Shopping in Istanbul: 15 Best Places, Bazaars & What to Buy

Istanbul is one of the world’s great shopping cities, combining centuries-old bazaars with modern shopping streets, local markets, and high-end malls. Having shopped across both the European and Asian sides of the city, I’ve found that Istanbul offers something for every type of traveler, whether you’re looking for traditional souvenirs, handmade crafts, local food products, or international fashion brands.

My guide covers the best places to shop in Istanbul today, from historic markets like the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar to neighborhood streets, vintage districts, and contemporary shopping malls, along with exactly what to buy and where to find it.

Istanbul, designated a European Capital of Culture in 2010, is Turkey’s largest city. Rich in layers of historical architecture, the city served as an imperial capital for roughly 1,600 years before Ankara became the capital of modern Turkey in 1923.

Historically known as Constantinople, Istanbul is one of the few cities in the world that spans two continents, Europe and Asia. The culture and traditions of this city reflect both European modernism and Asian traditions.

Shopping Guide – Find Everything 

Best Places To Shop In Istanbul For Souvenirs And Local Goods

Shopping Area	Best For	Location
Grand Bazaar	Souvenirs, carpets, jewelry	Old City (European Side)
Spice Bazaar	Food gifts, spices, sweets	Eminönü
Istiklal Street	Clothing, brands, vintage	Beyoğlu
Kadıköy Market	Local food, soaps	Asian Side
Nişantaşı	Luxury shopping	Şişli

Istanbul has long been a major shopping destination for both locals and visitors.

While shopping in Istanbul, you can buy traditional crafts, Turkish carpets, tea cups, metalware, or even some of the most fragrant and diverse spices you’ll find anywhere.

Whether food items or gift souvenirs, Istanbul is the right place to buy all kinds of stuff. Here is a list of some of the best places for shopping in Istanbul.

1. Grand Bazaar

Why The Grand Bazaar Is Istanbul’s Most Famous Market

The most famous market in Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar. Dating back to the 15th century, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors daily, especially during peak tourist seasons.

In the Grand Bazaar, you must keep an eye out for buying world-famous Turkish carpets, gold jewelry, souvenir magnets, silk shawls, and metal wares.

Like a medieval mall, the market is a covered shopping area with more than 4,000 stalls. In the Grand Bazaar, you can buy Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian artifacts. Some of the most common of these international artifacts are embroidered textiles from Uzbekistan.

What souvenirs we brought home with us from the Grand Bazaar

2. Istiklal Street, at Taksim Square (i̇stiklal Caddesi)

Why Istiklal Street Is Popular For Shopping And Vintage Finds

Unlike any ordinary street, Istiklal Jadesi, arising from Taksim Square, is a marvel that you should have on the best shopping list in Istanbul.

The road has been a famous shopping destination in Istanbul since the times of the Ottomans, and now has all the big brand names, perfect for clothes shopping in Turkey – and it also has many vintage items to bargain for.

Another reason why Istiklal Street is famous is its architecture – the buildings here are so beautiful. You can buy clothes in Istanbul while enjoying the historical atmosphere of the place.

3. Istanbul Spice Bazaar

Why The Spice Bazaar Is Popular For Food And Gifts

If you are a spice addict like me, and you love to experience the flavors of different spices in your food, the Egyptian Spice Bazaar is where to shop in Istanbul for you!

The Egyptian Spice Bazaar was built during the Ottoman period and funded by revenues from the Ottoman province of Egypt.

Although named a spice bazaar, the place also deals with trading nuts, dry fruits, herbal teas, halwa, food products, lokum, and dried flowers. Some of the exotic spices sold here include Aleppo pepper and pomegranate molasses. With these spices, you can take the Turkish flavor back home.

The bazaar is known for a wide variety of regional honeys that are difficult to find outside Turkey.

What souvenirs we brought home with us from the Spice Bazaar

4. Galata

The Galata area, located around Galata Tower in Istanbul, is a popular neighborhood for boutique shopping and souvenirs.

On the shores of the Bosphorus, this market is a rising star in the sale of small souvenirs to tourists from all over the world. This market is yet another Istanbul shopping place that is a piece of art, perfect for fans of historical architecture who also love to shop. 

5. Aznavour Passage

Built on the Italian architectural style, the Aznavur Passage was created by the Aznavur family in the late Ottoman period. The place is known for the large number of cafes and restaurants that it houses. Aznavur Passage comprises a nine-story building that sells the most brilliant hats, bags, and ornaments.

If you have kids, they will love this place because it sells terrific toys.

6. Arasta Bazaar

Arasta Bazaar, located in Sultanahmet, is the tourist hotspot you have to head to. It is found close to the very well-known Blue Mosque. The bazaar’s history dates back to the reign of Sultan Ahmet Khan, who designed this bazaar to be part of the Blue Mosque. Its revenue was used for the mosque. If you want to buy Turkish handicrafts in a less crowded area than the Grand Bazaar, the Arasta Bazaar is the place for you.

The place is home to the sellers of Turkish ceramics and textiles. The area is famous for the best quality ceramic wares in Istanbul. Hand-painted Iznik tiles constitute a significant artifact being sold here.

What souvenirs we brought home with us from the Arasta Bazaar

7. Balat Bazaar For Antiques And Vintage Finds

Tourists like to visit Balat for shopping because it is emerging as one of the most popular Istanbul shopping spots. The Balat bazaar is famous for selling antiques. Besides visiting the Balat bazaar, tourists can feast on delicious Mediterranean cuisine in the neighboring districts of Balat and Fener.

Some antique shops in the Balat area sell items through auctions, while others operate as traditional retail stores. You can visit this bazaar and buy a handful of antiques at auction at meager prices.

8. Ali Muhiuddin Haci Bekir

An affordable shopping spot in Istanbul!

Last but not least, Haci Bekir is a place for festive people who have a thing for sweets. Hands down, it is the most famous Turkish shop for buying delights and lokum. There are many shops that will provide tourists with traditional Turkish delights and candies. You can fill your stomach and take bundles of them back home in beautiful packaging.

Here, you can find all varieties of lokum, including traditional flavors like pomegranate, mango, lemon, orange, peach, rose water, and pistachio. Some other famous confectioneries traded here include sugar-coated almonds and pistachio-stuffed halwa.

Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir was founded in 1777 and is considered one of the oldest continuously operating confectioners in the world.

9. Kadıköy Market – Bağdat Caddesi

The place to be if you are staying in an apartment, as it’s where you’ll find fresh herbs, veggies, seafood, and other kinds of fresh food. We loved the local honey and tried the fruits, which were the best! While there, you can also souvenir shop for herbal & olive oil soaps and skincare products. 

Kadıköy Market operates mainly on weekdays, with some sections closed or reduced on weekends. So factor that into your Istanbul itinerary. This market is on the Asian side of Istanbul, a short walk from the Kadıköy ferry terminal.

10. Çukurcuma, Taksim

If high street names aren’t your thing and you genuinely want to visit the Taksim area, Çukurcuma is an excellent place to go. It sits behind Istiklal, and it’s a goldmine of vintage items, including antiques. It’s also a great place to sit and have a coffee in traditional surroundings.

You’ll find lots of vintage clothing here, but pottery and general souvenirs are also prevalent here. You can’t haggle your prices in the shops, but it doesn’t stop you from trying on the markets. This area is a charming place to go, especially if the extreme hustle and bustle of Istiklal is a little too much for you.

11. Yeni Carsi Caddesi, Beyoğlu – Book Bazaar

Right at the bottom end of Taksim, just as you start to head down the hill toward Galata, you’ll find Yeni Carsi Caddesi, an excellent place for comic books, old books, musical instruments, and handmade clothes. It’s also a perfect spot for handbags, although not designer fakes, but handmade designs that you won’t find anywhere else.

You’ll also find some great coffee shops and restaurants around here, so it’s a great place to go and browse before having a pit stop along the way. Of course, you could head to Galata Tower too and make the most of your time.

12. Tophane, Beyoğlu

Tophane is located in Beyoğlu, down the hill from Taksim, and slightly less hectic than the main shopping area. Here, you’ll find lots of trendy galleries, but it’s also a great spot if you’re an art fan. You’ll be able to browse and purchase local artworks, ceramics, and pottery at great prices.

Many pieces are handmade rather than imported from other parts of the country, so it’s a great chance to own something truly authentic.

Once you’re done shopping, head to a coffee shop with a view, and you’ll be able to see all the way over the Golden Horn from your elevated position.

13. Nisantasi (Nişantaşı)

If you want to shop ’til you drop and really splurge the cash on designer items, head to Nistanasi, just up the hill from Besiktas. You’ll know when you’ve arrived in this area thanks to the glittering displays in the windows and the fancy cars parked outside.

There are also a few smaller malls around here, so you can shop in places like Zara and Mango rather than seriously high-end stores.

This is a great place to go for suits, bespoke dresses, and jewelry.

14. Bebek

Bebek is a great place to buy food, and it’s also a pretty upscale area where you can enjoy impressive food with a stunning view. Here, you can buy delicious meats, olive oil, sweets, and cheeses, all locally produced. Look for the word ‘Şarküteri,’ and you’re in the right place.

While in Bebek, take some time to walk along the waterfront and take in the fantastic views. This is an excellent spot for seafood, too.

15. Shopping Malls In Istanbul For Turkish And International Brands

Istanbul has many spectacular shopping malls catering to every taste and preference. From luxurious brands to local Turkish designers, these shopping malls will offer you a delightful shopping experience.

Most major shopping malls in Istanbul are open seven days a week, including Sundays.

Map Of The Top Istanbul Shopping Malls

1. ÖzdilekPark Istanbul Shopping Mall
2. Cevahir Shopping Mall
3. Istinye Park
4. Zorlu Shopping Center
5. Mall of Istanbul
6. Viaport Outlet
7. Kanyon, Levent

Final Thoughts

The markets in Istanbul, Turkey, are not only for buyers; they are also a feast for the eyes because of their Ottoman architecture. Tourists adore Istanbul for being a hub of traders and love to buy all sorts of stuff here.
So, if you plan to visit Istanbul soon, make sure you visit these bazaars and places to buy magnificent items for yourself and your friends.

Tips For Shopping In Turkey

Be sure to get your haggle on. When you visit Istanbul’s colorful, rather loud bazaars and markets, you need to learn how to haggle to buy anything. This means being a little cheeky, but only to the right point! 

Ask how much something costs, then come up with a price you’re willing to pay, avoiding robbing them blind. Somewhere in the middle should do it. The vendor will then wave their arms around and huff and puff a little (jokingly, of course) before you meet somewhere in the middle of the two prices. And there you have it – a bargain! Only try bargaining in markets, not stores, as they’re likely to tell you to leave!

Here is your step-by-step guide to haggling…

• Carry cash with you (Turkish Lira)
• Know the market and what they sell
• Check out several shops and ask the price at each to give you an idea of what the item is worth.
• Do not show enthusiasm for the item
• Decide the maximum price you will pay (in your head, of course!)
• Let the seller tell you their opening price – look disgusted at their outrageous offer.
• When the seller asks you what you will pay, offer 50% less than what you are prepared to pay
• Go back and forth until you reach an agreeable price – unless you don’t, in which case, walk away and try somewhere else. It may take you some practice.

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Shopping In Istanbul FAQs

Final Word On The Best Shopping And Places In Istanbul

Now that you’re equipped with everything you need to know about shopping in Istanbul, we hope your journey to go shopping in Istanbul leads you to both popular shopping districts and hidden side streets.

From the historical Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest markets, to the modern Forum Istanbul, the city offers an array of shopping opportunities. Dive into Çiçek Pasajı for unique finds, explore main shopping streets for top shopping experiences, and don’t miss out on luxury shops like Louis Vuitton as well as designer boutiques offering items made in Turkey.

Whether you’re searching for the perfect souvenir at low prices or indulging in luxury, Istanbul’s blend of traditional crafts and contemporary designs, from the Spice Bazaar’s glassware to Kagithane House of Paper, ensures a rich selection of shopping items.

Enjoy the vast array of shopping in Istanbul, where every corner offers something special, ensuring you bring home not just souvenirs but also pieces of Turkish culture and luxury.