 | twinmom101 (33)
04/06/2003 | Never buy anything here. The prices go down considerably the farther you get away. If you do buy something, HAGGLE! The Turks always bargain hard when buying something, no price is ever set in stone. In fact, I wouldn't reccomend buying anything on the Golden Horn because it's all so touristy. If you are staying with a native, they can show you where to go to get some great souveniers at better prices.
Do go to the Grand Bazaar for the sight, I promise you'll never see anything else like it again.
(4 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | mobilebuzz (14)
09/06/2002 | Talk about visual stimulation. This is definitely a place to visit when in Istanbul. You will probably wind up with a headache just from all the different colors and shapes of artifacts you will see being sold here - or should I say, pushed on you to buy. Be prepared to be a bit harrassed by super aggressive and ingenious vendors; but do not take offense. They are extremely charming people and do it in almost like a spirit of self enjoyment, so enjoy the experience yourself.
(1 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | magellan (178)
09/04/2002 |  The Grand Bazaar is not to be missed, if for no other reason than to witness the talent, persistence, and craftiness of some of the most effective salesmen you will ever meet. From the second you step into the Bazaar, you will be pleasantly and articulately harassed by people selling everything from rugs to daggers to perfume to hookahs to virtually everything else under the sun. The skill with which these guys go after you is absolutely worth the price of admission. They listen to every word that you say, and adjust their pitch accordingly. They watch your eyes. They sense your body language. They relationship sell; complimenting you on your clothes, inviting you for a cup of tea, suggesting that you step into an air-conditioned back room for a chat. And if they are able to convince you to buy something - they will immediately try and upsell you something else. Despite their astonishing pushiness, it is all done with such good humor, that it is really hard to get pissed or feel threatened. Definitely worth a look - and yes there are tremendous deals to be found. One tip: if there is something that you really want to buy, be prepared to physically start walking away if you want to get the most competitive price.
(2 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
