Where to stay near Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s oldest and biggest covered markets, and an unmissable Istanbul landmark.

To stay within easy walking distance while also having all the comforts of home, we’ve rounded up the best nearby self-catered accommodations. So you can stay in the midst of the Old City, without feeling like a tourist.

Catirga Konak Apartments

On a steep street of tall, terraced mansions painted dusty pink, pistachio green and pillarbox red, these apartments are located just seven minutes’ walk from the Grand Bazaar. Spend the day wandering this labyrinthine souk (containing two mosques and two Turkish baths, as well as thousands of stalls selling spices, gold and miscellaneous trinkets) then return home to your high-ceilinged, Ottoman-inspired apartment to freshen up before dinner. No traffic passes up or down this brick-paved street, so you can have a quiet sundowner on your tiled, flower-filled balcony while gazing at the Sea of Marmara.

Mini House

Just 650 metres from the Grand Bazaar, Mini House offers almost equally grand, sizable studios. Decked out with gold headboards, brocade upholstery, orchids and fruit platters, you’ll have every comfort catered for. And the kitchenettes mean you can prep a picnic to take to Sultanahmet Square; on balmy evenings, the Sultanahmet Park’s manicured lawns bordered by flower beds and picket fences are filled with people sharing feasts of Börek and Turkish delight.

Cube Suites

With exposed brick and steampunk lighting, Cube Suites provides self-catering accommodation with the feel of a contemporary, industrial-chic hotel. The building has a sunny roof terrace with sea views, ideal for spending afternoons sipping on Turkish coffee and apple tea served by the helpful and friendly owner, Yusuf. There’s also a downstairs hammam with a steam room, sauna and massage treatments. And this is all just seven minutes’ walk from the Grand Bazaar, in an area brimming with unfussy and high-calibre Turkish restaurants.

Alhambra Apart Hotel

A white, 19th-century wooden Ottoman-style mansion, Alhambra Residence is located just eight minutes’ walk from the Grand Bazaar. Even with this prime location in the Old City, the residence is highly-reviewed for being quiet and calm (in no small part thanks to the knowledgeable and welcoming owner, Emre). Try affordable local restaurant, Ortaklar, for Turkish grilled lamb, hummus and doughy pide (Turkish bread). Then stock up on nutty baklava dripping with honey from the bakery on the way back to your maximalist suite of parquet floors and chandeliers.

Emirhan Inn Apart Hotel

The suites at Emirhan Inn Apart Hotel are furnished with antiques and typical Turkish carpets and fabrics, and have balconies with views of minarets, mosques and hazy, lilac sea; the Old City lies on a peninsula surrounded by the Sea of Marmara, the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. And this dark, wood-panelled house – right in the middle of that historic area – is also within easy walking distance of the Grand Bazaar. Not to mention the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and the city’s myriad ancient landmarks.

La Luna Suites Istanbul

11 minutes’ walk from the Grand Bazaar, La Luna Suites is central and yet not in an overly touristy area, so you can get a proper feel for Istanbul life during your stay. The friendly host, Yavuz, will also go out of his way to recommend local restaurants and experiences. While all the suites are bright, airy and modern, book the one on the top floor to enjoy the terrace overlooking the Sultanahmet neighbourhood and the Sea of Marmara.