This Istanbul shopping guide lists a few of the shops that you may wish to have a look through during yout Istanbul holiday. It also gives some general information about shopping in Istanbul. To learn about some traditional souvenirs and Turkish goods that you may wish to pick up, either as a memento for yourself or as a gift for someone back home check out our Turkey shopping guide. And what better way to end a day of shopping than by having a nice meal at one of the Istanbul restaurants?
Istanbul Shopping Guide
The art of Bargaining
Bargaining is an art and an integral part of shopping in Istanbul, so unless you are already an expert at it, here are some suggestions. If you point out something to a friend, be prepared to deal with an onslaught of persuasion from the shopkeeper. It's good to have some idea of what Turks expect from tourists. Say 'next time' instead of a flat out 'no'. Only ask for the price if you are ready to bargain. And remember that the first price they give you is never the last. Similarly, when you bargain, start with an amount much lower than what you can pay. If you want Turkish souvenirs, take along someone who knows how to shop for them. It's a good idea to walk away if you want a lower price, or try a using a little Turkish language to sweeten the vendor. If you are in a rush, you will end up paying more, so take your time. And don't forget to keep an eye out for fakes.
Istanbul Bazaars and Markets
Grand Covered Bazaar
Istanbul has three bazaars that you must explore. The first is the Grand Covered Bazaar, one of the world's greatest places to shop, and even if you don't know what you want to buy, you're sure to find something that you just must have. One of the great joys of shopping in Instanbul in a place like this is rummaging through all sorts of knick knacks dating back various eras. The shop keepers here will invite you in for tea, and you can bargain with them to your heart's content without feeling embarrassed about it, for in Istanbul everyone bargains in the markets.
Egyptian or Spice Bazaar
The second important bazaar in Istanbul is the Egyptian or Spice Bazaar. You can spend the whole day here looking at the wonderful herbs and spices, admiring the brilliant hues of the spices, and enjoying the various aromas.
Arasta Bazaar
And the third not-to-be-missed bazaar in the city is the Arasta Bazaar in Sultanahmet, east of the Blue Mosque. The bazaar is the property of the famous Blue Mosque, and renting it out to shopkeepers helps maintain the mosque. Here you will find among other interesting items, carpets, jewellery, water pipes, and backgammon games. You will be able to purchase items at 25 % less than the initial price quoted (as in the Grand Bazaar), but here the prices quoted are not as high. What's more, shop keepers in Arasta Bazaar are not as adamant as those in the Grand Bazaar. Unlike most bazaars in the city, the Arasta Bazaar is open on Sundays too.
Books, records and posters
If you're looking for second-hand books in different languages, or old posters, and records, visit the Aslihan Sahaflar Çarsisi which is situated underground near the fish market in Beyoglu.
Fashion and shopping centres
If its trendy clothes you want, head to the 10 km long Baghdad Street between Bostanci and Kadiköy. Most of the famous brands have branches here. Plus there are lots of cafes that will give your legs a welcome break.
Both the Bagdat Caddesi on the Asian side of Istanbul, and Nisantasi on the European side have shopping centres crammed with hundreds of high-end stores. These are located in the exclusive districts of the city and sell almost everything a shopaholic would want, with Istanbul shops selling goods including carpets, furniture, antiques, clothes, shoes, jewellery, or other fashion accessories.
Sourvenirs
Apart from a wide variety of carpets and kilims, Istanbul is also known for its beautiful ceramic ware. And when it comes to jewellery, there's 18 carat gold studded with pearls, and other gems, as well as vintage watches.
If you're thinking of taking back gifts for your loved ones, there's much more you can get in Turkey besides the usual souvenirs of postcards and knick knacks. Here are a few ideas:
Leather garments - In Turkey, leather is cheaper than anywhere else in the world because the country is the world's biggest producer of leather. Along the tram line that cuts through Sultanahmet Square, in the Laleli, Beyazıt, and Mahmutpaşa districts, you'll find several shops in Istanbul that specialise in leather.
Carpets and kilims - Many parts of Turkey manufacture hand made carpets and kilims. You'll notice that the patterns woven into the carpets and kilims vary according to the region in which they are made. The designs are usually symbolic of the ancient Anatolian religions and the nomadic Turkish lifestyle that had existed over a 1000 years ago around shamanic beliefs. You can shop for carpets and kilims in any major city in Turkey, since the tradition of weaving flourishes here. Look for these items in the tourist areas of Istanbul, as well as in Sultanahmet.
Honey - Marmaris is famous for its pine honey which has a considerably stronger flavour than regular flower honey, and is thicker in consistency. And there's the hard to find and much sought after flower honey of the Macahel valley. The flowers come from a temperate semi-rainforest in the far north-eastern Black Sea Region, which is a beautiful place unspoilt by human habitation.
