Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

Address Yeniçeriler Cad. and Fuatpasa Cad., Istanbul Map,

Despite reports in many guidebooks that the Grand Bazaar would be confusing or overwhelming, we found it spotlessly clean and charming. Perhaps the fact that we were with children made the vendors more welcoming, or perhaps it's because we had no illusion that with three children in tow we would be able to explore every shop.

Plan to wander a bit, letting kids peek in to shop windows. When everyone runs out of steam, sit down in one of the many tea shops and have a little snack before tackling the rest of your day.

Gold shop in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar