Istanbul is not only filled with priceless historical sights, but it is also the epicenter of shopping. Even Byzantine Constantinople was once considered the main trading point where merchants from Europe and Asia gathered. And today, shopping in Istanbul offers something to everyone. Even one of the largest market places in the world, the Grand Bazaar, is located here! Most of the complexes are located in large business districts, and many of them are filled not only with shops, but also with living areas, offices and entertainment areas.
Textiles industry is one of the leading industries in Turkey. So the range of textile products is huge, and there are a huge number of national brands offering clothing products. In addition, the markets of Istanbul offer real oriental sweets, spices, silk scarves, jewelry and leather products. Not to forget, the wide selection of antiques and carpets. Read more about where to shop in Istanbul below.
Istiklal
Judging by the reviews of tourists, shopping in Istanbul takes on a truly grandiose scale on the famous Istiklal shopping street, stretching from Taksim Square to the Golden Horn. Often this place is called a paradise for shopping lovers, and such a status is justified. On a street more than 2 km long, numerous shops and shops, night clubs and restaurants are lined up. At Istiklal, a tourist expects a rich assortment of various goods. Here you will find souvenirs, oriental sweets, clothes, Turkish shawls and scarves, antiques, musical instruments, cosmetics, gold items and even household appliances. Istiklal has many boutiques of world brands: Zara, H&M, LTB, Mango, Nike and others.
There are shops of different price categories on the street, so economical tourists and wasteful travelers will like it here. It is worth considering that in shops located at the very beginning of Istiklal, prices are always more expensive, so before making a purchase, we advise you to take a walk down the street and ask the price.
- Address: İstiklal Cd., Beyoglu, Istanbul.
- Opening hours: every day from 10:00 to 22:00. Some departments are open until 23:00 – 00:00.
TC “Jevahir”
In addition to Istiklal Street, shopping in Istanbul also thrives within the walls of various shopping centers. If you believe the reviews, many tourists prefer to make purchases in a place called “Jevahir.” This is one of the largest shopping centers in the world, which began to function since 2005. The object occupies 6 floors, and its area is almost 630 thousand m². On the first 4 tiers there are 340 stores, the last 2 floors are reserved for numerous cafes, restaurants and entertainment areas.
The products of both Turkish and world brands are presented in Jevahir: here you will find the departments of LC Waikiki, Koton, Colin’s, Mango, Gap, YSF, etc. Also, they go to the mall to buy home textiles, furniture, electronics, shoes, jewelry and jewelry. After shopping, customers rest on the upper floors, where the rows of fast foods, cafes and restaurants are concentrated. Also in “Jevahir” there is an amusement park “Atlantis”, which have fun with families.
- Address: 19 Mayıs Mahallesi, Büyükdere Cd. No: 22, 34360 Sisli, Istanbul.
- Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 22:00.
- Official Website: istanbulcevahir.com
Shopping center “Akmerez”
Another place to go shopping in Istanbul is Akmerez Shopping Center. This is a multifunctional complex spread over 4 floors. The building has 43 elevators – 2 of them are panoramic. The shopping center includes boutiques, offices, residential premises, banks, food courts and entertainment rooms. There are 246 departments where the most diverse products are sold: children’s and adult clothes, shoes, souvenirs, jewelry, decor items, household appliances and much more.
Judging by the reviews, the object is quite popular not only among the residents of Istanbul, but also among its guests, which is confirmed by statistics. More than 50 thousand people visit Akmerez daily, and on weekends this number exceeds 70 thousand. In the shopping center you will find a lot of stores with clothes of world brands, such as Lacoste, Armani, Boss, Benetton, Levi’s, Mango, etc. The complex is designed for the middle working class, so the prices here are not too low, although some Turkish brands offer products at very competitive prices.
- Address: Kültür Mahallesi, Nispetiye Cd No: 56, 34340 Besiktas, Istanbul.
- Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 22:00.
- Official website: www.akmerkez.com.tr
Shopping center “Marmara Forum”
A large part of tourists make purchases in Istanbul at the Marmara Forum shopping center. This is one of the largest shopping centers of the metropolis, covering an area of about 375 thousand m². The Marmara Forum appeared in 2011 in the Bakirkoy district. It is primarily distinguished by its ultramodern design: in the light of evening illumination, the structure looks like a real spaceship. The center has many positive reviews, so for tourists staying in the Bakirkoy region, it will be an ideal place for shopping.
In the “Marmara Forum” you can find all kinds of goods, including shoes and bags, clothes, electronics, books, toys, watches, jewelry, etc. The complex will delight with a wide selection of world-famous products such as Adidas, Columbia, Deichmann, Pull & Bear, LTB, Nike, etc. Products of popular Turkish brands are also represented here: Mavi, Koton, LC Waikiki, Zen, Tac, Karaca and others. A variety of cafes and restaurants occupy the entire floor of the building. In addition, visitors have the opportunity to play bowling, visit the cinema and games room.
- Address: Osmaniye Mahallesi, Çobançeşme Koşuyolu Cd. No: 3, 34568 Bakırköy, Istanbul.
- Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 22:00.
- Official website: marmaraforum.com.tr
In which area of Istanbul is it better for a tourist to stay – read this article .
Shopping center “Canyon”
Reviews about shopping in Istanbul often feature Canyon Shopping Center, which many travelers visit not only as a place to shop, but also as a tourist attraction. The center is a real work of modern architectural art, built in the shape of a canyon and representing a miniature town. In 2006, he won a prestigious award for his concept of open space. Here are located both commercial and office premises, as well as a living area.
The “Canyon” spread out over an area of 250 thousand m² in the area of Sisli. The complex has 170 stores selling home goods, clothes, shoes, appliances, cosmetics, optics and much more. Among the most famous brands here are presented Swarovski, Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, etc. In addition, in the center you will find a lot of cafes and restaurants with national and international cuisine, small coffee shops and fast foods.
- Address: Esentepe Mahallesi, Büyükdere Cd. No: 185, 34394 Sisli, Istanbul.
- Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 22:00.
- Official website: kanyon.com.tr
Tepe Nautilus
Tepe Nautilus is a famous shopping center of the metropolis, spread out in the Asian region in the Kadikoy district. The building covers an area of 170 thousand m² and is located on 3 floors. Tepe Nautilus opened in 2001 and became one of the first conceptual shopping centers in Istanbul. The interior of the building is made in a marine theme, which the name of the object may hint at. Judging by the reviews, shopping in this place is very popular among residents and guests of Kadikoy, as evidenced by its attendance: up to 50 thousand people gather here on weekends.
There are 113 departments in Tepe Nautilus: they go here to buy adult and children’s clothes, jewelry, shoes, cosmetics, household goods and household appliances. Popular Turkish brands (LC Waikiki, Koton, Mavi, Bambi, Hotic) and world famous brands (Benetton, Lacoste, Pierre Cardin, Zara) are presented here. In addition to shopping, the center offers a cinema, 18 cafes and a bowling alley.
- Address: Acıbadem, Nautilus Ticaret Merkezi, Fatih Caddesi No: 1 Mağaza No: 47, 34718 Kadıköy, Istanbul.
- Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 22:00.
- Official website: tepenautilus.com
Olivium
Shopping center Olivium is the largest outlet in Istanbul (the first in the city), which was opened in 2000. Initially, there were only 25 stores in it, but today their number has increased to 118. The facility is located in the working quarter of Zeytinburnu, but, according to reviews, it is also very popular among visitors to the metropolis. About 25 thousand people visit it daily, and at the end of the week the number of customers reaches 40 thousand.
Since Olivium is an outlet, here you can buy goods from world and national manufacturers at very affordable prices. Here you will find textile and shoe products, cosmetics, appliances, toys, etc. The outlet includes brands such as Diesel, Mango, Colin’s, Samsung, Puma, Adidas and other well-known brands. In addition to shops, the complex has a children’s playground, a cinema, a bowling alley and a food court.
- Address: Gökalp Mahallesi, No :, Prof. Muammer Aksoy Cd. No: 39, 34020 Zeytinburnu, Istanbul.
- Opening hours: every day from 10:00 to 22:00.
- Official website: olivium.com.tr
Profilo
In the reviews of tourists about shopping in Istanbul, one more interesting object is traced under the name Profilo. This is a large shopping and entertainment complex located in Sisli, a modern district of Istanbul. The facility covers an area of 110 thousand m² and has 217 departments. Most of the goods here are clothing, shoes, electronics and jewelry.
In the center you will find products for the most part made in Turkey. Among the famous national brands it is worth noting FLO, Madam Coco, Teknosa, Koton and Mavi. In addition to the shops in Profilo you will find 7 cinemas, a large bowling hall and 3 theaters where you can watch live concerts. Well, on the top floor, visitors can always have a bite to eat in the many fast foods and restaurants of Turkish cuisine.
- Address: Gülbahar Mahallesi, Cemal Sahir Sokaği No: 33, 34394 Sisli, Istanbul.
- Opening hours: every day from 10:00 to 22:00.
- Official website: pam.com.tr
Grand Bazaar
One of the largest indoor markets in the world is located on Beyazit Square in Istanbul. This is exactly the place where travelers can not only make purchases, but also immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a genuine oriental bazaar. In market stalls you will find products for every taste, including leather goods, carpets, sweets, spices, gold jewelry, antique items and much more.
If you are looking for markets in Istanbul to buy things, then the Grand Bazaar is the perfect choice. The local assortment of clothing exceeds all reasonable limits: here you can find copies of many well-known brands. Read more detailed information about this place here.
Egyptian Bazaar
The second most popular market in Istanbul was the Egyptian Bazaar, which is located in the historic Eminenu district. It has more than five centuries, which can be clearly seen in the structure and atmosphere of the object. Often the Egyptian bazaar is called the Spice Market, and indeed, the assortment of spices is amazing. In addition, it is here that the richest selection of oriental sweets is presented: halva, baklava, kadaif, lokuma, writing, etc.
In their reviews, many tourists claim that the most delicious sweets in Istanbul are sold at the Egyptian Bazaar. Here you can also purchase effective cosmetics, herbs, perfumes, souvenirs. It is noteworthy that prices in this market are significantly lower than in the Grand Bazaar, but many travelers bypass it because of the inconvenient location. However, being in Istanbul, not to go shopping at the Egyptian Bazaar would be a big omission.
- Address: Rüstem Paşa Mahallesi, Erzak Ambarı Sok. No: 92, 34116 Fatih, Istanbul.
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday – from 08:00 to 19:00. On Saturday – from 08:00 to 19:30, on Sunday – from 09:30 to 19:00.
- Official website: misircarsisi.org
Summary
Shopping in Istanbul is a whole event that can take more than one day. We hope this guide gets you acquainted with the different shopping malls and bazaars here.
