There are few experiences as incredible as getting lost in the winding streets and hidden corners of a bazaar. And if we speak about oriental markets, we have to mention Istanbul's Grand Bazaar.

One of the world's largest and oldest covered markets and the largest bazaar in the city, the Grand Bazaar is a world to its own. It is far more than just a market, with mosques, restaurants, banks, post and currency exchange offices.

Founded by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror shortly after the Conquest of Constantinople (1453), the Grand Bazaar is located within the walled city of Istanbul in the Fatih district and it is not far from major sights in the historical neighbourhood Sultanahmet.

With its more than 3,000 shops and 61 covered streets, the Grand Bazaar was the main economic centre during the Ottoman Empire and it continues to be a place of capital importance for commerce in the city.

You can find anything you're looking for here. From carpets and water pipes to jewellery and souvenirs, you name it and they have it. Vendors love haggling, so no matter which language you speak, you'll surely have a lot of fun as you seek to get a better price for whatever it is you want to buy.

Mahmutpaşa Gate. One of the more than 20 entrances to the Bazaar.

When I approached the Mahmutpaşa gate of the Grand Bazaar, the first and most impressive sight was the amount of people that were coming and going at around 5:00 pm, even though it was almost closing hour (opening hours are from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm). My main interest was  to see the medieval structure and take pictures from Istanbul's interesting skyline from the rooftops of the Bazaar.

Bazaar scene.

Bazaar scene.

But once inside, I started haggling with one vendor that agreed to accept the price I was offering him for a purse because I was his last client of the day. I felt incredibly chuffed!! I also had a nice conversation with a  lamp vendor called Tarek, who taught me how to pronounce Istanbul (Tip: the accented syllable is tan).

A wee bit more difficult was to find a rooftop spot for a picture of the covered market. I heard from my friend Altug that rooftop accesses have been restricted for a number of reasons. So I went down an alley and up the spiral staircase of what seemed to be an abandoned house decorated with flags of the Fenerbahçe soccer team and finally found a nice place with a view of Nuruosmaniye mosque.

And with that incredible view in my head, I went back to the hostel totally energised.

Bazaar scene.

Three cups of çay.

Inside the Grand Bazaar.

Inside the Grand Bazaar.

Constellation of lamps.

Standing somewhere inside the Grand Bazaar. No idea where exactly, but I had a nice view of Nuruosmaniye mosque.

Cute spot in a rooftop of the Grand Bazaar.

Someone's favourite jeans on display at the Bazaar (?) Haha!

Streets of Istanbul.

Nuruosmaniye mosque minaret.

Loved the carpets.

In Istanbul it is like "Just put a bird on it". Last shot of the Bazaar adventure was of Nuruosmaniye mosque.

Astrid.