Exploring Istanbul’s vibrant shopping scene

SHOPPING, ISTANBUL Updated : Feb 9, 2015, 11.22 AM IST

Shopping
Shopping in Istanbul goes beyond just exploring the niche stores and fashionable boutiques. The city is also home to lively markets, eclectic stores and vibrant shopping precincts where you’ll find everything you can think of. Whether it’s the lively street markets such as Egyptian Bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Istiklal Caddesi, or the modern-day version of Grand Bazaar, Kanyon, or a collection of quirky stores like Armaggan, Haci Bekir and Jennifer's Hamam; the city has it all. Follow this guide to know where to go and what to buy while you’re exploring this charming city on foot.

1
Local MarketJennifer's Hamam

SHOPPING, ISTANBUL

Jennifer's Hamam

The delicious-smelling Jennifer’s Hamam sells everything from organic-cotton towels, robes, traditional pestemals and silk scarves, to handmade soaps and body lotions.

2
Retail ShopHomer Bookstore

SHOPPING, ISTANBUL

Homer Bookstore

Packed with books on history and criticism, architecture and art, literature and religion, Homer Bookstore has the city’s best selection of English language books for both adults and children, as well as an unmatched col...more

3
Local MarketHaci Bekir

SHOPPING, ISTANBUL

Haci Bekir

You can’t leave Istanbul without trying Turkish delight, or lokum, to those in the know. It’s a soft, sweet confection traditionally offered to guests on religious holidays, weddings and special occasions and it comes in...more

4
Local MarketArmaggan

SHOPPING, ISTANBUL

Armaggan

Armaggan designs and produces unique jewellery, crafts, and textiles at their own ateliers in Istanbul. Part of their mission is to preserve the centuries-old weaving techniques used to create their hand-crafted, one-of-...more

5
Street ShoppingIstiklal Caddesi

SHOPPING, ISTANBUL

Istiklal Caddesi

Stretching from Taksim Square to Tünel, Beyoğlu’s mile-long central artery – translated as Independence Street – is a major landmark and now a major shopping destination. Wandering down the vibrant thoroughfare reveals a...more

6
Street ShoppingAkaretler

SHOPPING, ISTANBUL

Akaretler

Originally built for royal staff from nearby Dolmabahçe Palace, a 75 million dollar makeover has turned this row of 19th century terraced houses into a trendy, high-end shopping destination.

7
Street ShoppingAbdi Ipekçi Caddesi

SHOPPING, ISTANBUL

Abdi Ipekçi Caddesi

First-time visitors to the city often overlook the upscale Nişantaşi/Teşvikiye neigbourhood, mainly because it lacks history. But the area, and particularly the ultra-European Abdi Ipekçi Street, is a shopaholic’s dream ...more

8
Street ShoppingGrand Bazaar

MARKETS, ISTANBUL

Grand Bazaar

With a warren of streets and around 4,000 shops selling everything from ceramics to carpets, spices to leather, the Grand Bazaar could occupy you for days if you let it. It was built in 1461 and, according to the very pe...more

9
Local MarketEgyptian Bazaar

MARKETS, ISTANBUL

Egyptian Bazaar

Exploring this bazaar is a sensory delight. You will be overwhelmed with the aromas of herbs and spices such as cumin, cardamom and cinnamon, as well as dried fruits, nuts and the best lokum – Turkish delight – in town.

10
Shopping MallVakko

SHOPPING, ISTANBUL

Vakko

Once the arbiter of Turkish fashion, Vakko still holds an important place in the country's sartorial hearts. It may no longer be cutting-edge, but it's classy and chic, with an excellent range of homeware, perfume, choco...more

11
Shopping MallKanyon

SHOPPING, ISTANBUL

Kanyon

Kanyon’s combination of convenience, size and the shops on offer make it one of the city’s most popular malls. Right next door to the Levent metro stop, its stunning indoor/outdoor design makes it perfect for shopping co...more

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