One of the most visited attraction points in Istanbul is The Grand Bazaar. After the capture of Istanbul by Mehmed the Conqueror, the restructured Empire had to uncover many new institutions. Because it was one of the most important cities of the period, and it would play a role of a source in the creation of a new identity.

 

Especially at the beginning of the business which should be done in the economic direction.It had to be defined in the broadest sense of "product" thinking. When considered from this point of view, the Grand Bazaar Istanbul is perhaps one of the most important and complex projects developed by the Ottoman Empire.

 

In the Ottoman period, besides being a treasure protected by the valuable assets of the closed bazaar palace, it also served as a financial center that led to the accumulation of capital through trade. Mehmed the Conqueror established Cevahir and Sandal bazaars for the purpose of bringing in money to Hagia Sophia, and  Grand Bazaar Istanbul developed thanks to these for 250 years.

 

 

Today those bazaars have lost their functions. But, for gold and foreign exchange rates, “Grand Bazaar” is still an important center. And shopping in the Grand Bazaar is still one of the best Istanbul tourist attractions.

 

The Grand Bazaar has a covered area of 45 thousand m2 and has 3600 shops and 14 taverns on 65 thousand m2 street. If you wonder "what to buy in istanbul”, you should check on this place.

 

 

How to Go to the Grand Bazaar Istanbul?

 

I recommend you to use public transportation in Istanbul. T1 Kabatas - Bagcilar tram will take you to the Grand Bazaar Istanbul easily. The tram stop in front of the grand bazaar is called Beyazit. There will be English anouncement in the Trams and metros. Don't forget to buy Istanbulkart for public transportation in Istanbul.

 

 

Where to stay around the Grand Bazaar Istanbul ?

 

If you want to stay close to Grand Bazaar, I recommend you the hotels around Beyazit area. You can also find good place to stay in Sultanahmet Blue Mosque area. It will be only 2 tram stops away from Grand Bazaar.

 

If you want to stay on a budget and spend more on shopping in the Grand Bazaar Istanbul , you might want to chose one of the airbnb apartments around Sultanahmet.

 

Some Airbnb apartments are offering really comfortable stay and provide fully equipped kitchens.

 

You can check our Airbnb Apartments in Istanbul page to find out where to stay in Istanbul.

 

You can also check our best hotels in Istanbul Guide or click here   to see the hotels in the Grand Bazaar Istanbul Area.

 

 

Grand Bazaar Hours

 

Grand Bazaar Istanbul or Kapalicarsi is one of the big bazaars in Istanbul. It's biggest covered historical bazaar in the world. Millions of  people come from around the world and visit the Grand Bazaar Istanbul.

 

If you miss the chance visiting the Grand Bazaar you will be very disappointed. Make sure you plan according to Grand Bazaar hours.

 

Grand Bazaar Istanbul opening times  : 08:30 am everyday (except Sunday)

Grand Bazaar closing times : 07:00 pm

Important*  The Grand Bazaar Istanbul will be closed on the first day Ramazan bayram ( Ramadan Eid), and during the whole 4 days of  Kurban Bayram ( Sacrifice Fest)

 

 

Grand Bazaar Map

 

Click to enlarge the grand bazaar map below. It will help you explore the narrowest streets of the grand bazaar and find the hidden gems. Feel free to get lost in one of the big bazaars of Istanbul. It's %100 safe. See Grand Bazaar Istanbul Map below!

 

 

If you are a big fan of shopping in historical and authentic Turkish Bazaars,  The Grand Bazaar Istanbul will be your favorite place. You don't need to worry about what to buy in Istanbul when you wander on the streets of the Grand Bazaar. Do not forget to bargain for almost anything there 🙂

 

*Some of the links above affiliate links. It means, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commision if you click through an make a purchase.

Read our Istanbul City Guide for more information about Istanbul and it's attractions.

 

Cappadocia or Kapadokya ( Turkish) is for sure one of the best geographical gifts that nature left to us and you will find detailed and useful information about almost everything you've been searching for. Make sure to print out your Cappadocia map before you plan your  Cappadocia holiday.

 

Cappadocia Map

 

Let's start with the Cappadocia map as you will need a lot. Cappadocia map is the one that every single travel agent will squeeze in your hand when you walk on the streets.

 

 

Begining of Cappadocia Travel

 

We begin to our guide to the land of white horses and fairy chimneys. If it's your first time in Cappadocia, read all the information below to make the best out of it.

 

 

About Cappadocia

 

The Cappadocia region is the most beautiful place that nature and history have been integrated in the world. Geographical events while creating the fairy chimneys, in the historical process, people carved houses and churches inside these fairy chimneys, adorned them with frescoes, and carried the traces of ancient civilizations from thousands of years old to now.

 

 

In the 3rd and 4th centuries Christians who escaped from the cruelty of Roman Empire, based in this region. They started to farm and used Pigeon feces as fertilizer to enrich fields in the area.

Those Christian people were the one who build the famous underground cities of Cappadocia by carving the soft rocks. And they left us a legacy these beautiful cave houses, underground cities, historical churches together with other geographical wonders around.

 

 

Where is Cappadocia ?

 

It's actually not a town, not a city. It's a region in the city of Nevsehir and all this natural wonder happened in 60 million years of time.

All the Lava and ashes from the mountains (Erciyes, Gulludag and Hasandagi) formed by the wind and the rain over million years and created the famous valleys and fairy chimneys.

 

It's located in the borders of the city of Nevsehir but also not far from the neighbor cities such as Kayseri, Nigde and Aksaray. You can actually reach Cappadocia by using the airport in Kayseri city. It's about 30-45 minutes ride from Kayseri airport to Cappadocia. You can find a free Cappadocia Map on the kiosks at the airports.

 

 

Cappadocia Guide

 

We can write hours and hours long about Cappadocia. It's not possible to explain the beauties of this region in one single post. But there is one thing that we are sure about that you should definitely join to a organized tour in Cappadocia to see the Red Valley and the Green Valley. If you are on a tight budget, print-out the Cappadocia Map and visit the attraction points by yourselves. You can find the list of places to see in Cappadocia below.

 

 

Main places to see in Cappadocia are;

-Uchisar
-Goreme
-Cavusin
-Avanos
-Urgup

Almost all the beauties to see in Cappadocia will be in one of those regions. Check your Cappadocia map and mark these attraction points.

 

 

How to Go to Cappadocia ?

 

Cappadocia by Plane

 

If you plan to visit Cappadocia while you are in Istanbul or in Izmir, you can check the flight tickets search engines such as Skyscanner or Booking.com etc. to find the cheapest flight tickets. We would recommend Turkish Airlines , AJet  (sister company of Turkish Airlines) or Pegasus Airlines. Because they have very early flights and you can reach Cappadocia before 9 am. So you can be there on time to join to Red Valley / Green Valley guided tours in the morning.

 

 

 

Cappadocia by Bus

If you prefer over night bus, it will take about 10-11 hours, until you reach Goreme Coach Station in Cappadocia. You can check Metro Turizm or Nevsehir Seyahat buses since they get you until the center of Goreme. You can reach your hotel by walking from the coach station.

Or you can simply compare the bus prices to Cappadocia on Flixbus or Busbud 

 

 

Rent A Car in Cappadocia

 

It might be really convenient these days to rent a car in Cappadocia because of the Covid-9 Coronavirus risks. It will give you more flexibility. You can just go and visit any site any time, and give a break and have lunch/dinner in any town you like.

Check the rent a car prices on Rentalcars to reserve your car. Rentalcars is a trustful booking.com associate company.

 

 

 

Nightlife in Cappadocia

 

If your question is "how is the night life in Cappadocia?", your answer will depend on what you search. If you wish to join to Traditional Turkish nights in Cappadocia, you can go to Evranos restaurant in Avanos. In restaurants like Evranos, you can see some samples of Turkish Folkloric dance, Whirling Dervishes ceremony and Belly dance etc.

 

The price for such restaurants is around 100 Turkish Liras (apprx.20 euros) per person. Set menu, side dishes and unlimited beverages including alcoholic ones are included to price. There is also Yasarbaba restaurant located in Uchisar, If we need to add one more restaurant to the list of where you can go for traditional Turkish Nights in Cappadocia. You can always search and find better ones on TripAdvisor.

 

There are a few options for nigh clubs in Cappadocia. Prokopi in Urgup is the most know one. There are a couple of pubs in Goreme which works until late hours as well.

 

 

Shopping in Cappadocia

 

What to buy in Cappadocia:  Most famous things to buy are Anatolian Carpets, Pots that you made yourself in pottery shops, famous and most delicious Cappadocia Wine, hand made souvenirs are the best choices.

You can also read “what to buy in Istanbul ?” post if you are having difficulty to chose which souvenirs to buy during your travel to Istanbul.

 

 

 

When to Go to Cappadocia ?

 

April-May and October-November months are the best times to visit When to go to Cappadocia? because of the nice weather. However accommodation might be not very cheap in these months. Prices are usually lower in hot summer months, and lowest in winter. Chose summer season if  heat doesn't bother you. But make sure you have bottled water with you all the time. It can get real hot in Central Anatolia.

 

 

 

Where to Stay in Cappadocia ?

 

Staying in one of the Cappadocia Cave Suites is really popular. Goreme, Urgup, Uchisar,  Avanos are the most popular hotels or cave hotels areas in Cappadocia for accommodation. Most of the hotels are family run hotels and independent hotels and they mostly have 10-20 rooms since constructing tall buildings are not allowed.

 

Which area should you chose in Cappadocia ?

 

• Goreme is a convenient place to stay because of it's location near to Goreme Open Air Museum, both of the Valleys ( Red Valley and Green Valley) and to Church of St. John the Baptist. There are also attractions to join such as Horse Riding, ATV safari, Kapadokya Balon Turu (Turkish of Hot Air Balloon) or Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon flight and Trekking.

 

• Urgup is bigger town and it's the most popular town for visitors since there are more options for the night outs and restaurants to enjoy, after a tiring day with full of trekking through the Valleys of Cappadocia.

 

• Uchisar is based on the hill before Goreme region and it should be definitely in your list if you want to stay in family like atmosphere and have unbeatable sunset view. Uchisar castle is located in this town.

 

• Avanos is a bit distanced comparing to other areas. But, since most of the local and workers live in Avanos, you will find more local restaurants, supermarkets and grocery stores than other towns, and they are incredibly cheap. Kızılırmak ( Red River ) is passing through Avanos town.

 

Booking.com

You can check our Best Hotels in Cappadocia page for more information about where to stay in Cappadocia for every budget, including the amazing cave hotels.

 

 

 

How is Cappadocia in Winter Time ?

 

 

Valleys and Chimney look wonderful when it snows. Accommodation rates are really low in winter especially in December, January and February. Less crowd in attraction points and there is almost no queues.

 

On the other hand the streets, roads will be dirty and muddy in some areas. It will be difficult to climb and wander between the Valleys and Fairy Chimneys. Some hotels might be closed during winter season. Hot air balloon flights will be cancelled more often due to hard weather conditions.

 

 

 

So if you ask how is Cappadocia in December, January ? or Shall I visit Cappadocia in winter time? our answer would be definitely YES since the Pros outweigh the Cons.

 

If you visit Cappadocia in winter, you should definitely warm yourself with the famous Cappadocia wines. Best places to buy a bottle of local wine are Kocabag or Turasan wineries. They are the most known producers in the area.  1 bottle of Turasan for 29 Turkish Liras. That's about 7 euros.

 

 

 

 

How Long Should You Stay in Cappadocia ?

 

Or how many days are enough to see everything in Cappadocia?

It's best to stay 2 nights-3 days accommodation in Cappadocia to see most things. But usually visitors will manage to see most of the places in 1 night - 2 days stay.

Here is a Cappaddocia itinerary example to follow:

 

1st Day:

• Early flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia (Usually 5 am) - If you plan to get there by bus, you need to take an overnight bus previous day around 8pm.
• Hotel arrival around 07:00 - 07:30 am
• Join to Red Valley tour which starts at 9am (Guided group tours have free hotel pick-up service)
• Enjoy the evening in one of the traditional Turkish restaurants.

 

2nd Day

• Fly with the Hot air Balloon in the next morning (Hotel pick-up is around 04:30 am)
• Join to Green Tour in the same day.(Ask for a free Cappadocia Map)
• Fly back to Istanbul ( Or overnight bus)

 

 

If you have limited time or decide to see the Cappadocia even for 1 day, here is your itinerary:

 

• Early flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia (Usually 5 am) - If you plan to get there by bus, you need to take an overnight bus previous day around 8pm.
• Join to Red Valley tour which starts at 9am (Guided group tours have free hotel pick-up service)
• Fly back to Istanbul ( Or overnight bus)
  !! You won't be able to catch the Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons in this itinerary.

 

 

How Much Does Cappadocia Trip Cost?

 

 

It depends on your expectations.

 

• Bus Ticket fees start from 120 Turkish Liras one way for Istanbul to Goreme or Urgup.
• Flight ticket prices are changing according to the season and occupancy. They cost between 275 Turkish Liras and 425 Liras one way from Istanbul to Nevsehir or to Kayseri airport.
• Hotel Prices in Cappadocia are usually between 200-400 Turkish Liras for a double room with breakfast.
• Hostel beds are around 40-80 Liras per day.
• Food prices are really low if you find local restaurants to eat in Avanos or in Urgup.  Goreme is a bit more pricier than other locations.

 

 

Daily cost of food is around 30-45 Liras per person if you are planing to have lunch and dinner.

Fine dining or Turkish Traditional restaurants with entertainment might cost higher than this.

 

 

 

Museum Entrance Fees and MuseumPass in Cappadocia

 

 

If you buy tickets to visit the museums and underground cities, it will cost you more than buying museum pass for Cappadocia.

Museum Pass Card for Cappadocia costs 190 Turkish Liras and valid for 3 days.

 

You can enter to theses sites and museums in Cappadocia with your card;

 

 

!! It covers almost all the major sight seeing points except Uchisar Castle. (You can ask for a free Cappadocia map at the entrance of the museum as well ).

 

 

ATV tours, horse riding tours or hot air balloon tours in Cappadocia will cost you additional to all those expenses that we mentioned above.

 

Important!  Printing out the Cappadocia map and marking the attraction points on it would definitely be useful. We hope that all this information will ease your trip during your visit to Cappadocia. You can also find the printable Cappadocia Map on the right side-bar of this page.

 

 

Princes Islands

Princes Islands are also known as Istanbul Islands. The islands, which have been called many names in the past, have been used as places of exile in ancient times. Recently, the zones used as summer resorts have now returned to settlements.

 

What are the Prince Islands ?

 

Prince Islands are composed of 9 islands. Only 5 islands have settlements. However, despite of being a settlement, the Kaşıkadası is a private property. Because of this, there is no population there. For the kind of people who ask questions like "what is ataturk airport wifi password?" everywhere, I am sorry to say that you may not find wifi everywhere.

 

 

What to do in Prince Islands ?

 

Visit Aya Yorgi Church: The church, which is one of the two pilgrim points for Orthodoxes, is 204 meters above sea level.
Breathe in Yücetepe Kır Casino: Visit to Yücetepe to watch the magnificent scenery and drink wine while climbing the church.

Visit Sait Faik Abasiyanik Museum: You can visit his house in Bourgas for free, which has been turned into a museum after the death of Sait Faik.

Visit the Greek Orthodox Clergy School: The debate about the reopening of the school, which was one of the first schools in this area and closed in 1971, is still ongoing.
If you are wondering "what to buy in istanbul", you can get a souvenir from the Princes Islands.

 

 

How to go to Princes Islands ?

 

You can check this website for daily schedule and tariff since there are winter and summer tariffs and it has different time table on week days and on weekends. Istanbul City Lines