Turkey Shopping Guide

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Friday, April 1, 2022

Turkey, as we all know, is widely regarded as a paradise for shoppers from all around the globe. With its innumerable shops and bazaars, which have among them the oldest in the world as well as the biggest shopping mall in Europe, Turkey is a city of paramount trading potential. It is a perfect blend of the old and the new, making it a favourite shopping destination for all generations. The Sultanahmet District offers many such varieties for the average traveller. Tourists availing Turkey tour packages can explore some beautiful mountain ranges, emerald pastures and silky sand beaches.

1. Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

Grand Bazaar is the place-to-be for shopping in Turkey. Since its inception in the fifteenth century, it has left its mark in history as one of the largest markets and antique shops the world has seen. It is also among the first few shopping malls in the world that offers an array of things to buy from, which include ceramics, Turkish carpets, indigenous Turkish tea, lamps and ornaments.

2. Spice Bazaar

One cannot finish a trip to Turkey without buying its fair share of spices. And where else but the Spice Bazaar to buy spices from! Situated a stone’s throw from the Grand Bazaar, it is full of exotic spices, dry fruits, nuts, olives, coffee and Turkish delights. The Spice Bazaar was constructed in 1660 and it has become a huge commercial space today.

3. Bagdat Caddesi

Turkey offers contemporary shopping options that can rival any modern city in the world. Luxury shopping in Turkey begins and ends with Bagdat Caddesi or Bagdat Avenue or Street. This 9-kilometre-wide stretch is filled with shopping malls, department stores and fancy restaurants. Bagdat Caddesi offers a wide variety of designer clothes, rare jewellery, sculptures, paintings, ceramics and glassware.

4. Mall of Istanbul

No shopping experience is complete without a visit to a mall. Mall of Istanbul offers a never-before shopping experience that is second to none. Touted as the most functional shopping mall of Turkey, it is home to the most famous luxury brands in the world. Apart from these international brand stores, this premium mall also hosts amusement parks, arts centres and theatres.

5. Arasta Bazaar

Situated in the Blue Mosque complex, Arasta Bazaar is an ideal location for sightseeing and shopping in Istanbul. The large open-air bazaar is perfect to get your hands on handmade rugs, carpets and ceramics tiles. There is an option to get a cup of hot piping Turkish coffee while doing your window shopping routine, as well!

6. Oscar Bazaar, Kemer

Kemer is a picturesque and low-key resort locality situated near the south of the country’s beautiful Mediterranean coast. One of the places to buy your favourite stuff in Kemer is the famous Oscar Bazaar. The place provides a variety of outlets that sell dry fruits and local souvenirs.

7. Cukurcuma Street, Istanbul

Cukurcuma Caddesi is one of the best places to shop for antiques at surprisingly cheap prices. A unique blend of flea market and souvenir shopping, one is bound to enjoy a day out in Cukurcuma!

8. Istiklal Caddesi, Istanbul

Istiklal Caddesi is a great blend of old and modern Turkey. The age-old buildings on the avenue house few of the most popular local and foreign fashion brands. Something that adds to the surreal tourist experience is a red tram that goes along the avenue.

9. Women’s Bazaar

The Women’s Bazaar is a go-to destination for foodie travellers. This street is adorned with butchers, kebab restaurants, and meat stalls. The produce is fresh, so one could visit here and buy local cheese, pickles, dried fruits, nuts, and olives. Most of the people here are from the south eastern region of Turkey, and the market’s restaurants are evidence of their heritage.

10. Tahtakale

The small and narrow lanes to the western side of the Egyptian Spice Market are full of stalls selling heritage basketry, textiles, and wooden kitchenware. Household products are available, as well. Most of the items are handmade. It is a great destination to shop for cheap cushion covers, brushes, and pots and pans.

11. Nisantasi

Please make it a point to visit the Nisantasi district, north of Taksim Square, to experience Istanbul at its brilliant best. This is home to many international luxury brands. There are numerous good quaint cafes in this premium locality for you to head for when you are done with your shopping spree!

12. Galata

Run to Galata for fashionable designer gifts, vintage collectables and handmade crafts. The stone lanes here house an array of stores in Istanbul that sell fashion and designer accessories. There are plenty of independent cafes to stop for cake and coffee too.

Shopping Tips

Rugs, scarves made of silk, textiles, jewellery and spices are good options to buy.
Get your hands on local souvenirs.
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Bargaining is a usual practice in the Turkish markets.

FAQs

1. What are some good things to buy in Turkey?

Turkey offers many varieties of stuff to shop from. A few examples could be silk, traditional rugs, different kinds of local textiles, indigenous heritage jewellery and spices.

2. What are some of the better shopping places in Turkey?

Turkey offers a lot of amazing shopping places. There are a lot of great options in Grand Bazaar, Istiklal Caddesi, Bagdat Street, Arasta Bazaar, Tahtakale, etc.