084]

Great video guy's. I love the lamps they where so beautiful.

[@ChubbyAndAway]

They are!

[@toobydude41]

Yikes, I don't think I could last a minute in that Bazaar. BUT doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the video, I sure as heck did! Love those lanterns! Hehe, @18:20 I thought that was a bakery and those bars looked like brownies! ;) Those pretzel-like things Amanda was munching on looked yummy :) Thanks guys!!

[@carric9962]

Were those tiles at the calligraphy store? That would be so cool to incorporate tiles from places you travel if you have a permanent home. I get dehydrated on vacation no matter how hard I try not to. Hope your head feels better!

[@ChubbyAndAway]

Yes, they were tiles actually! What a great idea!

[@phillipjacobson4457]

That sound track is used by vogus prospecting on you tube. I am sure the music is owned by some musician. Anyway he likes the same tune.

[@ChubbyAndAway]

Wow, you watch two totally different channels, lol. Its actually from a music site for KZbinrs called Epidemic Sound.

[@surinkjs710]

Good video. Thank you 🙏

[@janellejaksitz7946]

Great video. I am looking forward to the grand bazaar but after seeing this I won’t be buying anything. I’m not good with walking away. So I’m digging deep for that ice queen with a smile. Oh and I love that your hand sanitizer is young living. Lol. I’m taking Mine to. Lol

[@ChubbyAndAway]

Its tough, but you can do it! And yes, YL is the best stuff!

[@nadineroobs1390]

I’ve been there in july and it was beautiful but also so exhausting haha! I also filmed a video of my weekend in turkey and will post soon 😅 loved this one 💕

[@ChubbyAndAway]

Awesome! We will have to check it out!

[@clubcocotravels]

If you’re looking for authentic locally made organic Turkish Cotten either towels, robes, pashmina, silks etc check out Jennifer’s Hamam. They have a site and address. I met the owner, toured her small store and large show room. She’s helped save a local art form. Absolutely beautiful designs and you know it’s authentic and not “made in ….” Fill in the blank country.

[@janellejaksitz7946]

Jennifer is originally from Canada very close to where I live. We go to Turkey in a few months and can’t wait to support her business. She’s trying to get a school going to teach this dying art. I’ve emailed with her several times and am really looking forward to seeing her products. Love what she’s doing

[@clubcocotravels]

@@janellejaksitz7946 yes absolutely! She’s great and we met her as well :) From Edmonton right?? I’m in AB too :) I just love there we KNOW her products are authentic and supports a good cause. Cheers!

[@janellejaksitz7946]

@@clubcocotravels that is so awesome. I am really excited to go there and check it all out and support her. Love it!!!

[@ChubbyAndAway]

Oh bummer! We are already back in the states. This sounds like an AMAZING place!

[@cindyreddeer]

My feet hurt just watching you walk around that place, it seems huge. Food still looked amazing. My Mom would have loved that straw for drinking her drinks in the car, she hates having to get her cup out of the holder. haha

[@ChubbyAndAway]

Yes! So. Much. Walking!

[@luvablesweetnsassy]

Great video guys! Yeah just watching the grand bazaar through Your eyes is stressful 😝 Are the tomatoes there as delicious as they look?! 🤤

[@ChubbyAndAway]

It was so stressful. And yes! The tomatoes are amazing. Jimmy doesn't normally eat them, but did in Turkey.

[@iheggis86]

I always wear mirrored glasses in pushy market places

[@wendiliddy5764]

Hi guys, been to there a few times, some of the stall owners are really friendly but I agree some are pushy , are you visiting the south of turkey? X

[@Chefsantatravels]

👏👏👏👏👏👏 thanks again now I want stuffed grape leaves for dinner so I guess I'll do my Uber Mediterranean restaurant LOL stay safe stay strong stay healthy God bless and enjoy life fantastic videos I feel like I'm there with you.🌻🌻✌💖💪👨‍🍳🎅🚌👍

[@ChubbyAndAway]

Haha, that what our family did when they watched the video!

[@erinaustin9968]

Very excited for Istanbul! I was surprised that the Grand Bazaar wasn’t pocketed. Was that due to low tourism and the pandemic? How is Turkey coping with the pandemic?

[@ChubbyAndAway]

It actually seemed pretty busy to us. Couldn't imagine it with more people. I think the tourism industry seems to be doing pretty well actually.

[@bbbear88]

Do you find it better to pull cash upon arrival or stick with using plastic? Just curious what is most commonly used in Turkey. Thanks for sharing your adventures!

[@ChubbyAndAway]

We always pull cash from an atm on arrival!

[@beverlyweber4122]

This reminds me of Warrarot in Chiang Mai. Overwhelming. Tons of pockets and alleys. It would tire me out, as this wore me out previously. And I agree about shopping more locally.

[@ChubbyAndAway]

Yes, It did feel a little similar to Thai markets!

[@Posey12345]

Sorry I would not go to the bazaar it looks too crowded and expensive wow

[@nuratiqahdewa7127]

Hey i hope one day you will review your experience in Bodrum,turkey. because i want to go to !. Btw, im from Malaysia. Hope both of you one day visit malaysia too !

[@ChubbyAndAway]

We have actually already been to Malaysia and loved it. We lived in KL for a month! We would love to go to Bodrum Turkey!!

[@gothicxromantic]

I’m so bad at being assertive. I want to go to a market like that one day, but I’m worried I would just buy whatever they pushed at me lol. Have you guys always been good at haggling?

[@ChubbyAndAway]

I (Jimmy) love it. It took Amanda some practice, but she is in to it now, too. Remember, they act offended, but really its all part of the game. They are really ok in the end.

[@lisoncyr]

♥️

[@hashemfiraek7868]

Amanda she wants buy every thing

[@teresap9197]

In Egypt, where they’re brutally pushy, what I did if not interested was put the dark glasses on, say nothing, and KEEP WALKING!

[@phxminnie]

I've only been to the Grand Bazaar a couple of times on my past trips. I agree, they are the kings for hassling you! LOL Just got to remember, no eye contact! LOL The first time I went there, I got lost because that place is so huge. Only nine more days until I leave for Istanbul. That is if I ever get my ticket straightened up with Turkish Airlines. They changed my flight time yet again, but this time it was for my return trip home! I love Turkish Airlines but for whatever reason, it has been one problem after another since I booked my ticket. Anyway. Question. Do you remember on what street "your" simit vendor in Kadiköy had his cart set up? I definitely want to buy my simits from him. No details why, but I have a soft spot in my heart for the Kurds!

[@ChubbyAndAway]

Yes, no eye contact is key. Sometimes, we just wish that we could look at their stuff without being hassled, ya know? The simit vendor is the one directly behind the trolley stop by Starbucks going to the ferries. We flew Turkish airlines domestically and was less than stellar. Im sure you will have a better experience flying internationally. Have fun!