Have you ever wondered what it feels like to step into a genuine authentic bazaar in Turkey? If the answer is yes, then Marmaris Grand Bazaar is the place for you.
With its rich history and endless options for a spot of quality shopping, Marmaris’ Grand Bazaar is truly a magical find for holidayers.
Read on to find out about the prices, brands, and tips to help you go back from your holiday with an extra suitcase!
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Where Is the Grand Bazaar? How To Get There?
Conveniently located in the central Tepe district of Marmaris, The Grand Bazaar is a breeze to get to from most nearby places. Whether you're staying in Marmaris or nearby Icmeler, there are quite a few transportation options to get you there and back with no trouble.
Getting to the Grand Bazaar From Marmaris
If you're starting off from the Uzunyali region, you can take a 10-minute walk towards the city centre. This’ll give you a good chance to enjoy the views along the way, and maybe discover a couple new shops or establishments to check out later.
Alternatively, you could hop onto a 'dolmus,' the local minibuses that can be found traversing the main street at all times. These are low cost and can get you there in no time. The Grand Bazaar is one of the last stops for minibuses making their way back to Marmaris’ centre.
Getting There From Icmeler
For those in Icmeler, a dolmus ride is the most convenient option, as it can take quite a while to get to the Grand Bazaar from here by walking. The minibuses set off every half an hour from Icmeler’s centre.
Alternatively, if you’re up for it, the walk to Marmaris’ Grand Bazaar has some fantastic views along the coastline that anyone coming here should see at least once.
It usually takes about 45 minutes and provides some perfect opportunities for taking a few photos along the way.
Marmaris Grand Bazaar Opening Hours
Most shops at the Grand Bazaar are open from 9 am to 7 pm, every day of the week. This gives you all the time you need to check out the shops here.
Keep in mind, however, that the opening and closing times change a lot depending on the season. For instance, during the summer season, most shop owners tend to keep open until the night to not miss all the visitors.
During the off-season, however, this works the other way around. Between the months of September and March, most shops are either completely closed or only stay open from around 10 am to 4 pm.
This usually means cheaper prices as all the businesses are competing to sell to a much smaller group of holidayers. But, it also means that you might not experience the full authentic shopping experience you might have seen during the summer season at the Grand Bazaar.
Want to explore the other nearby holiday towns? Why not check out out guide to Shopping in Akyaka!
The History of the Marmaris Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar has a rich history that traces its roots all the way back to the Ottoman Empire.
It was initially set up as a hub for wandering traders and merchants, and over time, it evolved into a vibrant marketplace that now encapsulates the spirit of Marmaris.
Especially after the tourism boom of the 90s, the Grand Bazaar very quickly transformed from a spice and textile haven to a shopping hub dedicated more towards clothing and traditional decoration items more sought after by Marmaris’ new visitors.
What Can I Find at the Grand Bazaar?
The Grand Bazaar is a trove of all kinds of clothing and decorative items. From intricately designed carpets and jewelry to handicrafts that reflect the essence of Turkish culture, there's something here for everyone.
And let's not forget the famous spices and desserts that are a gastronomic staple in Turkish culture.
But it is the opportunities for clothes shopping that pique the interest of most people coming here. For clothes shopping, the Marmaris’ Grand Bazaar is exactly how you’d imagine it to be.
From day to day brands that you find anywhere, to top luxury brands that are always out of stock online, chances are, you’ll find what you’re looking for here, for a fraction of the normal price as well.
What to Buy at the Grand Bazaar
When it comes to shopping at the Grand Bazaar, the world is your oyster.
You can find beautiful ceramics, ornate Ottoman lamps, and traditional Turkish tea sets. If you're a fashionista, you can score some big brand clothing and accessories at a bargain. And for those with a sweet tooth, Turkish delight and other local sweets are a must-try.
Craving a kebab? Head over to our Top 10 Best Restaurants in Marmaris!
Which Is Better? The Grand Bazaar or Main Street
In terms of pricing, the Grand Bazaar often has a leg up over Main Street. While prices can vary, the haggling culture of the bazaar often means you can negotiate a better deal.
If price is a big concern, you might also want to check out Icmeler’s main street. The prices at Icmeler tend to be lower than anywhere in Marmaris because of the lower prices for rent here.
Don’t forget to haggle either way though! It’s not the most fun thing to do, but you never know, with a bit of haggling, you might just score an item at half the original price.
Wrapping Up: Marmaris Grand Bazaar - Is It Worth Going?
The Marmaris Grand Bazaar is more than just any old shopping hub. It's a vibrant centre of culture, tradition, and shopping that makes for an unforgettable cultural experience.
If you’re planning to do some shopping during your holiday here, chances are, you likely won’t find anywhere better than the Grand Bazaar.