Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey - photo by Maria Saveleva from Pixabay under Pixabay License
Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey - photo by Maria Saveleva from Pixabay under Pixabay License

BEST SHOPPING IN ISTANBUL: 10 PLACES TO EXPLORE

Shopping in Istanbul often makes one think of bazaars, spices and carpets. And there’s a lot more to retail therapy in Istanbul that’s waiting to be explored. Here are some of the places where you can experience the best shopping in Istanbul:

READ MORE: FREE THINGS TO DO IN ISTANBUL: 10 ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY

Best Shopping in Istanbul: Bazaars

Arasta Bazaar

Ikat scarves, jewelry, pestemals, ceramics and several other items abound in Arasta Bazaar.

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar or Kapalı Çarşı is an internationally recognized historic network of market streets and souks where you can browse through jewelry, leather products and other gift items.

Mısır Çarşısı

If you’re planning to bring home spices as souvenirs of your Istanbul visit, the Egyptian Spice Market would be your destination. Since the 17th century, Mısır Çarşısı has been the home for shops that offer spices, textiles and food.

Sahaflar Çarşısı – Old Book Bazaar

Also called Beyazit Book Bazaar, you’ll find second-hand books, new titles, ancient texts, copies of the Quran, historical maps and rare finds here.

Best Shopping in Istanbul: Malls

Kanyon

This modern shopping and dining complex has various shops and cafes. Strolling around this mall is a pleasure with its landscaped areas and fountains.

Marmara Forum

If you’re looking for a family-friendly vibe, shopping at Marmara Forum would be an option. The mall has boutiques, a hypermarket, a food hall, a cinema and play areas for children.

READ MORE: OCHEN’ VKUSNO! 8 MUST-TRY EASTERN EUROPEAN FOODS AND DRINKS

Zorlu Center

Luxury boutiques and cafes fill the stunning Zorlu Center in Istanbul.

Best Shopping in Istanbul: Streets

Abdi İpekçi Caddesi

If you want to go luxury shopping in Istanbul, this is one of the places you should definitely visit. There’s Rolex, Prada, Christian Louboutin and Louis Vuitton to name a few.

Bağdat Caddesi

From luxury boutiques to more affordable shops, you can find a variety of them along this street. Shops you can find here include Beymen, Zara, Mango, H&M and Marks & Spencer.

İstiklal Caddesi

Along this bustling shopping street in Istanbul, you’ll find several shops – from local brands to international labels. There also historic arcades on this street that are worth exploring. New Balance, Pandora, MANGO and Yves Rocher are among the shops on İstiklal Caddesi.