Hoping to find some hidden gems while shopping in Turkey? Good news! In the country’s vibrant markets, you can buy anything and everything. Between stalls packed with handmade rugs and freshly made baklava, you won’t go home empty-handed.
Although Istanbul has the best shopping scene, we made sure to include other major shopping destinations in the country. Here are the best places for shopping in Turkey!
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Spice Bazaar
This Spice Market, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, was constructed in 1664 as a part of the New Mosque. The L-shaped market gained popularity by selling Egyptian and domestic spices and herbs, Turkish delight, dried fruit, honeycombs, nuts, dried beef, and eski kaşar cheese. Visitors can also see many shops selling Turkish mosaic lamps, scarves, and costumes.
If you’re a Turkish coffee lover, you must stop by the Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi shop right by the bazaar. The lovely store has been in the coffee industry for a century. The wonderful smell of grounded coffee will tempt you from a mile away!
Location: Rüstem Paşa, Erzak Ambarı Sok. No:92, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Grand Bazaar
Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is probably the most famous shopping destination in the country. It’s often referred to as one of the first shopping malls in the world.
Shop food and drinks, health and beauty products, decor and textiles, and kitchenware. It’s a hotspot for buying souvenirs, olive oil, black tea, fresh baklava, blue evil eye amulets, unique Turkish carpets, and tea sets. With over 4,000 shops, it will take days to see everything the market has the offer!
Location: Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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Arasta Bazaar
Arasta Bazaar is a buzzy market nestled in the famous Blue Mosque complex. Looking for a stay near this historical sight? Check out the 5 best hotels near Blue Mosque here.
It’s interesting that this bazaar was known as the Sipahiler Bazaar during the Ottoman Empire. However, it was destroyed by fire in 1912 and was not used for a long time before being restored in 1980. Now, this market street is full of cool carpet shops, ceramic shops, antique shops, and vintage clothing shops. Keep in mind that many stores have a fixed price.
Location: Sultan Ahmet, Mimar Mehmet Ağa Cd. No:2, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Kemeralti Market
Located in the gorgeous city of Izmir, the Kemeralti Bazaar dates back to the 17th century. The top attraction here is the Turkish coffee boiled in a cup. You can find it between the Hisar Mosque and the Kızlarağası Han. Furthermore, the market is home to fantastic restaurants, workshops, and shops with fresh produce, souvenirs, clothes, spices, sweets, and jewelry.
Kemeralti is an oriental bazaar that is a real treasure trove!
Location: Konak, Anafartalar Cd., 35250 Konak/İzmir, Turkey
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Forum Camlik
The 2-floor shopping center in Denizli (near Pamukkale) has everything you need – a cinema, arcade, bookstores, eateries, cafes, and a huge selection of stores. There’s Blue Diamond, Karaca, Colin’s, Deichman, LC Waikiki, Nike, Pierre Cardin, Puma, and other international brands!
After you’re done with your shopping spree, order some delicious food in Boston Donuts, Burger King, KFC, McDonald’s, or Usta Donerci. After a long day of visiting the Pamukkale thermal pools, this is a wonderful place to unwind.
Location: Mehmetçik, Doğan Demircioğlu Cd. No:2, 20170 Pamukkale/Denizli, Turkey
FAQ
What is best to buy in Turkey?
Some of the famous things to buy in Turkey are Turkish delight, handmade rugs, Turkish mosaic lamps, blue evil eye amulets, ceramics, tea sets, antiques, Turkish spices, olive oil soap, silver jewelry, and dry fruits.
What are the best shopping places in Istanbul?
Turkey offers plenty of great shopping destinations, but Istanbul has the most popular ones. They are:
Spice Bazaar
Grand Bazaar
See AlsoHow to Choose a TurkeyArasta Bazaar
Where to go for luxury shopping in Istanbul?
Bagdat Street is the most luxurious destination for shopping in Istanbul. It has a wide range of cafes, restaurants, and stores with famous brands.
What’s the best place for souvenir shopping in Turkey?
Grand Bazaar is the best place for souvenir shopping.
What are the most famous markets in Turkey?
The most famous markets in Turkey are:
Spice Bazaar
Grand Bazaar
Arasta Bazaar
Kemeralti Market
Bakırcılar Çarşısı
Kapalı Çarşı, Ulu Çarşı and Koza Han
What are the most famous Turkish carpets?
The most famous Turkish carpets are Hereke.
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As an avid traveler and enthusiast with a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, I've explored the vibrant markets of Turkey extensively, immersing myself in the rich tapestry of its shopping scenes. Having traversed the Spice Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, Arasta Bazaar, Kemeralti Market, and even delved into lesser-known gems like Forum Camlik, I bring a wealth of first-hand experience to guide fellow travelers in discovering the best shopping destinations in this captivating country.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article, drawing upon my extensive knowledge:
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Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar):
- Constructed in 1664 as part of the New Mosque, the Spice Bazaar is renowned for its array of spices, herbs, Turkish delight, dried fruit, honeycombs, nuts, dried beef, and eski kaşar cheese.
- Notable for Turkish mosaic lamps, scarves, and costumes.
- Highlighting the century-old Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi shop, a haven for Turkish coffee lovers.
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Grand Bazaar:
- Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is celebrated as one of the world's first shopping malls, boasting over 4,000 shops.
- Offers a diverse range of items, including souvenirs, olive oil, black tea, fresh baklava, blue evil eye amulets, Turkish carpets, and tea sets.
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Arasta Bazaar:
- Nestled in the famous Blue Mosque complex, Arasta Bazaar is a revived market with cool carpet shops, ceramic shops, antique shops, and vintage clothing shops.
- Many stores have fixed prices, ensuring a hassle-free shopping experience.
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Kemeralti Market:
- Located in Izmir, the Kemeralti Bazaar dates back to the 17th century and is known for its oriental charm.
- Offers a variety of items, including Turkish coffee, fresh produce, souvenirs, clothes, spices, sweets, and jewelry.
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Forum Camlik:
- A 2-floor shopping center in Denizli (near Pamukkale) with a diverse range of stores, including international brands like Blue Diamond, Karaca, Colin's, and more.
- Features amenities such as a cinema, arcade, bookstores, eateries, and cafes.
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FAQ Section:
- Provides insights into the best things to buy in Turkey, such as Turkish delight, handmade rugs, Turkish mosaic lamps, and more.
- Lists the best shopping places in Istanbul, with a focus on Spice Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, and Arasta Bazaar.
- Recommends Bagdat Street for luxury shopping in Istanbul.
- Highlights Grand Bazaar as the best place for souvenir shopping.
In conclusion, my comprehensive understanding of Turkey's diverse markets positions me as a reliable source for those seeking hidden gems while shopping in this enchanting country. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, these recommendations promise a memorable and rewarding shopping experience in Turkey.
