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:
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Best Shopping in Istanbul: Bazaars
Arasta Bazaar
Ikat scarves, jewelry, pestemals, ceramics and several other items abound in Arasta Bazaar.
Array of colors on display in Arasta Bazaar – photo by Vladimer Shioshvili under CC BY-SA 2.0
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.
The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul – photo by Mike McBey under CC BY 2.0
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.
Spices at Mısır Çarşısı – photo by size4riggerboots under CC BY-ND 2.0
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.
Beyazit Book Bazaar – photo by User:Matthias Süßen under GFDL and CC-BY-3.0
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.
Kanyon Shopping Mall in Istanbul – photo by .o. under PD-user
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.
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Marmara Forum – photo by Cbayk at Turkish Wikipedia under CC-BY-SA-3.0
Zorlu Center
Luxury boutiques and cafes fill the stunning Zorlu Center in Istanbul.
Zorlu Center in Istanbul – photo by Robert S. Donovan under CC BY 2.0
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.
Abdi İpekçi Avenue in Şişli, Istanbul, Turkey – photo by Hevesli under CC BY-SA 3.0
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.
Along Bağdat Caddesi – photo by leyla.a under CC BY-SA 2.0
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.
Along a portion of İstiklal Caddesi – photo by G Da under CC-BY-SA-3.0
