Shopping in Istanbul

Morning shopping session in the historic bazaars

Among Istanbul’s most authentic shopping experiences are visits to the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. On your first day in Istanbul, journey through the sounds, aromas and colours of the Orient that have fascinated generations of merchants. As you explore the Grand Bazaar’s lanes, you will appreciate its strong craft tradition and find quality products including jewellery, carpets woven by artisans from Anatolia, leather goods, handmade lamps and silk clothing. Do not forget that you can also enjoy Turkish tea from tulip-shaped glasses while negotiating the best price with sellers. Explore decades-old traditional restaurants known as “esnaf lokantası” along the bazaar lanes and enjoy local dishes. The Spice Bazaar, meanwhile, offers a visual feast and unique aromas, with colourful products displayed across its stalls.

Pro Travel tip: The Grand Bazaar offers many timeless pieces made by skilled craftspeople. It has a centuries-old goldworking tradition, so we suggest purchasing personalised jewellery.

Reserve the afternoon for vintage shopping

Istanbul is also a paradise for antiques and second-hand goods. If you are a collector who appreciates sustainable shopping, head to Çukurcuma, between Galatasaray and Cihangir, where shops are filled with hidden treasures ranging from authentic carpets to 20th-century furniture. Balat is another area with leading antique dealers and second-hand shops. This multicultural district on the Golden Horn has been known for selling antiques since the Ottoman period. Feriköy, in Şişli, is ideal for collectors. Enter Feriköy Antiques Market and you will be surrounded by more than 200 sellers offering fascinating items such as coin collections, old jewellery and vintage clothing.

Pro Travel tip: Every neighbourhood has a unique market at its centre. Do not miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of these local markets, surrounded by antique shops and flea markets.

Spend the morning in Istanbul’s shopping malls

For a more modern shopping experience, head to the city’s elegant malls. Istanbul’s malls have air conditioning, parking and facilities for people with disabilities, and are open from 10:00 to 22:00, offering visitors a comfortable shopping experience at any time. Although they offer countless products, including luxury brands, they also provide dining options, cafés and cinemas, making them perfect for a full day with family or friends. Entertainment options including play areas and theme parks add to children’s enjoyment and offer families a more pleasant, stress-free shopping experience.

Pro Travel tip: Weekends can be busy, so consider visiting the malls during the week for the most relaxed experience.

Move on to Istanbul’s shopping streets in the afternoon

Istanbul is also a capital of lively shopping streets, offering varied experiences and shops ranging from small boutiques to luxury-brand stores. Nişantaşı, the centre for local designers, has its main thoroughfare, Abdi İpekçi Street, lined with international luxury brands, boutiques, fine-dining restaurants, cafés and art galleries. On Istanbul’s Anatolian side, Bağdat Street is one of the finest shopping boulevards, particularly renowned for luxury local and international brands and exclusive-design shops. İstiklal Street, stretching from Taksim Square to the Tünel in Beyoğlu, is another shopping destination with numerous stores selling unique items ranging from clothing to jewellery. Here you will find a relaxed atmosphere and a calmer shopping experience while exploring the famous neoclassical arcades filled with shops and bookshops.

Pro Travel tip: Abdi İpekçi, Bağdat and İstiklal are all filled with exceptional restaurants and new-generation cafés. Remember to enjoy a pleasant lunch break in these places while shopping.