Best Hotels for the Grand Bazaar

Don't go to Istanbul's Grand Bazaar if you're short of time. It's a place to be treasured and fully savoured; a place to get lost in. Countless crowds of people swarm the grand, historic covered market every day, immersing themselves in the labyrinth of stalls and sections, the sounds of many languages, the smells of spices and the sight of merchants haggling over their wares: Turkish rugs, porcelain, handicrafts and so much more. Until 150 years ago, it was the unrivalled epicentre of global trade, the great artery connecting the East and West, and while much has changed since then, it remains like something out of Arabian Nights. If you plan to stay as near as possible, we have discovered a couple of contrasting hotels (one oozing traditional elegance, the other for modern design fans) close to the Grand Bazar, both a short walk away.

For a contemporary city base

• Award-winning boutique property, Fer Hotel, is only a short walk from the Grand Bazaar, making it a great option if you want to really explore the world-famous market. Sleek, minimalist and bright throughout, this contemporary hotel makes for a cool and contemporary city base. The enormous buffet breakfast every morning will fill you up for a long day at the vibrant market, and the delicious Turkish cuisine and wide array of drinks in the Roofer Restaurant will provide a relaxing end to a hectic day.

For a taste of the Old East

• When you enter Ajwa Hotel, you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd actually entered the Sultan's palace. This luxury five-star seems to be the living manifestation of the Silk Road that created the nearby Grand Bazaar. The rooms are richly decorated in whirling geometric patterns, silk carpets, and handcrafted wood furnishings with mother-of-pearl details. You can also expect Ottoman-style sofas, carefully curated works from renowned Azerbaijani artists, and hand-painted tiled bathrooms. Utterly enchanting.

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