Istanbul is one of the most attractive shopping cities in the world. This ancient metropolis, located on two continents, became famous for its history, sights and modern shops, shopping malls, antique
bazaars and entire neighborhoods where you can buy anything you want. Trade is part of national traditions and mentality, and a wide selection of quality Turkish goods always attracts many buyers.
What and where to buy in Istanbul?
In Istanbul, you can buy a variety of goods that have become a symbol of this largest metropolis or are a national tradition.
Clothes and shoes
High quality clothes and shoes are produced in Turkey and Europe. Turkish clothes are available at affordable prices and are presented with modern high quality models. European brands are also widely represented in a diverse assortment, including both new and past seasonal models, but at lower prices.
Rugs
Another pride of Turkey, especially handmade masterpieces, which are woven using the double knot method, making them especially dense. When buying, you should pay attention that there may be Chinese fakes on the market.
Dishes
It is also a popular item among tourists in Istanbul, produced for more than four centuries and is well-deserved demand among visitors.
Textile
Including linens, towels, bedspreads and bathrobes, it is one of the most popular souvenirs for tourists who visit Istanbul. In this city, any shopping center or market offers a huge selection of excellent quality goods in a wide range.
Antiques
Among the many places where you can buy antiques in Istanbul, Aksaray is the most famous. Interesting things can also be found at flea markets, but it is worth remembering that the export of items older than 100 years of historical value is prohibited.
Leatherware
Leather products are distinguished by high-quality processing, fashionable design and affordable price. They can be purchased in almost all shopping centers and bazaars, and there are even areas where such products are the main specialization.
Jewelry
Jewellery attracts with its affordable price and variety of choices. It should be borne in mind that low gold prices are associated with its low breakdown, which includes silver and copper alloys.
Turkish sweets
Tourists always bring Turkish sweets, alcohol and other products from Istanbul as souvenirs.
Top Shopping Centers in Istanbul
In Istanbul, the most convenient place for shopping are large shopping centers, which are concentrated shops of the most popular European and Turkish brands. Here you will also find places for recreation and entertainment, restaurants and food courts.
Forum Istanbul
Forum Istanbul is one of the largest shopping centers in Istanbul, located on the Asian side of the city in Bayrampasa. It offers over 300 shops, restaurants, cafes, food courts, movie theaters, bowling alleys, helicopter flight simulators, entertainment centers, play areas, and the famous Sea Life Aquarium, home to over 15,000 marine animals. Many popular mass brands are presented in Forum Istanbul, which are well known to customers and please with pleasantprices.
Marmara Forum
Marmara Forum is a modern shopping mall located in the Zeytinburnu area and is popular with locals. Here you will find everything you need: clothes, shoes, goods for children and home, household appliances, accessories and much more. In addition to foreign brands, you should pay attention to Turkish ones, as they are more affordable and of good quality. However, people come not only for shopping, but also for a pleasant pastime. Many cafes and restaurants have their own terraces from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Marmara Sea and the city. In the evening, the building is beautifully lit and resembles a ship.
Cevahir
In the Sisli district in the European part of Istanbul, there is the largest shopping center in Europe - Cevahir. This six-storey building houses more than 350 shops and boutiques, which represent famous world brands, including Turkish ones. In Cevahir, you can buy everything from linen, clothes, home textiles, furniture and household appliances. In addition to shopping, you can have fun here: there are rides, arcade games, bowling, 11 cinemas, many cafes and restaurants, as well as a huge food court.
Zorlu Center
Another large shopping center is located on the European side of Istanbul, in the prestigious Besiktas area. This project is considered the most expensive in the city. You can get directly inside from the Gayrettepe metro station without going outside. With more than 200 shops, both local and luxury brands are represented, as well as many restaurants, cafes and a food court. There is also a multiplex cinema, a recreation park with an artificial pond and more than 200 plant species, including about 70 tree species. The Zorlu Center also offers a performing arts center, a hotel and playgrounds.
Aqua Florya
A small shopping and entertainment center is located near the former Ataturk International Airport, in the Florya area. It is located right by the water, on the shores of the Sea of Marmara. In addition to 145 shops and boutiques of elite world brands, it has cinemas, an open-air amphitheater, an arcade, exhibition and event rooms, restaurants and cafes on open terraces, landscaped and walking areas. Its main attraction is the aquarium "Istanbul Akvaryum", one of the largest in the world. It has a large underwater tunnel and 64 pools, home to 15,000 sea creatures of various species.
Canyon Mall
This shopping mall gets its name from its canyon-like shape. In 2006, it won the Commercial Built award at the Dubai Mall Exhibition and is an architectural landmark in Istanbul. It is located in the business district of Levent and has direct access to the metro station of the same name. Here you can find everything: shops, a gym, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, offices and living quarters. In addition to well-known mass-market brands, there are also those that first appeared in Istanbul - such as Wagamama, Douglas, Bally, Fresh Line Homemade Cosmetic. Canyon is also known for its largest bookstore in the city.
Istinye Park
A popular shopping center for celebrities, politicians and wealthy entrepreneurs is located in the Sariyer district. Its parking lot is full of luxury cars, from classic Rolls-Royce and Mercedes to new racing Bugatti and Ferrari. In Istinye Park, new collections of clothing and footwear from world-famous brands are the first to appear, which take part in fashion shows in Paris, Milan and New York. As in other shopping centers, there is a multiplex cinema, playgrounds, entertainment areas, a gym, as well as gourmet restaurants. The street with buildings for each brand attracts the most attention of visitors.
Historia Shopping Center
Historia shopping and entertainment center is located in the historic Fatih district, close to the Aksaray metro station and the T1 tram stop (Haseki), which makes it convenient for tourists. The center is home to numerous shops that heavily stock popular European brands, but also some well-known Turkish brands. In addition to shopping, visitors can relax in cinemas, cafes and restaurants, have fun in special areas, take part in fashion shows, concerts and other events.
Akmerkez
One of the oldest shopping centers in Istanbul is located in the Besiktas district. Akmerkez consists of two twin office towers, a residential building with 24 floors and a shopping center. The latter occupies three floors and includes world brand and mass market stores, beauty salons, banks, cafes, restaurants, a food court and cinemas. It also hosts art exhibitions as well as performances by artists. When darkness falls, people gather at the towers of the shopping center to see the laser show on the facade of the buildings.
Mall of Istanbul
The shopping center is located in Basaksehir, near the Kocatepe metro station on the M1B line. Within its walls there are more than 350 stores representing European and Turkish brands. In addition, a food court, cafes, restaurants and cinemas are available for visitors, as well as a bowling alley and free Wi-Fi. However, the main feature of the shopping center is a huge entertainment complex for children.
Vadistanbul Shopping Center
In Ayazag, surrounded by the Belgrade forest, there is a beautiful and modern shopping center Vadistanbul. It consists of a three-story building with 250 shops, a food court with a rooftop terrace overlooking the forest of the Sendere Valley, a 5-star hotel and office space. Inside the building there is a monorail road that connects it with the Seyrantepe metro station on the M2 line. In the shopping center you can enjoy slow shopping, take a walk in the park and relax by the fountain.
Demiroren Istiklal Shopping Center
The center is located on the popular pedestrian street of Istanbul - Istiklal. From the outside, it looks small, but its secret lies in the fact that several floors of the building go down. Inside Demiroren there are more than 40 shops for children and adults, including European and Turkish brands. In addition, it has a cinema, an art gallery, cafes and restaurants, as well as entertainment areas.
EMAAR Square Mall
The luxury shopping center is located in the Uskudar district and is not inferior to competitors in its variety of goods in different price categories. Shops and boutiques with democratic prices are located on the lower floors, and on the upper floors - elite ones. Shoppers will find here everything they need according to their preferences and budget. Families with children can also enjoy shopping as there is a great play area for the little ones with a playground, an aquarium and animation services. The mall also offers an excellent food court, a terrace restaurant overlooking the fountain, multiplex cinemas and other entertainment.
Akasya
One of the largest shopping centers in Istanbul is located in the Uskudar district and occupies a huge area on five floors. Here shoppers will find the latest collections of elite European and Turkish brands. In addition, as in other large shopping centers, there are recreation areas, a food court, restaurants and cafes, multiplex cinemas and a lot of entertainment. There are playgrounds for children, as well as an interesting place to visit - KidZania, which is intended for children of senior preschool and primary school age.
Famous bazaars of Istanbul
Bazaars are the oldest trading places in Istanbul. The city is home to several of the largest bazaars, which have retained their authentic character to this day. Here you definitely need to be able to bargain - this way you can reduce the price of purchases up to two times and enjoy the process itself.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is located in the Sultanahmet area, close to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and is one of the largest covered markets in the world. Its area exceeds 30,000 m², and there are 66 streets and more than 4,000 shops on its territory. This picturesque bazaar is popular with tourists, but is not the best place for shopping, as the prices of goods here are significantly inflated. People come here to feel the atmosphere of the Old Town, enjoy the trade and maybe buy some souvenir.
Arasta Bazaar
Arasta Market, located in the Sultanahmet district, is one of the oldest markets in Istanbul and is located next to the Blue Mosque and the Mosaic Museum. It is part of the peristyle of the huge imperial palace in Constantinople, which was accidentally discovered in the 30s of the last century. The market consists of just one street, which has more than 70 shops selling souvenirs, antiques, handicrafts and jewelry, oriental sweets and spices. But his main specialization is carpets, which are created by hand. The most famous are those produced in the areas of Bunyan and Hereke.
Laleli
Laleli Market is located in the shopping district of the same name, in the heart of the Old City, next to the Grand Bazaar, Laleli and Bayezit mosques. It is popular with businessmen who come to Istanbul for Turkish textiles, knitwear and leather goods. Many sellers are fluent in foreign languages, including Russian, as traders from the states of the former Soviet Union bought here in the 90s of the last century. Today, here you can buy local products wholesale, retail and at competitive prices.
Egyptian bazaar
The Spice Market, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is located in the Eminonu area, next to the New Mosque and the banks of the Golden Horn. It is the second largest market in the city. Here you can buy aromatic spices, sweets, herbs and teas, dried fruits, souvenirs, natural cosmetics, leather goods, dishes, textiles and carpets. When visiting this bazaar, you should definitely look into the famous Pandeli restaurant, located on the second floor, to enjoy the view of the Bosphorus.
Horhor
Khorkhor Market, which is famous for its unique atmosphere and rich history, is located in Fatih, near the Aksaray tram stop. Here lovers of antiques can find unique items that have their own history. On the market you can buy various interior items, dishes, accessories, jewelry and much more, which date back to the period of the Ottoman Empire of 1850-1930, the era of Napoleon III, as well as various Russian antiques.
Ferikey
The Ferikey market is famous for its organic products, which are available every Saturday. However, in addition to this, other goods can be purchased at the market: fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits are sold on Mondays and Thursdays, and antiques on Sundays. The atmosphere of a cozy market is preserved with a wide selection of goods for various tastes.
Sahaflar
This is the main book market in Istanbul, located in the old part of the city between the Beyazit Mosque and the gates of the Grand Bazaar. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, when editions of several printing houses were sold here, and madrasah students bought textbooks. Today on the market you can find both antique books and buy new ones at lower prices than in specialized stores.
Kadikoy
Kadikoy Bazaar is located on the shores of the Sea of Marmara in the area of the same name on the Asian side of Istanbul and is very popular. This place is always lively, and the prices for goods here are cheaper than in the markets in the European part of the city and in the historical center. The market is open only two days a week - Tuesday and Friday. Here, locals can buy fresh fish, meat, groceries, fruits, sweets, pastries, dried fruits, nuts and other delicacies. The clothes and shoes presented at the bazaar are not of high quality. You can also buy bags, textiles, linen and souvenirs here.
Istanbul outlets
In Istanbul, there are many outlets located throughout the city. They offer products with good discounts on past collections. Many travelers specifically choose the time of their trip to this metropolis in order to get on sales and take advantage of seasonal discounts in stores.
Olivium Outlet Center
The first shopping center in Istanbul is located on the European side of the city, in the Zeytinburnu district. This huge four-story complex contains more than 140 popular brand stores offering a wide range of goods: clothes, shoes, household appliances, cosmetics, textiles and other goods. In addition to many shops and boutiques, Olivium Mall also has restaurants and cafes, a food court, recreation areas, multiplex cinemas, Kiddyland, a bowling alley, a rock climbing wall and recreational mountaineering.
Airport Outlet Center
Not far from the former Atatürk Airport, there is a large shopping center where you can buy goods of famous brands of different price categories in more than 100 stores. In addition to shopping, there is also a lot of entertainment here, such as an ice rink, cinemas, restaurants and cafes, an amphitheater and areas for children's entertainment.
Optimum Outlet
Located in the Kadikoy area on the Asian side of the city, the Optimum Outlet is a huge shopping center with over 160 stores in an impressive area. Most of them specialize in the sale of goods from past seasons, but you can also find new collections here. Visitors often comment on the excellent food court, skating rink and Playland. In addition, the Optimum outlet has many shops for children, as well as the opportunity to rent a stroller for babies while shopping. With all its advantages, this outlet is an attractive place for shoppers.
Shopping areas and streets of Istanbul
In Istanbul, in addition to the proposed shopping centers and markets, there are many streets and areas where you can enjoy shopping, feel the atmosphere of the Old City and stroll through historical places. Such shopping areas are a unique experience for shoppers.
One of the most popular pedestrian streets in the city, Istiklal Caddesi is always busy and attracts many tourists and locals. Here you will find many cafes, restaurants, pastry shops, shops and the Demiroren Istiklal Shopping Center, which offers a wide selection of goods from European and Turkish manufacturers.
If you want to go to the Asian part of the city, be sure to visit Bagdat Jaddesi Street. There are fashion boutiques of famous brands such as Zara, Nine West, Mango, LTB, Mavi, Yargici, Tommy Hilfiger, Escada. In addition to shopping, you can enjoy a pleasant atmosphere, walk under the canopy of tall trees and enjoy a cup of coffee in a cozy cafe.
Merter District
It is famous for its excellent quality clothes from Turkish manufacturers. Here you can find jeans and evening dresses that come here from all over the country. The advantage of Merter is lower prices than in other areas, but the disadvantage is the poor knowledge of foreign languages by sellers.
Zeytinburnu District
It is industrial and has many factories and shops related to the production of clothing. Here you can update your wardrobe for the beginning of the autumn-winter season by buying leather and fur products, bags and accessories at an inexpensive price. Coming here for shopping, it makes no sense to strive to find the lowest prices in stores - they are about the same everywhere. Fans of individual tailoring can contact the factory directly, where the desired item can be ordered and sewn in just three days.
Nishantashi District
It is famous for selling branded items from European manufacturers. Here you can meet famous personalities such as stars, politicians and big businessmen. The most popular street is Abdi Ipekci Caddesi, where the haute couture atmosphere of Milan reigns.
Laleli
A favorite shopping area for tourists from Russian speaking countries who visit Istanbul. Most of the signs are written in Russian, and the sellers are fluent in this language. There is a large bazaar with the same name, as well as many shops where you can buy goods both wholesale and retail: clothes, underwear, accessories, dishes, as well as fur and leather products.
Osmanbey
It is famous for its huge selection of textiles and clothing from world famous brands and Turkish manufacturers. In addition to this, here you can buy shoes, toys, electronics, souvenirs and many other goods.
Sales and seasonal discounts
There are two sales in Istanbul every year - the first from July to September, and the second from mid-January to March. At the start of each sale, the prices of goods are reduced by about 30%, and closer to the end of the sale, discounts can reach 70%. It is important to note that at the end of sales, the least requested items are usually left, and not all stores offer big discounts. In addition, some brands arrange sales according to their own schedule. At any time of the year, you can find discounted prices for goods in Istanbul.
Istanbul Shopping Fest
Every spring or summer, Istanbul hosts a huge shopping festival that lasts over a month. During this time, participating stores offer special discounts of up to 70% and are open 24/7. In addition, many historical sights of the city open two hours later than usual, concerts, fashion shows, theatrical performances, contests and lotteries are held. On some international destinations, Turkish Airlines introduces a special fare with free baggage allowance up to 50 kg.
Tax Free
By purchasing goods, tourists can get the opportunity to receive a VAT refund for several categories of goods:
At the standard rate (minimum check amount 118 TL) on accessories, electronics, watches, sunglasses, cosmetics, china/ceramics and homewares; At an additional rate of 8% (minimum check amount is 108 Turkish liras) when buying textiles and clothing, leather goods, carpets, shoes, bags, optics, books, food. To receive a tax refund, you must ask the cashier for the "Global Blue Tax Free". When leaving the country, it is necessary to present this form along with checks and goods in the whole package and with tags at the customs control point at the airport. The employee will put a stamp on the form. After this process, you need to go to the point with the blue star logo, where you can get a VAT refund in cash or on a bank card.
Children's shops in Istanbul
In Istanbul, there are no problems finding baby products. Every shopping mall, bazaar and large store offers well-known brand departments that offer a wide range of products for children of different ages. Among the most popular stores are LC Waikiki, Soobe and E-bebek.
Turkish clothing and footwear brands
Turkish clothing and footwear brands have long been popular due to the excellent combination of affordable prices and high quality. If you're going shopping in Istanbul, look out for manufacturers whose products can be found everywhere and who offer their customers models that are in line with the latest fashion trends.
Mass market
Below is a list of brands of clothing, shoes and accessories, which can be divided into three categories by pricing.
- In the middle price segment, you can find brands such as Vakko, Network, Gizia, Ipekyol and Twist. These brands offer quality clothing made from natural fabrics, including outerwear, leather goods and accessories. The range of these brands is focused on different styles and preferences of buyers.
- For denim lovers, there are brands such as Mavi, Colin's and LTB. These brands offer not only jeans, but also other types of denim clothing, as well as accessories.
- In the mass market, you can find shops such as LC Waikiki, Koton, Mudo, Yargici, DeFacto, adL and Collezione, which offer a wide range of clothing for the whole family, including accessories, textiles and costume jewelry. Clothing in these stores is characterized by low prices and availability.
The footwear category includes brands such as Desa, Flo and Kemal Tanca. Desa offers a wide range of high quality leather shoes, outerwear, belts and bags, while Flo specializes in budget shoes for the whole family. Kemal Tanca is focused on the domestic market and offers quality leather products.
