Best Places for Shopping in Istanbul

Pic Credit: Pixabay

From delectable Turkish delight, to alluring fashion items, exquisite carpets, and intricate trinkets, Istanbul is without a doubt a hotspot for all shopping enthusiasts. 

Here is your guide for all things shopping in Istanbul, from outdoor markets, to outlet malls and high end fashion. This guide is sure to help you discover places you would love to shop at when in Istanbul. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article has been checked for accuracy at the time of publishing. However, it is best to do your own research prior to your travels. This guide has been created based on research. Should any team member visit any of these places, this list will be amended with personal perspectives and insights where necessary. Halaal Travels encourages our readers to share their perspectives and experiences in the comments below with the intention to help other travellers that will be using this post as a guide in creating their personal travel plans. 

Bazaars

Istanbul is home to the oldest and largest markets in the world. Your trip to Istanbul would not be complete without a visit to one of these bazaars. Here you can get a glimpse into the historic heritage of Turkey, along with finding gifts and souvenirs to take back home. 

• Grand Bazaar

If you have a limited time in Istanbul and have the time to visit only one bazaar, it would have to be the Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is the oldest and largest bazaar in the world. There are thousands of stores that you can visit. However, when shopping in the Grand Bazaar, never accept the first price that a product is. It’s best to ask for a better price until eventually you get it to the price you want to pay for an item. 

Address: Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. No:22, Fatih

• Spice Bazaar

Located near the Grand Bazaar, this is another must visit bazaar. Here you will discover all the delectable spices and sweet treats that Turkey has to offer. 

Address: Rüstem Paşa, Erzak Ambarı Sok. No:92, Fatih

• Arasta Bazaar

Located near the blue mosque, Arasta Bazaar is a great stop when touring around Sultanahmet.

Address: Sultan Ahmet, Mimar Mehmet Ağa Cd. No:2, Fatih

Istanbul Street Markets

If you are looking for a more economical way of shopping when in Istanbul, then you will need to  head to one of the many street markets. Various street markets pop up on different days of the week in different areas, depending on the day. So keep in mind the various markets when planning your itinerary. 

• Kadikoy Market

Days to visit this market: Tuesday

Address: Güneşli Bahçe street, Yağlıkçı İsmail street and surrounding streets

• Fatih Carsamba Market

Days to visit this market: Wednesday

• Ortakoy Market

Days to visit this market: Thursday and Sunday

Address: Levazım Mahallesi, Çayır Sk. No:4, Beşiktaş

• Besiktas Market

Days to visit this market: Saturday

Address: Muradiye Mahallesi, Nüzhetiye Cadddesi, Deryadil Sokak. Yıldız/Beşiktaş 

• Tahtakale Streets

Days to visit this market: Any day of the week

Address: Hasırcılar street, Kantarcılar street and surrounding backstreets.

The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is nearby so you might want to add visiting the Tahtakale street market to the same day as your visit to the Mosque.  

• Fatih Women’s Bazaar

Days to visit this market: Any day of the week

Address: The area where İtfaiye street and Tezgahçılar street meets in Zeyrek/Fatih

• Beyoğlu Fish Market 

Days to visit this market: Any day of the week

Address: Sahne street on Istiklal avenue

Shopping Malls in Istanbul

1. Akmerkez
2. Istinye Park
3. City’s
4. Zorlu Centre Mall
5. Mall of Istanbul
6. Viaport Outlet shopping 
7. Venezia Mega Outlet

Shopping streets in Istanbul

1. İstiklal Caddesi

2.  Nuruosmaniye Caddesi

3. Nispetiye Caddesi

4. Bağdat Caddesi

What to buy in Istanbul

• Turkish delight
• Baklava
• Turkish Tea
• Turkish Coffee
• Linen
• Pots and pans
• Olive oil soap
• Turkish carpets
• Turkish Towels