Whether you’re browsing boutiques in Nişantaşı, hunting souvenirs and spices in the markets or seeking ceramics and Turkish carpets, knowing where to shop in Istanbul and what to look for is key. To guide you, we’ve curated a list of must-visit spots that capture the essence of this vibrant city.
Grand Bazaar
Istanbul’s famous maze of a street market promises the shopping experience of a lifetime. Explore some of the 4,000 shops and establishments and bargain over the item of your desire, be it a leather bag or antique Turkish carpet.
Nişantaşı
The luxury shopping and fashion district of Istanbul, Nişantaşı is also known for Art Nouveau-style apartment buildings. Its upscale pubs and restaurants are popular with trendsetters and the well-heeled.
Beşiktaş Market
Mingle with the locals and experience the vibrant daily life in one of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods. Walking from Shangri-La (around 5 minutes), and crossing the busy avenue will take you into Beşiktaş Market, where you find a myriad of shops as well as the neighborhood’s quintessential fish mongers, restaurants, lively bars, and trendy cafés.
Akaretler Row Houses
Nestled in the heart of Beşiktaş, Akaretler Row Houses blend historical elegance with contemporary luxury. These beautifully restored houses now host an array of designer boutiques, contemporary art galleries and sophisticated home décor shops, making it a must-visit shopping destination for those seeking style and culture in Istanbul.
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)
Spice Bazaar, smaller than the nearby Grand Bazaar, features rows of spice vendors prominently displaying their colorful wares in large, pyramid-like mounds, making it a visual experience as much as a place to shop for spices, Turkish delights, and other souvenirs.