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Experience the eclectic blend of textiles, jewelry, ceramics, spices, and more in Istanbul’s street shopping districts. Find out what to buy, where to shop, and where to set up camp!
Turkey’s Treasure Trove
Every year, millions of travelers flock to Turkey’s largest city, lured not only by its historical treasures but also by the excitement of Istanbul street shopping. This age-old metropolis is a melting pot of cultures, where the interweaving of Eastern and Western influences is vividly evident in its crafts, religions, architecture, and tantalizing cuisine.
While on the topic of Turkish crafts, did you know that Turkish craftsmen have been perfecting the art of rug weaving since the days of the Byzantine Empire? That’s over a thousand years! Turkish rugs are so well made that they can last centuries and acquire value with the passage of time.
Indeed, these ornamental textiles are merely the beginning of the cultural treasures you’ll encounter on your Istanbul street shopping adventure. To help get you started, we’ve put together a list of the 10 unmissable markets and bazaars in the city. We’ve also handpicked the best districts to lodge in during your stay, ensuring you’re in close proximity to the vibrant shopping scene. So, gear up to navigate, negotiate, and unearth the exceptional gems tucked away in Istanbul’s bustling street markets!
10 Must-Visit Istanbul Street Shopping Areas
The lure of Istanbul street shopping is irresistible, with its intricate bazaars and vibrant markets embodying the city’s unique culture. Here are ten of these must-visit shopping areas that will make your trip to this historic city truly unforgettable:
1. GRAND BAZAAR
Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul
Open daily 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The Grand Bazaar, the city’s largest and most famous market, spans 61 streets and houses over 4,000 shops selling a variety of local products. From hand-woven Turkish and Persian carpets to handcrafted gold jewelry, embroidered textiles, ornamental lamps, and a plethora of spices, the Grand Bazaar offers a vibrant sensory experience like no other. To get the most out of your souvenir budget, be sure to haggle – asking 30%-50% off the actual price is pretty standard.
2. EGYPTIAN SPICE BAZAAR
Rüstem Paşa, Erzak Ambarı Sok. No:92, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul
Open Monday to Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. & Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
This aromatic haven, also known as the Spice Bazaar, lures visitors with the intoxicating scent of its many spice stalls. A paradise for foodies, it hosts over 80 shops offering spices, nuts, dried fruits, herbal teas, and the renowned Turkish delight. Also, you can find cosmetics, gardening equipment, and even fish tank supplies.
3. ARASTA BAZAAR
Sultan Ahmet, Mimar Mehmet Ağa Cd. No:2, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
Open daily 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Nestled next to the Blue Mosque, Arasta Bazaar provides a more tranquil Istanbul street shopping experience. It has the same range of items as the Grand Bazaar, but it’s cleaner, quieter, and a lot less crowded. With its ceramics, textiles, and handcrafted treasures, the Arasta Bazaar is an excellent place for visitors to purchase affordable souvenirs and gifts.
4. BOOK BAZAAR
Mollafenari, No:, Medrese Çk. No:4, 34120 Fatih/İstanbul
Open Monday to Saturday: 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Also known as Sahaflar Carsisi, the Book Bazaar is an enchanting maze for book lovers. Here you can delve into a vast collection of old manuscripts, new publications, historical maps, affordable secondhand editions, stamps, and even gold coins. Most books for sale here are in Turkish, but if you dig deep enough, you’ll find some in English, French, and other languages as well.
5. ÇUKURCUMA CADDESI
Çukurcuma Cd., Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Çukurcuma offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Istanbul’s street shopping culture. This lively neighborhood is teeming with vendors selling antique items, Ottoman-era glassware, 19th-century Baroque furniture, and early 20th-century home decor. It’s a great spot for unearthing unique and historic items. Plus, it’s not too far from the Museum of Innocence, an exhibit of artifacts related to Nobel prize-winning novelist Orhan Pamuk’s novel.
6. İSTIKLAL CADDESI
İstiklal Cd., Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Open daily 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
İstiklal Caddesi or Istiklal Street, located in the heart of Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district, is a hub of high fashion and popular brands. The pedestrian-only street is lined with art galleries, cafés, nightclubs, and music stores as well. It’s definitely the place to be if you’re looking for a trendy, youthful vibe. Of course, this Istanbul street shopping center is not without its historic charm. The Flower Passage, for one, is thick with nostalgia from the architecture to the food.
7. SERDAR-I EKREM – GALATA
Serdar-ı Ekrem Cd., Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Near the iconic Galata Tower, Serdar-i Ekrem is a cobblestone street dotted with independent boutiques. The area has a laid-back atmosphere, where you can check out stores like Civan for tailoring, Analog Kültür for vinyl records, and Cafe Mavra for herbal teas.
8. KADIKOY TUESDAY MARKET
Rasimpaşa, Uzunçayır Cd., 34716 Kadıköy/İstanbul
Every Tuesday 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
The Kadikoy Tuesday Market, also known as the Historic Tuesday Market, is a bustling weekly affair. Shoppers can find everything from fish, vegetables, and fruits to clothes and fabrics in this packed venue. Beyond the typical Turkish bazaar staples like textiles, home goods, and fresh foods, this unique market also offers an eclectic mix of inexpensive second-hand items, oddities, antiques, furniture, books, and vinyl records.
9. FATIH WOMEN’S BAZAAR
Itfaiye Caddesi, Fatih/İstanbul
Open daily 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
A food lover’s delight, the Women’s Bazaar in the Fatih district offers a range of fresh food products and nearby restaurants. Known for products like honey, dried fruits, nuts, fresh vegetables, pickles, and olives, this market also caters to meat lovers with butcher shops selling quality cuts at reasonable prices. That being said, this Istanbul street shopping area is definitely not for the faint of heart, as many butcher shops hang sheep carcasses in full view.
10. ORTAKOY THURSDAY MARKET
Zafer, Sarraflar Çarşısı Sk., 68400 Ortaköy/Aksaray
Every Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The Ortakoy neighborhood is known for its upscale apartments and chic array of fashion, textile, and cosmetic shops. With top clothing brands setting up shop every Thursday, this locale becomes a market for inexpensive yet high-end items.
Where to Stay Near Istanbul Street Shopping Areas
From bustling marketplaces to vibrant nightlife, Istanbul is a city that never sleeps. For those who want to dive deep into the city’s heart, staying near the famous Istanbul street shopping areas is the best strategy. Here are five neighborhoods that keep you close to the shopping action and immerse you in Istanbul’s rich culture and history:
FATIH
Home to the Grand Bazaar and the Women’s Bazaar, the Fatih district boasts a multitude of accommodation options. The area also houses historical attractions such as the Hagia Sophia Museum and the Blue Mosque. For food enthusiasts, Asitane Restaurant serves Ottoman cuisine, while Ziya Sark Sofrası provides traditional Turkish food. The Seyyid Nizam Library, with its rich collection of books, is an oasis of calm amid the hustle and bustle.
BEYOĞLU
Beyoğlu district, known for İstiklal Caddesi and Serdar-ı Ekrem, offers a vibrant nightlife with countless bars, cafes, and restaurants like Nevizade Restaurant and Leb-i Derya. In the daytime, you can explore the Pera Museum or enjoy music at the Babylon concert venue. The area also provides an assortment of stylish boutiques and bookshops.
ORTAKÖY
If you’re a traveler keen on blending the high-society shopping experience of Istanbul street shopping with a rich cultural experience, Ortaköy is the place to be. Famous for its iconic Ortaköy Mosque and the upmarket Ortaköy Thursday Market, this district offers cafes like House Cafe and restaurants like Banyan. Art enthusiasts can explore the Elgiz Museum of Contemporary Art, and bookworms will love the expansive Ortaköy Public Library.
KADIKÖY
Kadiköy is a perfect locale for those who want to stay near the bustling Kadikoy Tuesday Market. A thriving district with a mix of modern and traditional vibes, it boasts numerous bookshops, cafes like Moda Teras Cafe, and trendy restaurants like Ciya Sofrasi. The Sureyya Opera House and the Istanbul Toy Museum are a must-visit.
SULTANAHMET
Situated within walking distance of the Arasta Bazaar, the Sultanahmet district is a popular choice for travelers. Apart from its range of accommodations, it is home to many historical attractions like the Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern. Try local delicacies at Matbah Ottoman Palace Cuisine and relax in coffee shops like the famous Sultanahmet Köftecisi.
Seek Out Cultural Treasures With Rent By Owner
The Istanbul street shopping scene is a window into the city’s rich history, an amalgamation of flavors, sights, and sounds that speak volumes about Turkey as a whole. Each step through the city’s winding streets brings you face-to-face with a vibrant past, held within the craft of its artisans and the soul of its people.
As you plan to embark on this unique adventure, let Rent By Owner be your guide! Our platform is a treasure trove of unique vacation rentals that place you right in the heart of the city. Choose from a vast array of accommodation options and enrich your trip with ideas from our travel content. Start your Istanbul journey with Rent By Owner today.
TLDR
Dive headfirst into Istanbul street shopping with this guide, covering 10 must-visit areas such as the Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Spice Bazaar, each brimming with unique wares and cultural treasures. Venture to the lesser-known but equally vibrant Çukurcuma and Serdar-i Ekrem, or join the locals at the weekly markets in Ortakoy and Kadikoy. For food enthusiasts, the Fatih Women’s Bazaar is a must-visit. Find the perfect home base for your shopping excursions in the central districts of Fatih, Beyoğlu, Ortaköy, Kadiköy, and Sultanahmet. Using Rent By Owner, you can locate the perfect vacation rental to explore these bustling markets and experience Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Swastik Arora
