Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, is the world's largest covered market by historical scale, with 4,000 shops spread across 61 streets. This 15th-century marvel attracts over 90 million visitors annually, offering everything from hand-woven carpets to intricate jewelry. Its 1-million-square-foot area dwarfs #2 Spice Bazaar, which is a fraction of this size. The bazaar's unique architecture and dynamic trade atmosphere give it an unmatched variety, outpacing #3 Kemeralti Bazaar's 3,000 shops. Expect to spend at least 4 hours exploring its labyrinthine alleys.