Istanbul, Turkey

Best places to shop in Istanbul

5 markets, malls and shopping districts in Istanbul — what to buy, when to go, and the tourist traps to avoid at each one.

Last updated 2026-08-08

1. Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)

One of the oldest covered markets in the world — over 4,000 shops in 61 streets, trading carpets, gold, ceramics, leather and lamps since 1461.

Where: Bazaar
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Monday to Saturday 09:00–19:00; closed Sunday
Cost: Budget–Luxury
Tip: Opening prices run three to four times the settling price. Walk away at least once — it is expected, and the real price usually follows you.

Watch outCarpet dealers use long, hospitable, high-pressure sessions: tea, several hours, and shipping arrangements that substitute a cheaper rug. Photograph the rug you agreed on, insist on carrying it yourself or on an itemised shipping contract, and never buy on the first visit.

2. Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)

The Egyptian Bazaar by the Golden Horn — saffron, sumac, dried fruit, Turkish delight, teas and the surrounding streets of coffee merchants.

Where: Bazaar
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Daily 08:00–19:30
Cost: Budget–Mid
Tip: The streets outside the bazaar sell the same goods at noticeably lower prices to locals. Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi round the corner is the city's coffee institution.

Watch outSafflower dyed and sold as saffron is the standard substitution, and 'Turkish' pistachios are frequently Iranian. Taste before buying — good stalls insist on it.

3. Arasta Bazaar and Sultanahmet

The small arcade behind the Blue Mosque — ceramics, textiles, jewellery and İznik-style tiles, calmer than the Grand Bazaar.

Where: Bazaar
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Daily 09:00–19:00
Cost: Mid-range
Tip: Genuine hand-painted İznik ceramics are signed and cost many times the transfer-printed versions. Look at the back for the artist's mark.

4. İstiklal Avenue and Galata

The main pedestrian avenue from Taksim to Galata — international chains, bookshops, music stores and the Çukurcuma antique quarter downhill.

Where: Street Shopping
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Daily 10:00–22:00
Cost: Mid-range

5. Kadıköy Market, Asian side

The food market of Kadıköy — fish, cheese, produce, pickles and coffee, with the city's best food shopping and none of the tourist markup.

Where: Market
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Daily 08:00–20:00; liveliest Tuesday
Cost: Budget