Shopping in Istanbul

Istanbul attracts tourists from all over the world not only with its culture and history, but also with its shopping opportunities: the city is located on two continents, which is why fashionable shopping centers here coexist with oriental bazaars. In this article, we will tell you what to buy in Istanbul, reveal the secrets of shopping festivals, sales, and the best places.

Shopping by Istanbul Districts: Where and What to Buy

Old City

The Fatih district near the Sultanahmet Mosque and its surroundings are considered the Old City. It’s a tourist spot: the main historical attractions are concentrated here, so it’s bustling during the day. In the Old City, you’ll find souvenir shops and stores with carpets and fabrics, traditional Turkish products like Turkish delight, tea, and spices. This is where the huge covered Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar are located — a complete immersion in the atmosphere of oriental shopping is guaranteed.

Nişantaşı

This prestigious neighborhood is imbued with the spirit of New York and combines elegant boutiques by Turkish designers, youth fast-fashion stores, and international brand representations. If you want to dress according to the latest fashion or find a luxurious dress for a special occasion, Nişantaşı is the ideal place for it.

Galata and Beyoğlu

In these districts, there’s a souvenir shop at every turn — not surprising, as this is where the tourist pedestrian street Istiklal, which never sleeps, is located. And there are also a million vintage shops here: if you’re wondering what clothes to buy in Istanbul, looking for rare items or luxury at half price, and simply support conscious consumption, check out Grandma Vintage Shop, Baston Vintage, or By Retro.

Kadıköy

Although the district is located on the Asian side of the city, Kadıköy feels quite European — it’s usually where all the hipster scene and liberal youth gather. Here you’ll find Kadıköy Market, where you can buy fresh produce and local delicacies. It’s no less impressive than other markets, but people usually go to bazaars in the Old City, while here they come for antique shops and second-hand bookstores.

Festivals and Sales in Istanbul

Shopping in Istanbul is not only diverse but also advantageous: the city constantly hosts some festival, fair, or sale.

• In summer and winter, stores sell off outdated collections with huge discounts: seasonal sales usually occur in January — February and July — August. If you see the word indirim (‘discount’ in Turkish) in a shop window — that’s where you should go.
• Every year in June, the Istanbul Shopping Fest takes place — a time of promotions throughout the city. The annual shopping festival lasts about two weeks: during this time, not only are numerous discounts and special offers available, but also exhibitions, fashion shows, and concerts are held.
• Black Friday — an international day of discounts and promotions held at the end of November — is also celebrated in Istanbul.
• In December, before the holidays, many stores and shopping centers hold New Year’s sales. Come and stock up on great gifts for yourself and your loved ones.

When choosing flights to Istanbul, use these events as a guide for dates to catch the best deals.

Shopping Malls in Istanbul

There are tons of shops in Istanbul — big and small — but, you’ll agree, it’s more convenient to buy everything at once in one shopping center. We’ll tell you about the five most popular malls in the city, where you can find international and Turkish brands, jewelry, shoes, children’s items, and electronics.

Istinye Park (Istinye)

Located in the Sarıyer district, Istinye Park attracts visitors with its modern design and unusual solutions: the shopping center is divided into two zones — enclosed and open-air. In the enclosed zone, you’ll find both mass-market stores like Zara, H&M, Mango, and luxury brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada. The open-air zone also features expensive boutiques like Hermes and Dior, but with direct street access.

Istinye Park offers activities for the whole family beyond shopping: covering an area of 242 thousand sq.m., it hosts not only over 300 stores but also a cinema, restaurants, and a green area. You can watch a movie in the IMAX hall, visit a children’s entertainment center, or a bowling club.

Kanyon (Canyon)

Kanyon is a unique shopping center often included in lists of Istanbul’s attractions alongside mosques. The mall features an interesting shape resembling a canyon (hence its name) and stands out with its open structure, allowing visitors to enjoy fresh air and natural light while shopping.

The complex covers an area of about 37.5 thousand sq.m., with over 160 stores inside. Besides shopping, Kanyon offers excellent entertainment and family recreation: there are restaurants — from fast food to fine dining, a cinema, a fitness center, and venues for events and exhibitions.

Zorlu Center

Zorlu Center is a large complex in the Beşiktaş district, which includes a shopping mall, offices, residential buildings, and a hotel. In the shopping center, in addition to boutiques of famous brands, there is a cinema, restaurants, and a supermarket. It also hosts one of the city’s main concert and theater venues — the Zorlu Performing Arts Center.

Akmerkez

One of the oldest in the city, the Akmerkez shopping center in the Etiler district has been open since 1993. In just a couple of years, the mall managed to win the "Best Shopping Center in the World" award in 1995 from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). It has tons of shops, as well as a cinema, a children’s entertainment center, a fitness club, beauty salons — the infrastructure is top-notch!

Cevahir

This gigantic shopping center has been welcoming shoppers since 2005 and covers an area of about 420 thousand sq.m. on the European side of Istanbul in the Şişli district. Like any mega-mall, it features luxury boutiques, endless sale stores, accessories, electronics, cosmetics, and shoes. People come to Cevahir to shop for the whole family, find that perfect outfit for a celebration, dine at a restaurant, or play bowling.

Markets of Istanbul

Grand Bazaar

One of the oldest covered markets in the world, operating since the 15th century. Today, it’s not just a place for shopping but also a popular tourist location where the true spirit of the East reigns: the Grand Bazaar is colorful, noisy, and bargaining is both possible and encouraged.

The bazaar covers 30 thousand sq.m. and consists of 66 streets and alleys, housing four thousand shops. Here you’ll find furs and leather, jewelry, carpets, textiles, antiques, ceramics, spices, coffee and tea, and Turkish sweets. And nearby are other historical attractions: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

Egyptian Bazaar

The Egyptian Bazaar is also known as the Spice Bazaar, so you’ll definitely recognize it by its aromas. The market was built in the 1660s and served as the main center for trading goods from Egypt — hence its name. The Egyptian Bazaar is famous for its variety of spices, herbs, dried fruits, nuts, cheeses, and honey. Non-edible items are also sold here: ceramics, textiles, accessories, and souvenirs for tourists.

The Spice Bazaar consists of an inner covered space surrounded by a row of outdoor stalls. Inside the bazaar, there are about 90 shops arranged in an L-shape. The atmosphere here is vibrant, goods merge into a kaleidoscope of aromas and colors, and vendors constantly call out, offering tastings and inviting you to buy from them. You won’t leave this market hungry!

Kadıköy Market

Kadıköy Market is an ideal place for those who want to immerse themselves in local culture, enjoy authentic food, and buy fresh produce. People come to this market, located on the Asian side of the city, for fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, olives, nuts, and cheeses. In addition to food, at Kadıköy Market, you’ll find textiles, clothes, shoes, accessories, and souvenirs (which, let’s be honest, are everywhere in Istanbul). Small cafes and restaurants in Kadıköy offer local delicacies and dishes made from local products — after shopping in the vicinity, you can pop in for a cup of Turkish coffee and a kebab.

Laleli Textile Market

Unlike the Grand Bazaar, this place is less touristy, meaning the atmosphere here is calmer and more relaxed. Today, this once small bazaar has significantly expanded and occupies an entire city block. Come to Laleli Market for leather and fur products, and shoes — prices for these goods are lower than in other bazaars.

What to Bring from Istanbul

• Turkish carpets are one of the symbols of Turkish culture. They are handmade and feature bright, colorful patterns. A quality carpet will not only last a long time but also add style to your home decor.
• Ceramics — Turkish plates, cups, and vases with original designs for bohemian feasts.
• Traditional Turkish lamps made of glass mosaic will fit into any interior and transport you to the atmosphere of an oriental fairy tale.
• Turkey is known for its beverages — black tea and coffee. Get some for gifts and for yourself to enjoy delicious tea parties at home.
• Spices from Istanbul’s bazaars will enhance the flavor of any dish. Sumac, paprika, saffron, cumin — there are plenty of options!
• Turkish delight and baklava with pistachio, walnut, almond, chocolate — take a little bit of everything for gifts, and you won’t go wrong.
• Textiles: bed linen, bedspreads, or fabrics with Turkish patterns, pestemals — traditional Turkish cotton towels used in hammams. They are light, soft, and quick-drying.

Children’s Stores in Istanbul

• Panço (Pancho) — a popular Turkish chain of children’s stores where you can find clothes: jackets, sweaters, t-shirts, pants, skirts, underwear, shoes, and accessories for children aged 0 to 14.
• LC Waikiki — a well-known brand originating from Turkey. The store offers stylish clothing for children of all ages — from infants to teenagers, as well as items for men and women.
• Toyzz Shop — head to this chain of stores for toys, games, puzzles, construction sets, craft supplies, and children’s books.
• Mothercare — not of Turkish origin, but a popular chain of stores in Turkey for expectant mothers and children. Here you’ll find not only clothes, but also shoes, accessories, strollers, car seats, and toys.
• D&R — another large chain where you’ll find children’s books, toys, board games, stationery, and hobby supplies.
• E-Bebek — a store for babies with clothes, strollers, car seats, books, toys, and hygiene products.

We wish you great shopping and a fantastic mood!