Istanbul is a city with thousands of years of global history. Its multicultural structure from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras shows itself even in shopping. This article can find many places to shop, from historical lanes such as the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar to the famous streets scattered throughout the shopping malls of Istanbul.
It is a completely different experience to visit a historical bazaar or a bazaar than to go to a shopping mall in Istanbul. For locals, it is a completely different experience to visit a historical bazaar or street market than to go to a shopping mall in Istanbul. But it is really impossible to prefer one over the other! Therefore, you should stop at all the shopping points that we will talk about in this article, from modern streets to nostalgic lanes while you are visiting Istanbul.
Shopping Places in Istanbul
Our list of shopping places in Istanbul consists of many main topics. As a guide who has been working in Istanbul for years, we have closely observed the shopping habits of local and foreign tourists. In this way, we have created Istanbul Shopping Guide about historical bazaars and streets where you can shop in Istanbul.
Istiklal Street
The buildings of embassies, banks, and hotels that opened in the Ottoman capital attracted all the attention to this area, and wealthy non-Muslims in the city competed with each other to build beautiful buildings in this area while walking around Istiklal Street today, looking at the colored windows at eye level, although we Forget examining architectural beauty, Beyoglu still bears traces of those days. While enjoying this historic atmosphere, you will find many shops located to the right and left of the street. From clothes to jewelry or all the souvenirs that you may think of can only arrive here!
Galata
Galata is one of the rising stars of Istanbul. In recent years, wonderful souvenir shops have opened around Galata Tower. There are also very nice shops. Galata definitely stands out among the many shopping places in Istanbul. Here, you can watch an architectural feast while you shop.
Karakoy
Karakoy is a cosmopolitan district that served as a city pier during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. This port area, which was active in every period of Istanbul's history, was fully revived in the 19th century, the last period of the Ottoman Empire. There are also works of art such as Minerva Khan in Karakoy, where all the local and foreign businessmen have invested in the city.
Today, the most prominent shopping areas in Karakoy are the shops selling outdoor equipment. There are places where you might find souvenirs, from jewelry to clothes.
On Tarsan Street extending from Karakoy towards the Golden Horn, there are bazaars selling all kinds of equipment. On Kemeralti Street, which continues in the direction of Kabatas, shops selling wetsuits can be lined up side by side.
Nisantasi
The most famous Nisantasi Street, which hosts boutiques where you can find designer products as well as luxury stores, stands out, such as Abdi Ibekci Street and Mim Kemal Oki Street.
Especially if you are looking for evening dresses, you can get lost in the back streets of Nisantasi and visit the shops where the latest evening dresses are sold. Abdi Ibekci Street stretches from Macka to Nisantasi and hosts more than 50 luxury stores, resembling an open-air shopping mall.
Eminönü Area
The shopping places in Eminonu are located between the Egyptian market and the Grand Bazaar. It's even hard to find a place to take a step at the weekend at Long Market Street and Mahmutpasa Hill, which are located between two historical bazaars in Istanbul.
Egyptian Market
Silk fabrics from China and spices from India were transported to Egypt by caravans for many years, and from there they were brought to Istanbul by ship. These valuable trade goods were exported to Europe through the Venetians and Genoese living in Istanbul. Some of these important trade goods were displayed to the public in the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul. The Spice Bazaar, which is located next to the New Mosque in the heart of Eminönü, is still frequented by locals and foreign tourists.
Long Market Street
Long Market Street is the name of a gentle slope that runs from Eminonu Beach to the Grand Bazaar. You can find many malls, shops and places to eat and drink on the street.
If you want to have a nostalgic shopping experience in the historical peninsula, we suggest you to go here as you can also find many shopping items at much cheaper price than anywhere else.
Grand Bazaar
When it comes to the authentic bazaar in Istanbul, the first place on our minds is the Grand Bazaar! You can be sure that this historical bazaar filled with many souvenirs will add a unique experience to your trip. Whether you are not deciding what to buy from Turkey, this place will give you great ideas. Handmade Turkish rugs with traditional patterns, special design jewelry made with delicious golden Turkish sweets, local spices that will tempt you and more awaits you here!
Sirkeci
Let us tell you a little about Sirkeci, which is located in the heart of Istanbul. Sirkeci Beach is one of the oldest trading ports in human history and has been the commercial center of Istanbul from its Byzantine and Ottoman past onwards. Today, the distinctive all-day bustle along its many streets can still be experienced, as might have been expected in the past. With the spirit of the past still alive today, the beach is still home to plenty of souvenir shops, bazaars, plyopolis, and antiques shops. All these are waiting for you there!
Here's more information about Sirkeci for you! Today Sirkeci Station was the last leg of Shark Express (known globally as Orient Express) which once operated between Europe and Istanbul. The passengers, mostly senior bureaucrats and authors, used to head straight to Pera Palace for a great stay after getting off the train. Agatha Christie was one of those! The great author wrote her novel "Murder on the Orient Express" in one of the rooms of the Pera Palace. Knowing the history of Sirkeci neighborhood will definitely add to your visit a bit of nostalgia!
Sultan Ahmed
Sultan Ahmed not only today, but also during the Ottoman period; It was among the most important places for shopping in Istanbul. When you examine the Ottoman period, you will see that the most important shopping points in the city are the areas around Sultanahmet, such as Beyazit, Eminonu and Onkapani. In Sultanahmet, you can find the famous shopping malls of Istanbul like Arasta Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, Nuruosmaniye Street.
Balat
Balat has been among the most popular shopping areas in Istanbul for the past few years. The best part of visiting siblings like Al Fanar and Al Balat is the combination of food, drink, cultural travel and shopping.
After starting the day with a nice breakfast in the cafes near the Greek Patriarchate of Venere, you can stroll along Vodina Street that connects the two areas and admire the old shops of the surrounding area.
When you enter Balat Bazaar, you will see that some shops on the right and left are conducting auctions. In these small auctions where antiques are sold at low prices, which can be called a bargain, you can watch people go from the shops to the streets.
Kadikoy
Kadikoy is one of the first places that come to mind for shopping in the Anatolian side of Istanbul. From Kadikoy Beach to the Fish Market; There are many shopping streets from Bahri Street to Baghdad Street. It is quite a good choice to wander into the clothing stores and among the souvenir shops by taking a cup of coffee.
Baghdad Street
If you like outdoor shopping, Baghdad Street will be a good choice for you. You can find many options from shops to restaurants on this 9 kilometer long Baghdad Street. This street, which is generally preferred for luxury brands, is very close to the coast. If you are interested in shopping with the locals in Istanbul and exploring the city, don't forget to add Baghdad Street to your list of places to visit. Alternatively, for a wide range of products consisting of exclusive brands and designer jewellery, you can head to Istinye Park located in Sarayer.
