Istanbul is a shopping paradise where East meets West, offering a mix of traditional and modern goods. Here’s your guide on what to buy and shopping tips while in Istanbul:
What to Buy in Istanbul
1. Traditional Turkish Goods
Turkish Carpets & Kilims – Handmade rugs with intricate patterns.
Iznik Ceramics & Pottery – Beautifully painted tiles, plates, and bowls.
Evil Eye (Nazar Boncuğu) – A famous talisman for protection.
Copper & Brass Items – Handmade trays, coffee pots (cezve), and lamps.
Leather Goods – High-quality bags, jackets, and shoes.
Spices & Teas – Saffron, sumac, Turkish tea, and apple tea.
Turkish Delight (Lokum) & Baklava – Famous sweets in different flavors.
2. Fashion & Modern Shopping
Turkish Designer Clothing – Istanbul has a growing fashion scene.
Jewelry & Gold – The Grand Bazaar and jewelry stores offer handcrafted gold and silver pieces.
Luxury Brands – Available at malls like Istinye Park, Zorlu Center, and Kanyon.
Handmade Soaps & Perfumes – Unique natural soaps and Ottoman-style perfumes.
Where to Shop in Istanbul
- Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) – A historic covered market with thousands of shops.
- Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) – The best place for spices, teas, and sweets.
- Istiklal Street (Taksim) – Modern shopping with local and international brands.
- Nişantaşı – Luxury shopping district for high-end brands.
- Kadıköy & Bağdat Avenue (Asian Side) – Trendy boutiques and unique finds.
- Arasta Bazaar – A smaller, less crowded alternative to the Grand Bazaar.
Shopping Tips
✅ Bargain Smartly – Negotiation is common in bazaars but not in malls.
✅ Check Authenticity – Look for certificates for carpets, jewelry, and antiques.
✅ Try Before You Buy – Sample sweets, teas, and spices before purchasing.
✅ Know the Customs Regulations – Some antique items require special permissions to take out of the country.
✅ Visit Early or Late – Mornings are less crowded, while evenings may have discounts in malls.
✅ Use Cash & Card – Some places prefer cash (Turkish Lira), but malls accept cards.