Istanbul, spread over two banks of the Bosphorus like a colorful carpet, is a city of contrasts. The values of Europe and Asia create a dynamic metropolis blend, offering visitors a unique experience. Don’t miss your shopping opportunities if you’re here for historical or adventurous purposes. The city has it all.
Here is an Istanbul shopping guide for you.
Shopping on the European Side of Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the best shopping destinations, combining everything from high-end fashion to local brands and handmade crafts. Technically, the city can be divided into two main shopping zones: the European side of Istanbul shopping and the Asian one.
If you’ve chosen to stay on the European side, the most famous shopping districts are listed below. Most of the key shopping destinations in this part of Istanbul are well-known and oriented towards tourists.
Let’s have a closer look at them.
Istiklal Street
The pedestrian street, 1.4 kilometres through the heart of Beyoğlu, is iconic. Here, well-known international brands are presented together with local ones. The street vendors here offer everything from traditional Turkish desserts to handcrafted souvenirs. The souvenir shops are full of colorful scarves and shiny Aladdin lamps, which tourists happily buy.
On this street are shops selling Turkish brands DeFacto, LS Waikiki, Cotton, LTB, Collins, Mavi, and others. Zara, Mango, Adidas, Columbia and other similar foreign brands are also there.
Are you tired of shopping and want to take a break? One of the area’s highlights is the historic Çiçek Pasajı. The arcade, which dates back to the 19th century, offers charming dining options, perfect for a break while shopping.
Location: İstiklal Cd., Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
Grand Bazaar
Kapalı Çarşı is the most touristic shopping destination in Istanbul, but it’s still worth visiting at least once to feel the local vibe. At the market, you can find almost anything – from antiques to magnets and leather goods, as well as high-quality branded Turkish textiles.
Always bargain because the first time, you will get a price that is too high.
You should definitely buy a traditional decoration, an amazing handmade carpet, or handmade ceramics at the Grand Bazaar. The selection of spices here is also huge: pepper, cloves, cinnamon, anise, rosemary, cardamom, etc.
Insider tip: Pay attention to saffron, as this valuable spice is relatively cheap here.
A universal souvenir can be local olive soap or an elegant oriental amulet called the “Hand of Fatima”.
Location: Beyazıt, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Nişantaşı
Nisantasi is a district with a unique atmosphere for elite shopping. It’s also a good place for leisurely walks, ailled with art galleries and fancy cafes. The main shopping street in Nisantasi is Abdi Ipekçi. The key highlights are international luxury brands such as Prada, Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Escada, Dior, Burberry, and many more. Also, there are mass-market brands like Massimo Dutti and Zara and local Turkish Brands like DeFacto.
Travel tip: Don’t miss Baymen, the large store with often sales and discounts.
Location: Abdi İpekçi, 41700 Darica/Kocaeli, Türkiye
Zorlu Center
Shopping malls are a part of modern Turkish culture. They are about shopping and family leisure, as entertainment options are available on the territory.
Are you looking for luxury shopping in Istanbul? Zorlu Center Mall is one of the most luxurious shopping malls in the city. There are widely presented luxury global brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Dior. The futuristic design building covers an area of 73,000 square meters (almost 1 million square feet), so be ready to spend a whole day here. In addition to luxury brands, you can also find mid-price segments. The boutiques of local designers are also presented here. From designer clothes and accessories to jewelery and home decor, Zorlu Center has something for everyone.
Location: Levazım, Koru Sokağı No:2, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey
Kanyon Mall
The brands presented in the shopping mall are the elite ones, which first appeared in the “Kanyon.” The highlights for real brand lovers are Wagamama, Douglas, Bally, and Fresh Line Homemade Cosmetics. All these brands were not previously on the Turkish market.
The Kanyon shopping center is home to boutiques of world brands: CK, Dyson, L’Occitane, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Samsonite, Tommy Hilfiger, Zara Home, and many others.
This mall is a place for the whole family to spend a full day. In addition to the shops, the complex has 9 halls of the Mars Cinema. As for dining options, you will also find everything you like: restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Location: Levent, Büyükdere Cd. No:185, 34394 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey
Shopping on the Asian Side of Istanbul
The Asian side of Istanbul offers a unique shopping experience. It’s not so common to come here, but there are so many options for good shopping that you can’t miss them. Besides, it’s easy to come from the European side by using public transport. For example, the Marmara train crosses most of the Asian side.
Here are some notable locations you should check out for your Asian side Istanbul shopping.
Viaport Marina (Tuzla)
Viaport Marina is one of the best shopping areas in Istanbul on the Asian side. It’s located in Tuzla and is basically not just a mall, but an area with numerous shopping streets under the open sky with a picturesque harbour. You’ll get here the affordable Turkish clothing brands, lots of cafes and restaurants, and no crowds of crazy tourists, like in the center of Istanbul.
After shopping, have tea or coffee in one of the cafes with a beautiful view of the sea and yachts. In addition to the store, this area includes a zoo, aan water park, aquarium and a playground for children, which made this complex an ideal place to spend the whole day with the family. You can go there by Marmaray train, get off at Tuzla station and take a taxi to the Viaport pier.
Insider Tip: A lot of Turkish families come here at the weekend, so there can be problems with parking.
Location: Cami Mh Balıkçılar Sokak U Blok 20 U, D:226, 34940 Tuzla/İstanbul, Турция
Kadıköy
Bagdat Street (Bağdat Caddesi in Turkish), one of the most famous local streets with many brand stores, always remains one of the busiest places in Kadıköy This location is often visited by locals, as all middle class and mass market brands are represented here. The bazaar area of Kadıköy is also called the “Anatolian Beyoğlu.” There are many shopping outlets here, fruits and vegetable shops and fishermen’s pavilions together with the spice shops, pastry shops, restaurants and cafes. On Tellalzade Street, there are many antique shops and old book dealers. And not far from here, on the way to Bahariye Street, there is another famous street – Artists Street with ceramics.
Location: Bağdat Cad., İstanbul, Turkey
Üsküdar
Üsküdar is home to several markets and bazaars where you can find traditional Turkish handicrafts and souvenirs. The most popular market is Üsküdar Bazaar, where you can find everything from spices to textiles and jewelry.
But special highlights here are the shopping malls, mentioned below. Akasya Mall is one of the most stylish and expansive shopping centers on the Asian side of Istanbul. Here you can find not only new collections but also a huge number of sales, during which you can buy still trendy items for 30-40 percent of their original price.
One more mall in the area – Capitol Shopping Mall. It’s a popular destination for locals who are looking for all-in-one shopping.
Emaar Square Mall is one of the newest and most luxurious shopping centers in Istanbul, with a wide range of international brands.
In addition to fashion, the malls also have a wide range of entertainment and dining options.
Insider Tip: If you need good quality and reasonably priced jeans, visit Turkish brand Mavi. It’s a budget alternative to Levi’s.
Location: Acıbadem, Çeçen Sok. No:25, 34660 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Turkey
Authentic Shopping Experience
If you are not afraid to explore the city on your own, then come to one of the city areas like Maltepe. Just get off at the Marmaray train station and go inside the area by one of the narrow streets. On the way, you will find a large number of small shops that sell designer clothes from local Turkish manufacturers and many handicraft items. Perhaps this is the most spontaneous shopping for those who would like to find something truly unusual and original. In this way, you will in any case be outside the crowd and be able to immerse yourself in the local life.
And in between shopping, don’t deny the pleasure of stopping at one of the small local coffee shops in which try traditional Turkish coffee with a piece of Turkish delight. Istanbul is fairly safe for tourists and is great for long walks.
Where to eat in Istanbul
You won’t have any problems with food in Istanbul, as options range from world-class restaurants to local street food.
Insider tip: On your first evening in Istanbul, visit the InterContinental Hotel restaurant. You may have a fancy dinner or just a coffee with a snack here, but the primary purpose of coming here is a panoramic view of the city. That would be one of the most memorable sunsets in your life.
If you’re seeking a unique culinary experience, Istanbul is home to famous restaurants such as Mikla or Instagrammable Nusr-Et, which are extremely popular for their meat dishes. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, municipal restaurants, known as Sosyal Tesisleri, are your choice. Some offer great views, no less beautiful than a fancy restaurant.
Food courts in shopping malls are also a great place to try local food. Don’t miss Mado, where you can get desserts and complete meals at affordable prices.
Where to Stay in Istanbul
It’s up to you to choose where to stay to start your shopping in Istanbul. The city offers many accommodation options, from budget-friendly to top-notch ones. However, the best option for tourists is still a city center on the European side as all the key locations, such as the Sultanahmet area, Taksim Square and Galata Tower, are easily accessible from here. The Asian side is for a more authentic vibe to feel how locals live.
Platforms such as Airbnb, Booking, and Agoda are reliable booking options. Agoda may be the best option for long-term stays, as it usually has many special offers. Booking well in advance can also provide substantial discounts.
Travel tip: By the way, there is also a backpacker option. You may come directly to the hotel you like and bargain at the reception desk. If you’re friendly and talkative enough, you can get a discount.
Takeaways
Of course, it is impossible to describe in one guide all the existing shopping opportunities that are in Istanbul. The city is oriented towards tourists, but also 16 million local residents live here. As a result, there is a huge number of shopping centers as well as local manufacturers, who are represented in small boutique stores.
For those who would like to buy a lot of things at once in one place, it is worth choosing one of the large malls as the central part. But also do not refuse the opportunity to walk around the narrow local streets and try to find something special.
Shopping in Istanbul cannot be separated from the tourist experience since the sightseeings are located everywhere, so the best solution would be to go around the city for the whole day, walking and trying the delicious cuisine.
Galyna Rogovska is a travel expert with extensive experience in content creation. She is an enthusiastic globetrotter who has visited 25-plus countries, and an explorer with a passion for adventure.
