Guide to the Best Shopping in Istanbul: Our Top Tips for You

Istanbul is a shopper’s paradise, where centuries-old bazaars, luxury boutiques, and modern malls come together to create an unforgettable shopping experience. Whether you’re hunting for authentic Turkish carpets, handmade ceramics, high-end fashion, or delicious sweets, the city offers something for every budget and taste.

From the historic Grand Bazaar to the stylish streets of Niasntasi, Istanbul blends tradition and modernity, making it one of the best destinations in the world for shopping.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to shop in Istanbul, what to buy, where to find the best bargains, and essential tips for making the most of your shopping trip.

Main Shopping Streets in Istanbul

If you love strolling through lively avenues filled with designer boutiques, trendy shops, and traditional stores, then these main shopping streets in Istanbul are a must-visit.

Istiklal Street – The Heart of Shopping & Entertainment

✔ Istiklal Street is ne of the busiest streets in Istanbul, stretching 1.4 kilometers from Taksim Square to Galata Tower.
✔ Home to a mix of global brands, Turkish designers, bookstores, and historic shops.
✔ Features traditional Turkish delight shops, antique stores, and modern shopping malls like Istiklal AVM.
✔ The nostalgic red tram runs through the avenue, adding to the charm.

💡 Tip: Visit in the evening when street performers bring the area to life, making it a great mix of shopping and entertainment.

Bagdat Avenue

✔ Located on Istanbul’s Asian side, this 9-kilometer-long street is lined with luxury boutiques, high-end fashion brands, and trendy cafés.
✔ Features both international brands (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Zara) and local Turkish designers.
✔ A more relaxed and elegant shopping atmosphere compared to the crowded Istiklal Avenue.
✔ Excellent for window shopping, dining, and enjoying a walk under tree-lined streets.

💡 Tip: Start at Caddebostan and walk towards Bostancı for the best mix of shopping and leisure.

Abdi İpekçi Street – Istanbul’s Luxury Shopping Destination

✔ Known as Istanbul’s most luxurious shopping street, located in the Nişantaşı neighborhood.
✔ Features top international designer stores, including Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Hermès.
✔ Also home to some of Turkey’s best high-end fashion designers like Vakko and Beymen.
✔ The area is filled with elegant cafés and restaurants, making it perfect for a stylish shopping day out.

💡 Tip: Pair your shopping experience with a coffee break at Bebek Kahve or a fine dining spot like Brasserie Noir.

Nuruosmaniye Street – A Blend of Tradition & Elegance

✔ Located near the Grand Bazaar, this street is known for high-quality Turkish craftsmanship.
✔ Home to luxury carpet shops, jewelry stores, and traditional Ottoman-style boutiques.
✔ If you’re looking for handmade textiles, fine leather goods, or gold jewelry, this is the place to be.
✔ Less crowded than the Grand Bazaar but still rich in authentic Turkish shopping experiences.

💡 Tip: Visit Cağaloğlu Hamamı nearby for a relaxing Turkish bath after a day of shopping.

Serdar-ı Ekrem Street – Hidden Gem in Galata

✔ A charming, bohemian-style shopping street near the Galata Tower.
✔ Features boutique fashion stores, local designer shops, and vintage stores.
✔ A great place to find handmade accessories, independent fashion labels, and artistic souvenirs.
✔ The historic architecture and cobblestone paths add to the street’s unique atmosphere.

💡 Tip: Stop by Atelier 55 or Lunapark Shop for some of the best Turkish designer finds.

Historical Bazaars in Istanbul

These bustling marketplaces have been at the heart of Istanbul’s commerce for centuries, offering handmade goods, spices, textiles, and antiques.

If you want to experience authentic Turkish shopping, these historical bazaars in Istanbul are a must-visit.

🕌 Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) – The Oldest & Largest Market

✔ One of the oldest covered markets in the world, established in 1461 by Mehmet the Conqueror.
✔ Home to over 4,000 shops, selling handmade carpets, gold jewelry, Turkish ceramics, leather goods, and antiques.
✔ A labyrinth of colorful alleys, historic architecture, and centuries-old trading traditions.
✔ Visitors can witness local artisans at work, creating handcrafted textiles and traditional metalwork.

💡 Tip: Bargaining is expected! Never accept the first price—negotiating is part of the experience.

📍 Location: Fatih, Istanbul
⏰ Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 06:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)

🌶️ Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) – A Sensory Overload

✔ Built in 1664 as part of the New Mosque complex, the Spice Bazaar is Istanbul’s top destination for aromatic spices, Turkish delight, and dried fruits.
✔ Offers a vibrant mix of flavors, including saffron, sumac, pomegranate molasses, and herbal teas.
✔ Known for its rich scents, colorful displays, and authentic Turkish food products.
✔ The bazaar still serves as a major trading hub for local chefs and home cooks.

💡 Tip: Sample Turkish delights and teas before buying—many vendors offer free tastings.

📍 Location: Eminönü, Istanbul
⏰ Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 09:00 AM – 07:00 PM | Sunday, 10:00 AM – 06:00 PM

🛍️ Arasta Bazaar – A Hidden Gem Behind the Blue Mosque

✔ A smaller, less crowded bazaar located behind the Blue Mosque, perfect for a relaxed shopping experience.
✔ Famous for handmade Turkish rugs, ceramics, textiles, and traditional souvenirs.
✔ Offers a more intimate shopping atmosphere with fewer crowds than the Grand Bazaar.
✔ Home to the Mosaic Museum, where visitors can see Byzantine-era mosaics.

💡 Tip: This is one of the best places to buy quality Turkish carpets without the overwhelming crowds of the Grand Bazaar.

📍 Location: Sultanahmet, Istanbul
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily, 09:00 AM – 07:00 PM

🛒 Sahaflar Çarşısı – Istanbul’s Historic Book Market

✔ One of the oldest book markets in the world, dating back to the 15th century.
✔ Located next to the Grand Bazaar, this bazaar is a haven for book lovers, offering rare manuscripts, historical texts, and Ottoman-era literature.
✔ A great place to find Turkish calligraphy, antique maps, and second-hand books.
✔ Still an active meeting place for Istanbul’s intellectual and literary community.

💡 Tip: Even if you’re not a book collector, take a stroll through this historic market to soak in its scholarly atmosphere.

📍 Location: Beyazıt, Istanbul
⏰ Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 09:00 AM – 07:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)

🏺 Feriköy Antique Bazaar – The Best Flea Market in Istanbul

✔ A Sunday-only antique bazaar where collectors gather to buy old coins, vintage decor, Ottoman artifacts, and retro furniture.
✔ Features hidden gems like rare postcards, silverware, and gramophones.
✔ Offers a mix of traditional Turkish antiques and European vintage pieces.
✔ A great place to find unique gifts or one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

💡 Tip: Arrive early to find the best treasures before other collectors grab them.

📍 Location: Feriköy, Şişli
⏰ Opening Hours: Sundays only, 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM

Top Shopping Malls in Istanbul

Istanbul is home to some of the best shopping malls in Turkey, offering a mix of luxury brands, local designers, entertainment, and fine dining.

🛍️ Zorlu Center – Luxury & Designer Brands

✔ One of Istanbul’s most luxurious malls, located in the Beşiktaş district.
✔ Home to high-end international brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Burberry, and Fendi.
✔ Features Apple’s first store in Turkey, along with Beymen, Vakko, and local Turkish designers.
✔ The mall also has Zorlu PSM, one of Istanbul’s top performing arts centers, with concerts, theater shows, and cultural events.

💡 Tip: After shopping, enjoy a fine-dining experience at Eataly or relax at a rooftop café with a view of the city.

📍 Location: Beşiktaş
⏰ Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

🛍️ Istinye Park – A Fashion Lover’s Dream

✔ Located in Sarıyer, this mall features a mix of luxury brands, mid-range stores, and a traditional Turkish bazaar section.
✔ Houses top designers like Gucci, Chanel, Hermes, and Dior, along with brands like Zara, Mango, and Nike.
✔ Offers an open-air shopping area, giving it a more relaxed, elegant atmosphere.
✔ Home to some of Istanbul’s best restaurants and cafes, including Nusr-Et Steakhouse.

💡 Tip: If you love high-end shopping with a boutique feel, Istinye Park is the best choice.

📍 Location: Sarıyer
⏰ Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

🛍️ Kanyon Mall – Open-Air & Modern Shopping

✔ A unique, open-air mall in Levent, designed with modern architecture and green spaces.
✔ Features international and Turkish brands, including Harvey Nichols, Calvin Klein, Massimo Dutti, and Vakko.
✔ Home to one of Istanbul’s best cinemas, featuring VIP movie experiences.
✔ Offers outdoor cafes and fine dining options, creating a relaxed shopping experience.

💡 Tip: Visit in the evening for a lively atmosphere, especially at its bars and restaurants.

📍 Location: Levent
⏰ Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

🛍️ Emaar Square Mall – Shopping & Entertainment Combined

✔ Located on Istanbul’s Asian side, offering a mix of luxury, high-street, and local brands.
✔ Features stores like Cartier, Bvlgari, H&M, and Victoria’s Secret.
✔ Home to Emaar Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, making it a family-friendly shopping mall.
✔ Includes an indoor ice-skating rink and a 5-star cinema complex.

💡 Tip: If you’re shopping with kids, Emaar Square is a great choice due to its entertainment options.

📍 Location: Üsküdar
⏰ Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

🛍️ Forum Istanbul – The Largest Mall in Turkey

✔ The biggest shopping mall in Turkey, located in Bayrampaşa.
✔ Home to over 300 stores, including H&M, Adidas, IKEA, and Decathlon.
✔ Features Legoland Discovery Center, Sea Life Aquarium, and a large bowling alley, making it ideal for families.
✔ Has a huge food court with a mix of international fast food and Turkish restaurants.

💡 Tip: If you want a full-day shopping and entertainment experience, Forum Istanbul has something for everyone.

📍 Location: Bayrampaşa
⏰ Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

🛍️ Akasya Mall – Modern Shopping on the Asian Side

✔ One of the most stylish malls on Istanbul’s Asian side, featuring international and Turkish brands.
✔ Home to Apple, Zara, H&M, Marks & Spencer, and luxury Turkish designers.
✔ Offers a large kids’ play area and a high-tech cinema complex.
✔ Features a spacious food court with both casual and fine-dining options.

💡 Tip: Perfect for those staying on the Asian side of Istanbul who want high-end and high-street shopping in one place.

📍 Location: Üsküdar
⏰ Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Top Shopping Galleries in Istanbul

Istanbul is home to some of the most elegant shopping galleries that blend historic charm with modern luxury.

🏛 Galataport

Galataport Istanbul in Karakoy, is a world-class waterfront destination offering shopping, dining, cultural experiences, and a state-of-the-art cruise terminal. It’s a perfect place to spend a day exploring.

✔️ Enjoy seaside cafés and restaurants with breathtaking Bosphorus views.
✔️ Visit top museums, including the Istanbul Modern and The Painting and Sculpture Museum.
✔️ Stroll along the scenic promenade, perfect for sunset walks.
✔️ Browse luxury and boutique shops in this stylish shopping district.

🏛 Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage) – Historic Elegance & Dining

✔ One of Istanbul’s most famous historic galleries, built in 1876 in the Beyoğlu district.
✔ Originally a luxurious shopping arcade, now home to restaurants, wine houses, and small boutiques.
✔ The ornate ceilings, grand archways, and intricate details make it a stunning place to visit.
✔ While shopping is limited, the ambiance and dining experience make it a must-visit spot.

💡 Tip: Enjoy a traditional meyhane (Turkish tavern) experience at one of the many restaurants inside.

🏛 Atlas Passage – A Hidden Gem for Vintage & Textiles

✔ Located on Istiklal Street, this passage is a mix of old-world charm and modern finds.
✔ Features vintage clothing stores, fabric shops, and unique artisan boutiques.
✔ Home to the Atlas Cinema, one of Istanbul’s oldest and most charming movie theaters.
✔ Less crowded than the Grand Bazaar, making it a great place for leisurely shopping.

💡 Tip: Check out Sahaflar, a bookstore inside the passage, for rare and second-hand books.

🏛 Halep Passage – Where Art Meets Shopping

✔ A historical arcade in Beyoğlu, on Istiklal Street, known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and antique stores.
✔ Built in the 19th century, featuring beautiful Ottoman and European architectural elements.
✔ A great spot for buying handmade jewelry, paintings, and Turkish handicrafts.
✔ Also home to small cafés and music shops, adding to its artistic vibe.

💡 Tip: If you love art and unique finds, this passage is perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind treasures.

🏛 City’s Nişantaşı – The Modern Luxury Gallery

✔ Located in Nişantaşı, Istanbul’s most fashionable district.
✔ Home to luxury fashion brands, high-end local designers, and fine-dining restaurants.
✔ Features a mix of international designer boutiques like Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
✔ More intimate than a large shopping mall, offering a personalized and upscale experience.

💡 Tip: Visit Vakko and Beymen inside for Turkish designer fashion and luxury accessories.

🏛 Grand Pera – Where History Meets Contemporary Shopping

✔ A modern shopping gallery in Beyoğlu, built within a restored 19th-century building.
✔ Features a mix of fashion boutiques, art spaces, cafés, and event halls.
✔ Home to Cercle d’Orient, an iconic Ottoman-era building turned shopping and entertainment hub.
✔ A great blend of historic charm and modern elegance, perfect for a high-end shopping experience.

💡 Tip: Don’t miss EMEK Cinema, one of Istanbul’s oldest restored theaters, inside Grand Pera.

Summer and Winter Sales in Istanbul

If you’re planning a shopping spree in Istanbul, the summer and winter sales are the best times to grab amazing deals on designer fashion, local brands, and traditional Turkish goods. Istanbul’s major shopping malls, streets, and boutiques offer huge discounts, making it the perfect time to shop for luxury items, trendy outfits, and souvenirs.

When Do Sales Happen in Istanbul?

✔ Winter Sales – Start in early January and last until late February, with discounts reaching 50-70% off.
✔ Summer Sales – Begin in June and continue through August, perfect for buying seasonal fashion and accessories at reduced prices.

Where to Find the Best Deals?

✔ Luxury & Designer Brands – Head to Zorlu Center, İstinye Park, and Kanyon Mall for discounts on international brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada.
✔ High-Street Fashion – Visit İstiklal Avenue and Bağdat Avenue for sales at Zara, Mango, H&M, and Turkish brands like Mavi and LC Waikiki.
✔ Traditional Markets & Bazaars – The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar often have seasonal promotions on handmade carpets, ceramics, and Turkish jewelry.

💡 Tip: The biggest discounts happen in the last two weeks of the sales period—but stock runs out fast!

Istanbul’s Best Outlet Malls for Bargain Shopping

If you love discounts on branded fashion and designer labels, Istanbul has several outlet malls where you can save big on clothing, accessories, and home décor. These outlets offer year-round discounts of 30-70% off, making them a great alternative to high-end malls.

Best Outlets in Istanbul

✔ Viaport Outlet Shopping Mall – Located near Sabiha Gökçen Airport, this is one of Istanbul’s largest outlet malls, featuring brands like Nike, Adidas, Levi’s, and Tommy Hilfiger.
✔ 212 Istanbul Outlet – A great place for affordable shopping with stores like Polo Ralph Lauren, Puma, and Lacoste, plus an indoor entertainment area.
✔ Optimum Outlet – A mix of Turkish and international brands, including Mango, Bershka, and Guess, plus a food court and cinema.
✔ Olivium Outlet Center – Located in Zeytinburnu, this mall has great discounts on sportswear, fashion, and home goods.

💡 Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and get the best deals before popular items sell out!

Antique Shopping in Istanbul

Istanbul is a paradise for antique lovers, with historic markets, hidden bazaars, and boutique shops offering rare collectibles, Ottoman artifacts, and vintage décor. Whether you’re looking for handcrafted furniture, old coins, or traditional Turkish carpets, you’ll find unique treasures in Istanbul’s antique shopping districts.

Where to Find the Best Antiques?

✔ Horhor Antique Bazaar – Located in Aksaray, this six-floor market is filled with antique furniture, Ottoman-era items, and rare paintings.
✔ Çukurcuma – The bohemian heart of Istanbul’s antique scene, home to boutique stores selling vintage clothing, ceramics, and handmade jewelry.
✔ Feriköy Antique Market – A Sunday-only market where collectors gather to buy old books, records, coins, and retro décor.
✔ Grand Bazaar Antique Shops – Some of the oldest shops in Istanbul selling handmade carpets, brass lamps, and historic jewelry.

💡 Tip: Bargaining is expected in antique stores—always negotiate for the best price!

Food Shopping in Istanbul

Istanbul is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, spices, teas, and traditional Turkish delicacies.

Whether you’re looking for authentic Turkish coffee, olive oil, baklava, or gourmet cheeses, Istanbul’s food markets and specialty stores have it all.

Best Places for Food Shopping

✔ Spice Bazaar – The best place to buy Turkish saffron, sumac, pomegranate molasses, and exotic teas.
✔ Kadıköy Market – A local favorite on the Asian side, with stalls selling fresh seafood, cheeses, olives, and Turkish delight.
✔ Beşiktaş Fish Market – Perfect for fresh seafood lovers, offering shrimp, fish, and mezes straight from the Bosphorus.
✔ Namlı Gurme – A gourmet store in Karaköy, famous for Turkish pastrami (pastırma), aged cheeses, and dried nuts.

💡 Tip: Buy vacuum-sealed packages if you plan to take spices or sweets home!

Budget-Friendly Shopping in Istanbul

Shopping in Istanbul doesn’t have to be expensive! If you’re on a budget but still want to buy fashionable clothes, souvenirs, and Turkish goods, there are plenty of affordable shopping options.

Where to Find Cheap Shopping in Istanbul?

✔ Mahmutpaşa Bazaar – A traditional street market near the Grand Bazaar offering affordable clothing, scarves, and accessories.
✔ Terkos Passage (Terkos Pasajı) – A hidden gem in Beyoğlu, where you can find branded fashion at discounted prices.
✔ Kadıköy Flea Market – A weekend market selling second-hand clothes, vintage accessories, and handmade crafts.
✔ Thursday Market in Ulus (Ulus Perşembe Pazarı) – One of the largest open-air markets, selling textiles, home goods, and Turkish souvenirs at bargain prices.

💡 Tip: Bring cash—many small shops and market vendors don’t accept cards!

What to buy: Top 7 things to buy in Istanbul

Whether you’re browsing the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, or local markets, here are the top 7 things to buy in Istanbul.

Turkish Plates

✔ Turkish ceramics are famous for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, originally designed by Iznik artisans in the Ottoman era.
✔ Each plate is hand-painted with traditional floral, geometric, and calligraphy motifs, making them stunning decorative pieces.
✔ Available in different sizes, from small plates to large serving dishes, perfect for home decor or gifts.

💡 Tip: Buy from trusted ceramic shops in the Grand Bazaar or Arasta Bazaar to ensure you get authentic hand-painted designs rather than mass-produced versions.

Backgammon set:

✔ Backgammon (Tavla) is a beloved game in Turkey, played in cafés and homes for centuries.
✔ High-quality sets are handcrafted with wooden, inlaid, or mother-of-pearl designs.
✔ Many shops in the Grand Bazaar and Nişantaşı offer beautifully designed folding sets, perfect for travel.

💡 Tip: If you plan to play, ask the seller for a quick demo on Turkish-style backgammon rules!

Turkish carpets:

✔ Turkish carpets (kilims) are handwoven textiles, prized for their durability, unique patterns, and historical significance.
✔ Each region of Turkey has its own weaving style, with the best-known designs from Hereke, Konya, and Uşak.
✔ Available in various sizes, from small prayer rugs to large decorative carpets.

💡 Tip: Handwoven carpets are of higher quality than machine-made ones. Look for certificates of authenticity from reputable carpet dealers.

Turkish Sweets:

✔ Turkish delight (lokum) and baklava are some of the best sweet treats to bring home.
✔ Available in various flavors, including pistachio, rose, pomegranate, and chocolate.
✔ Best places to buy authentic Turkish sweets include Hafız Mustafa, Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir, and Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi.

💡 Tip: Vacuum-sealed packaging keeps Turkish delights fresh for longer when traveling.

5. Ottoman Traditional jewelry:

✔ Ottoman-inspired jewelry is crafted with gold, silver, and precious stones, featuring traditional Turkish and Arabic motifs.
✔ Many pieces mirror the intricate designs worn by Ottoman sultans and queens.
✔ The Grand Bazaar is the best place to find authentic handmade jewelry, from rings and bracelets to elaborate necklaces.

💡 Tip: Check for hallmarks on gold and silver jewelry and compare prices before purchasing.

6. Beauty products: olive oil soap:

✔ Olive oil soap (zeytinyağlı sabun) is a Turkish beauty staple, known for its moisturizing and natural properties.
✔ Traditional hammams (Turkish baths) use these handmade soaps for a deep-cleansing experience.
✔ Other popular beauty buys include rosewater, Turkish bath towels (peshtemal), and argan oil products.

💡 Tip: Look for handmade, chemical-free olive oil soaps from Spice Bazaar or boutique skincare shops.

7. Cultural Items:

✔ Istanbul’s bazaars are filled with unique cultural items, including traditional tea sets, copperware, and hand-painted miniatures.
✔ Authentic Turkish tea glasses, silver spoons, and spice grinders make excellent souvenirs.
✔ You’ll also find Ottoman-inspired calligraphy artwork, evil eye amulets, and handcrafted wooden toys.

💡 Tip: Always bargain when buying cultural souvenirs, as initial prices are often inflated.

How to Bargain in Istanbul – Expert Tips for Getting the Best Price

Bargaining is a normal part of shopping in Istanbul’s bazaars. Sellers expect negotiations, and with the right approach, you can get great deals.

✔ Do Your Research – Before shopping, check the price range of the item you want. Ask multiple shops for quotes.
✔ Start Low – Offer 30-50% less than the given price and work your way up.
✔ Stay Polite but Firm – Bargaining is a friendly tradition, so smile and be respectful.
✔ Be Willing to Walk Away – If a seller refuses to lower the price, walking away often leads to a better offer.
✔ Cash is King – Vendors often give better deals when paying in cash instead of credit cards.

💡 Tip: If you’re buying multiple items from one shop, bundle them together to ask for a bigger discount!