Istanbul is the commercial center of Turkey and an important gateway for trade between Europe, Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea. For centuries, the city’s merchants have sold their rich variety of wares to its cosmopolitan visitors. There is something for everyone in the ancient bazaars, modern malls, and high streets of Istanbul.
GoWithGuide has seasoned guides who know just how to administer the correct dose of retail therapy. Whether you are looking for luxury goods or are hooked on haggling, shop in comfort with one of our customizable private city tours.
Grand Bazaar
In the historic heart of the city lies the Grand Bazaar. It was established shortly after the conquest of Constantinople, now Istanbul. For 450 years, it was the center of trade for territories under the control of the Ottoman Empire. Goods from the Middle East, Northern, and Eastern Africa found their way to this market. In 1985, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, the bazaar’s focus is almost exclusively on the plethora of Turkish products available. The country is a manufacturing powerhouse and the Grand Bazaar is its showcase. Turkey is one of the world’s leading producers of denim and gold products, meaning jeans and jewelry are popular purchases. You will also find high quality ceramics, textiles, lamps, and leather goods. It’s best to have your wits about you, though, as bargaining is standard practice here. To ensure you don’t get a bad deal, one of our local guides can assist you with your retail negotiations.
The 7.5 acre covered market has four main gates and a total of 21 entrances. Shops are clustered according to the products they sell, with streets named for the professional guilds active in each area. There are 61 of these old city streets, lined by more than 4,000 small shops. The vaulted walkways, domes, and tiled ceilings make this a delightful excursion in all seasons.
During the days of the empire, it would not have been unusual to spot the Sultan and his family shopping in the market. As women were not allowed to linger outdoors, provision was not made for eating establishments. You can however purchase Turkish coffees and teas, and delicate sets in which to serve them. The Grand Bazaar is a 10-minute walk from the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, situated in the old European part of the city. It is open from 08:30 to 19:00 all year round, except for Sundays and religious holidays.
Spice Bazaar
The Spice Bazaar is just a 10-minute walk from the Grand Bazaar. It has several names, initially being documented as the New Bazaar, as it was built almost 200 years after the Grand Bazaar. Then the name was changed to the Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) because construction was funded by revenues from Egypt, a former province of the Ottoman Empire. The word ‘Misir’ also means ‘corn’ in Turkish, so it is sometimes referred to as the Corn Bazaar as well. Tourists know it as the Spice Bazaar.
The rich colors of the Mediterranean are found in the fresh pomegranates, figs, and olives laid out next to piles of exotic spices in autumn hues, and the soft pastels of Turkish Delights and other candies. It is a sensory overload of fragrances, aromas, and tastes. For added ambience, scented candles and soaps are also on offer.
Linger at the kiosks while you savor the smooth, rich local coffee or tea, accompanied by an array of sweet and nutty baklava desserts. Local inhabitants frequent the Bazaar to play board games and generally relax. The bazaar is open between 08:00 and 19:00 but opens later on Sundays. It is closed for Ramadan and Sacrifice Festivals.
Book Bazaar – Sahaflar Carsisi
One of Istanbul’s best kept secrets is the Book Bazaar, which was once part of the Grand Bazaar. It dates back to the 15th century, and grew organically from a cluster of shops that served the needs of the students of the nearby Beyazit theological university. The area became the center of Turkish printing and publishing. A bust of Ibrahim Muteferrika, the first Ottoman publisher, celebrates the industry.
The Bazaar specializes in second hand books, most of them Turkish, but treasures in other languages can also be found. Antique books, leather-bound editions, and miniature artwork are on sale, as well as maps and manuscripts. If you love the smell of old books, this is a place to linger, but unlike the other markets, haggling is not advised here.
Istiklal, Taksim Square, and Nisantisi Shopping Districts
Still on the European side of the city, but across the Golden Horn lies Istiklal Cadessi, or Independence Street. This shopping boulevard is 1.5 km long and stretches from Tunel Square in the south to Taksim Square in the north. A vintage tram carries passengers up and down the length of the pedestrian mall.
Istiklal is one of Istanbul’s busiest thoroughfares and is a hive of activity well into the night. Most shops close at 10 pm, but the bars and restaurants remain open, often until the last patrons leave. At the far end of this spine of activity is Taksim Square, which is sometimes referred to as the heart of modern Istanbul. From midday to midnight, it pulses with shoppers, diners, and late night revelers.
For a more upmarket shopping experience, you need only travel a few minutes north of Taksim Square to Nisantisi. This is the commercial center of Sisli, where the more notable addresses are located. It is home to the country’s top fashion houses, jewelry designers, and purveyors of other high-end items.
The finest luxury goods on offer in the city can be found in Nisantasi. Many of them are on display at the Istanbul Cevahir Mall, the sixth largest of its kind in the world. This 20-storey shopping extravaganza also houses more than 100 of the world’s top brands. The decor is an opulent spectacle, best viewed during the festive season.
The Asian Side of the City
East of the Bosphorus, the Asian side of Istanbul offers a different and more budget-friendly shopping experience. Kadikoy and Uskudar are the areas most popular with tourists. Visitors can shop like locals at the lively Kadikoy Fish Market. Besides fish, shoppers can purchase meat, fresh produce, cheeses, and preserves here. For those with a sweet tooth, there is a selection of baklava and other fine desserts on offer as well. Bahariye Street is the Anatolian version of Istiklal, with main street shops and vendors located down ancient alleyways. The street is renowned for its clothing, frequently sold at bargain prices.
Bagdat Street in Uskudar is the longest street in Istanbul. It is a 15 km long strip mall with a mixture of permanent establishments and pop-up shops that materialise on different days of the week. Along Bagdat Street is Caddebostan, where you will find a smorgasbord of restaurants and kiosks selling street food. They offer much needed sustenance to see you through the rest of your marathon shopping spree.
For a different taste of mall life, head for Watergarden Mall, so called because of its central show pool and fountain show. Dazzling dancing water is choreographed to laser lights, music, and fire. Most of the restaurants overlook the water, and the developers have striven to incorporate nature into the concert area, game arcade, and adventure park. If the weather chases you indoors, you will find more entertainment at the cinemas and theaters.
Conclusion
Istanbul has so many facets, not least as a shopping destination. For centuries, skilled artisans have been honing their crafts and offering them for sale in a congenial international atmosphere. Banter and bartering are part of the social fabric of the city, and everyone is invited to join in.
Our local guides are discerning buyers and astute bargain hunters. They will map out a personalized shopping expedition that will save you time, money, and effort.