Cruises R Fun! - Reviews of Cruise Lines, Cruise Ships, Destinations, Ports And More!
Our Istanbul pictures remind us that Istanbul is full of great places to see and things to do. The Grand bazaar, the blue mosque, Everyone should have a chance to shop at the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. We especially liked the Taksim. You really get the flavor visiting the shops along the side streets and alleys along the Taksim.
In Istanbul There are museums, ancient churches, palaces great mosques, bazaars
and the Bosporus. However long you stay, just a few days or longer,
your time will be wonderfully filled in this unforgettable city rich in
culture and history.
The Blue Mosque, a must see, is such a popular tourist sight that entry is strictly
controlled to preserve its sacred atmosphere. Only worshippers can enter
through the main door; tourists must use the north door and are not
admitted at prayer time.
Another "must see" is the Grand Bazaar. It has been a
shopper's Mecca since just after the mid-15th century, when the smallish
warehouse was turned into a teeming bazaar by a constant stream of
traders, selling everything from carpets to cumin. Thousands of tiny shops
selling everything from Turkish daggers to Turkish delight... a candy made
with pistachio nuts.
Tourist shops selling glittery trinkets line the main streets, but delve
into the back streets and you'll still find women buying a few yards
of cloth, , a gold-plated 'eye' to ward off evil or an antique carpet. It
is still possible to buy precious gems, old coins and intricately crafted
jewelry on Jewelers St.
The Grand Bazaar is also renowned for offering basement-bargain deals on fur and leather goods, and a wide range of handcrafted goodies.
We purchased clothing and luggage at the Grand Bazaar along with souvenirs
for our family and friends, and had a great time doing it. Kathy as
it turns out is great at bartering.