Istanbul is a popular shopping paradise, with major tourist attractions. In Turkey, there is a huge tradition of craft work, and it is where you would want to be visiting to see the numerous products that are available. Istanbul offers everything and many shopping opportunities. The shopping variety of the city ranges from the traditional and modern products which makes Istanbul an attraction center for shopping lovers. Istanbul being a very big metropolis, travelers can easily find almost every world brand in the shopping malls and the districts of Istanbul. Here you can explore what to buy, the best places to go for shopping, shopping malls, advice, tips.
Best places to go for shopping in Istanbul
Let us guide you on the best places to go shopping when you are in Istanbul.
Insider Advice: Kickstart your Istanbul adventure with the Istanbul E-Pass or Istanbul Tourist Pass. These passes provide free access to around 70+ top attractions, tours and essential local services in the city with around 70% savings.
1. Egyptian Spice Bazaar
If you are a foodie, this is your one-stop shop, and you will definitely want to bring a taste of Turkey back home. This is the best place to shop for your spices. If you are one of those people that do not love a crowded space, come shopping for your spices in the morning.
Tip: make sure you check the authenticity of the spices by tasting the dried fruits.
2. Grand Bazaar
This is the most famous shopping destination in Turkey, it is the largest and oldest spot. The shopping experience that Grand Bazaar offers is exciting, and it is a very colorful place. The Grand Bazaar is also widely regarded as one of the world’s most important shopping destinations.
Tip: be open to bargain, so you’ll get the best prices they have to offer.
3. Galataport
You may look forward to going on a shopping frenzy at Galataport! The neighborhood is home to various businesses and boutiques, ranging from low-cost to high-end brands. Whether you’re shopping for apparel, jewelry, books, or home furnishings, you’re likely to find it in one of the stores.
4. Istiklal Street
Istiklal, a street that stretches for about 1,400 meters between Tunel and Taksim Square in Beyoglu district, is without a doubt the most famous street of Istanbul and even Turkey. A must-visit places in Istanbul especially for firs-time visitors.
Istiklal Street has a lively and lively structure for 24 hours and is home to many activity areas from cafes to bars, shops to boutiques, restaurants to buffets, movie theaters to nightclubs.
5. Nisantasi
Local fashionistas spend their money on foreign labels such as Versace and Dior in Nişantaş and neighboring Teşvikiye. It may be less interesting for those who can acquire the same item at home.
6. Ali Muhiddin Haci Bekir
If you have an active sweet tooth, this is the confectionary store you would want to visit and indulge in some Turkish delight. Although there are a lot of shops for you, lokum makes the perfect gift for your friends back home.
7. Kadikoy Market
This is the top spot for the local produce, this is a vibrant and buzzing commercial hub. This is the best place for you to get local pickles, jams, honey, dried condiments like dried fruits and for non-foodie shopping, this is also a great place for your soaps and skincare.
Tour Booking Advice
8. Arasta Bazaar in Sultanahmet
This is one of the best shopping centers in Istanbul. You will find some good Turkish baubles at good prices here. It houses more than 70 shops and every shop has something unique it offers.
This modest, upscale marketplace has some of the most excellent souvenir purchasing in Sultanahmet. Originally created to raise funds for the maintenance of the Blue Mosque, it now sells high-quality carpets, jewelry, and handicrafts in a reasonably tranquil setting close to several vital attractions and hotels.
Tip: it is the best places to shop for souvenirs and gift items.
9. Flower market – Cicek Pazari
This market is a breath of fresh air. You will find everything related to plants, like seeds, pots, plants, herbs and more. there are also some pet stores that sell puppies, ducklings and more.
Tip: buy a flower and make someone’s day, even a stranger!
What to buy: Top 7 things to buy in Istanbul
1. Turkish Plates
The Turkish ceramics are so famous for their vibrant colors and the detailed designs. They are available for sale in Istanbul, the Iznik artisans designed it in their unique style and pattern that ignites the spark of pottery.
2. Backgammon set:
This is an attractive game of Turks and you can find them in cafés where people enjoy their leisure. The grand bazaar offers multiple gift shops with sets of backgammon that tourists buy when in Istanbul.
3. Turkish carpets:
A good Turkish carpet is one of the great things that can complement your home. They offer neatly woven carpets. Most of the major shopping centers in Istanbul offer a good collection of Turkish carpets, and they are called kilims.
Tips: hand woven carpets are better choices compared to the textile goods.
4. Turkish Sweets:
This is available in the local markets of Istanbul. This is a great gift for your friends and family back home, it is enriched with nuts and sweet taste making it worth every penny.
5. Ottoman Traditional jewelry:
Jewelry is the first thing you would want to look out for in Turkey, the locally produced jewelry is inspired by the authentic ottoman pieces which make beautiful gifts. Turkish jewelry is found at the grand bazaar where the star jeweler of Turkey is.
Tips: Before shopping for any gold jewelry, it is important that you check the hallmark and cross-check the worth of the gems.
6. Beauty products: olive oil soap:
Olive oil soap is quite famous in Turkey. The locally hand made soaps are part of the Turkish tradition that are used in all the hammams.
7. Cultural Items:
You definitely should not leave Istanbul without getting some cultural items. There are markets that are like antiques hub where you will find all cultural baubles like tea sets, spoons, toys and more.
Tips: try not to over pay for goods, learn to bargain.
How to bargain in Istanbul.
Do your research about the product that you intend on shopping to know the price range, so you can know if it is a good deal or not.
Make an offer around 30 – 50% off the given price then you have secured a good bargain deal with the seller.
