Shopping
Turkey is a shopping paradise and boasts magnificent open-air markets, chic boutiques, historical bazaars, souks, and modern shopping centers. It offers a fascinating mix of old and new making it the perfect destination to stock up on traditional arts and crafts as well as modern fashion.
Turkey is one of the most important shopping destinations in West Asia. Street stalls and markets are the best places to shop for bargains. It should be noted that it is illegal to buy or export antique items such as carpets, coins, icons, colored tiles and ceramics, paintings, statues and sculptures, metal objects, etc from Turkey that are one or two centuries old. The penalties are stiff and usually include a prison sentence for serious offenses.
Istanbul
Shopping in Turkey is fantastic with open-air markets, covered Turkish bazaars, and chic boutiques. Istanbul boasts a great number of grand malls across the city where you’ll find everything you may be looking for, from high-end international brands to the very best of Turkish luxury.
Best Areas For Shopping In Istanbul
Istanbul, the vibrant metropolis spanning two continents, offers a plethora of shopping experiences that cater to every taste and budget. From historic bazaars to modern shopping districts, the city has something for everyone. Whether you’re in search of traditional crafts, luxury goods, or unique souvenirs, Istanbul’s diverse shopping scene promises to delight and inspire.
1. Grand Bazaar: Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It consists of 61 covered streets and over 4500 shops selling a wide variety of goods. At this bazaar, you can buy lanterns, embroideries, copperware, handmade pottery, Turkish coffee sets, spices, tea, leather products, kilim bags, carpets, and many more. It is a heaven for shoppers with streets lined with shop after shop along with several cafes and restaurants to try out the local Turkish cuisine.
2. Spice Bazaar: Spice Bazaar also known as Egyptian Spice Bazaar is one of the most colorful and famous bazaars in Istanbul. The market was built in 1664 and was the international trade center during the Ottoman Empire. It consists of a series of covered streets with numerous shops selling spices, herbs, tea, dried fruits, nuts, Turkish delight, and Turkish coffee.
3. Arasta Bazaar: Arasta Bazaar is one of the most charming shopping centers built during the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century. This small traditional market offers handicrafts, souvenirs, jewelry, carpets, ceramics, Turkish tiles, apparel, artwork, and spices at a reasonable price. The market has been visited by eminent personalities such as Shakira, Megan Fox, Ellen Lee Degeneres, and former US President Bill Clinton.
4. Serdar-ı Ekrem: Serdar-ı Ekrem is a small cobble-stoned street and is Istanbul’s boutique shopping street. On this street, you can find unique local fashion, gifts, and home décor products.
5. Valikonağı Caddesi: Valikonağı Caddesi is the heart of fashion in Istanbul and one of the most visited shopping zones. It has numerous brands, art galleries, fashion schools, and designer workshops and is said to be the meeting center of art and fashion in İstanbul. There are numerous restaurants and stylish cafés.
6. Abdi İpekçi Caddesi: Abdi İpekçi Street or Abdi İpekçi Avenue is one of the premier shopping streets of Istanbul. A variety of exclusive and expensive shops offering Turkish and international designer labels such as Escada, Burberry, Max Mara, Hugo Boss, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Giorgio Armani among others. It has restaurants serving international cuisine and cafés are up on both sides of the street.
7. Istiklal Caddesi: Istiklal Street also known as Istiklal Avenue and one of Istanbul’s major shopping destinations. It is lined with numerous stores of fashion brands, home décor, boutiques and art galleries, bars, pubs, discos, cafes and restaurants. The street is surrounded by a 19th-century palace, historical passages, mansions, and other prominent attractions, and the ideal place to combine shopping and sightseeing. The street hosts numerous international art festivals such as the famed Istanbul Film Festival.
8. Bagdat Street: Bagdat Street is one of Istanbul’s longest streets and is ranked as the 4th best shopping street in the world. It is known for its numerous luxurious and glamorous shops featuring local and international fashion brands, shopping malls, departmental stores, and boutique shops. You can find numerous luxury cafes, new-generation coffee houses, restaurants, and shops along the streets. It has numerous bars, pubs, clubs, and cafes offering great night-out activities for visitors to enjoy a lively night in Istanbul.
9. Çukurcuma Street: Çukurcuma is the premier street for antique shopping in Istanbul. Numerous shops are selling antique products such as 19th-century Ottoman embroidery, biscuit boxes from 1950, antique jewelry, antique paintings, vintage clothes, shoes, coins, and old photographs. The street is surrounded by beautiful neoclassical buildings and has a variety of nice cafes.
10. Sahaflar Bazaar: Sahaflar Bazaar is an antique book market located at Beyazit Square. The bazaar has numerous bookstores, second-hand book dealers, and antique booksellers. During the Ottoman period, Ibrahim Muteferrika printed the first book in Turkey in 1732.
Antalya
Antalya is one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey and the gateway to the Riviera. However, the metropolis on the Mediterranean coast also offers travelers and locals a variety of unique shopping opportunities.
Ataturk Street also known as Ataturk Cadessi with its countless small and large shops is particularly popular with travelers. The street is lined with coffee houses, jewelers, souvenir shops, and numerous boutiques that offer fashionable clothing and shoes of all kinds. You will also find a variety of restaurants and kebab stands on this street.
Liman Caddesi which leads from the city center to the marina has a variety of different shops that extend on both sides with shops and stands selling, textiles, jewelry, carpets, exclusive boutiques with handmade clothing can be found and stands that only offer souvenirs such as small shells, necklaces or hookahs. However, you cannot usually negotiate here, because the prices in larger stores are usually fixed. A wide variety of goods can be found here and restaurants and kebab stands are not far away.
The old bazaar market is considered the starting point for shopping in Antalya. The market is located in the city center and offers many specialized stores in leather, jewelry, handicrafts, clothing, spices, ceramics, carpets, and souvenirs.
Dogu Garaji market offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy and inhale the breathtaking aromas of tea, coffee, and spices. It is located in the middle of the city it offers an abundance of interesting wares such as cotton garments, leather products such as purses, belts, coats, ceramic ware, and souvenirs. You can visit the fruit shops that sell a multitude of fruits that will catch your eye and take your breath away.
Çağlayan Bazaar is the biggest indoor market in the Çağlayan neighborhood. At this bazaar, you will find an amazing selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts, spices, and olive varieties that have been brought in from the villages in the vicinity of the city.
Izmir
The seaside town of İzmir offers a variety of choices for shopping including many shopping malls all around the town as well as local bazaars.
Kemeralti bazaar dates back to the 17th century and offers an authentic Turkish
shopping experience. Kemeralti bazaar spills into a labyrinth of narrow lanes and tiny passageways and is home to numerous small local shops, artisan workshops, coffee houses, tea gardens, and inexpensive eateries. At this bazaar, you can buy clothes, shoes, bags, homeware, accessories, jewelry, toys, ceramics, Turkish mosaic lamps, musical instruments, leather, Turkish delight, spices, nuts, dried fruits, fresh fruit and vegetables, etc.
Kıbrıs Şehitler Caddesi is Izmir’s most famous pedestrianized street full of shops and eateries. You can find a wide range of goods varying from ethnic-designed handmade bags, leather shoes, souvenirs, stylish hats, accessories, and clothes at affordable prices.
Kızlarağası Hani is an old shopping market featuring Ottoman architecture. It is a 300-year-old building with shops selling souvenirs, carved camel bone articles, jewelry, antiques, water pipes, scarves, ceramics, tattoo studios, etc. The historic courtyard features tea and coffee shops where you can sit and admire the beautiful surroundings while sipping coffee.
Konak Pier is a seaside pier designed by the famous Gustav Eiffel in 1890. It was originally a French customs house but is now converted into an upscale shopping mall with clothing stores, boutiques, bookstores, cafes, and waterside restaurants.
Kusadasi
Kusadasi offers a great experience from high-class boutiques, bazaars, local open markets, and shopping malls offering something for all tastes and budgets.
Kusadasi Grand Bazaar near Kusadasi port is the second largest market in Turkey.
The vibrant bazaar has numerous shops and stalls where you can buy carpets, rugs, leather, jewelry, clothing, lanterns, souvenirs, crafts and decorative items. The bazaar is open 7 days a week and typically runs from 9 AM until midnight.
Kusadasi City Bazaar is a 3-day market. Every Tuesday and Friday it is a farmers market where you can buy different fruits and spices. On Wednesday it is a clothes and textile market and you can pick up some great value fake designer names including T-shirts and bags.
Scala Nuova situated in the port area is the upscale shopping area of Kusadasi. You cannot haggle in these, there are fixed prices. The shopping center has shops selling luxury items, high-street fashion brands, and designer boutiques offering world-class shopping with food outlets and cafes to enjoy after shopping.
Orient Bazaar is located just next to the Grand Bazaar is a traditional shopping center and worth visiting. You can shop for a plethora of goods and items such as clothes, shoes, hats, bags, watches, sunglasses, food, gifts, and more.
The streets of Kusadasi town are also full of great shops where you pick up bargains. You can shop for fake designer-name clothes, sunglasses, handbags leather goods, crafts, souvenirs, carpets, affordable jewellery, and more.
Bodrum
In Bodrum, you will find great shopping opportunities from popular outdoor and street markets, and antique and handicraft shops to supermarkets and boutique stores.
The popular shopping items in Bodrum are handmade sandals, colorful sea shells, famous sponges, handicrafts, Turkish clothes, onyx vases, bowls and ashtrays, mosaic lanterns, metal wares, carpets, shoes, bags and jewelry.
Bodrum pedestrian town center running parallel to the sea is host to small shops and clothing boutiques, carpets, sunglasses, leather products, jewelry, paintings along unique one-of-a-kind items.
The Tuesday textile market has stalls that consist of clothing, bags, bedding, towels, and other household items. At this market, you will find the biggest selection of genuine-fake designer wear.
The Milta Bodrum Marina has a cluster of fashion, home decor, and accessory shops running parallel to the Marina. At the shops, you will find stores of Gant, Polo, Mudo, Nautica, Diesel, and Tommy Hilfiger to name a few.
The Oasis Shopping Centre is a modern shopping mall with a nice selection of shops offering international and Turkish brands of clothing, shoes, and accessories along with restaurants and entertainment.
The Midtown shopping center has a variety of shopping options for home, clothes, books, shoes, children, and electronics along with a nice selection of food outlets.
Konya
Konya offers exciting shopping opportunities and is famous for a variety of unique products. The city delights visitors with a beautiful design and a rich selection of shops. It houses excellent fashion stores with casual wear and shops selling evening dresses.
Kulesite Alisveris Merkezi offers modern fashion clothing, accessories, and designer shops. There are fast-food cafes and interesting entertainment options for children.
Konya is famous for its handmade carpets and you can choose products from the best local craftsmen from large expensive carpets to small ones.
Kapali Carsi is a popular market selling goods including spices and popular Turkish sweets, luxury carpets, fabrics, handmade jewelry, and souvenirs. Konya is the centre of whirling dervish where you can buy wonderful vases and miniature glass figurines featuring whirling dervish.
Ankara
In Ankara, shopping revolves around shopping centers, and is the city with the most shopping malls in Turkey. Modern shopping areas are mostly found in Kızılay or on Tunalı Hilmi Avenue, including the modern mall of Karum which is located towards the end of the avenue. The Galleria in Ümitköy, Bilkem Cemer, Armada in Söğütözü, Migros Akköprü, and CarrefourSA in Batıkent are other modern shopping opportunities.
Bakırcılar Çarşısı is a popular street for copper workers and many interesting old and new items can be found such as jewelry, carpels, costumes, antiques, and embroidery.
Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu is filled with a never-ending row of old shops and stores selling hand-woven textiles, gift items, clothes, decorations, leather accessories, home and kitchen equipment. At the end of this street, there are numerous stores specializing in spices and dried fruits.
Samanpazari is made up of the streets of Koyunpazarı, Atpazarı, and Can, all connected and found right outside Ankara Castle. Take a stroll through these historic streets, where you’ll find yourself engulfed and surrounded by a historical atmosphere. Countless old wooden Ottoman houses have been turned into restaurants that are well worth a visit. Samanpazari is one of many spots in Ankara where new meets old and a great spot to get your piece of authentic Turkish handmade jewelry.
Izmir Street located in the central district of Ankara is the main shopping location with numerous shops selling a variety of goods. The street has numerous stores selling leather goods along with souvenirs and handicrafts.
Tunalı Hilmi Street is the oldest and most popular street in Ankara. The street has many stores and boutiques is especially alive during summer evenings and is the preferred destination for shopping.
Kızılay is a popular shopping and entertainment destination. The street is filled with locals and visitors where you can shop high street fashion, luxury goods, and souvenirs.
Fethiye
Fethiye is an authentic shoppers’ paradise. It offers modern shopping, traditional shops offering products that demonstrate a range of local skills, and a large weekly market with everything from clothing, shoes, and leather goods to fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables.
Erasta AVM is a shopping mall that has many famous clothing brands, and modern electronics. Carsi 95 also commonly known as Umbrella Street is Fethiye’s high street shopping. On this street, you will find chain stores and independent shops where you can find something a little bit different.
Near the main Fethiye harbor, there are many modern shops selling fashions, copper and wooden art products, ornaments, regional clothes, souvenir shops, restaurants cafes, and coffee bars. Paspatur also known as Old Town is the most popular and biggest shopping centre in Fethiye. It has numerous shops selling carpets, leather goods, pottery, spices, and herbs.
You can find a range of traditional Turkish items to take back as souvenirs such as onyx vases, bowls and ashtrays, mosaic lanterns, embroidery traditional handicrafts, Turkish clothes, metal wares, leather, carpets, shoes, bags, and jewelry.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a shopper’s delight and offers a wide range of shopping opportunities. You can buy intricate and unique pottery, Turkish blue eye, ornate plates, chess sets, mugs, ashtrays, carpets and rugs, terracotta artworks, and jewelry.
The town of Avanos has been the center for pottery and craft making since the Hittite period making it a fantastic place to purchase handmade ceramics. Several excellent workshops in the area give wonderful demonstrations using the red clay tradition and designs along with modern white clay plate production and hand painting. You can even follow the potter’s example and throw your pot while spinning the wheel with your foot, an ancient technique derived from the Hittites.
Avanos is also famous for its gemstones and jewelry. It offers handcrafted jewelry with unique designs and authorized recreations of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The local jewelers we work with are revered for their beautiful designs, use of precious metals and stones, and exquisite quality. The shops also offer tours of their workshops and explain the types of jewelry made as well as the Sultan’s collection pieces.
Onyx is a natural stone available in different colors such as green, white, black, and pink. Local artisans in the region are experts in making items of jewelry as well as beautiful vases, chess sets, attractive artifacts, and knick-knacks.
Cappadocia is renowned for Ebru art also known as Turkish marbling since the Ottoman period. The artist has a tray of sticky liquid on which acrylics or oil paints float. These colors are gently brushed into a pattern and when paper contacts the surface the design is transferred seemingly by magic. You can buy Ebru paintings featuring beautiful designs and patterns.
Cappadocia is known for its beautiful rugs and carpets, available in various colors, designs, and sizes. The spinning and dyeing of wool are made from natural plants, with designs and motifs that make them true works of art.
Cappadocia has been the hub of wine production for centuries in Turkey. The Emir type of grape is of particular value in the production of boutique wines and grows especially well in the Ürgüp area. Cappadocia has two major wine producers Kocabağ and Turasan offering quality wines.
The village of Soğanlı is famed for its decorative dolls in traditional dress are sold across Cappadocia. The dolls are in such demand that entire families in this village are engaged solely in the production of dolls.
Cappadocia is known for its cave houses and hotels. Across the town, you can buy lamps carved in the shape of caves. They are cute little gifts which will remind you of your visit to the famous city.