Istanbul - Shopping

Istanbul's most famous fish market. The fishermen present their goods on large plates filled with ice.... In addition to shrimps and lobsters there is Cupra (gilthead), Levrek (bass), Mezgit (haddock) and Hamsi (anchovy). Typically, the sellers turn the fishs' gills inside out to show how fresh the fish are. There are also fruit and vegetable sellers, food stalls with fresh clams and many taverns all around. If you have an acute sense of smell, you should bring a nose clip. more

Numerous varieties of delicious Turkish coffee, but also normal coffee and cocoa, can be found at Turkey's... most traditional store near the Egyptian Bazaar. more

Those interested in original calligraphy, perfect replicas and miniature paintings from the Ottoman era... will find what they are looking for in this store, and so will lovers of traditional clothing, jewelry and carpets. more

Central Asian textiles such as hand-embroidered Turkmen fabrics (suzaniler), Uzbek carpets, long Ottoman... garments (kaftans) and silken Ikat cloths are offered at Muhlis Günbatti on the Grand Bazaar. more

The well-stocked bookstore carries a large selection of (English) literature on all subjects related... to Turkey as well as CDs with traditional Turkish music. more

Among the many carpet dealers in the Grand Bazaar this specialist for quality kilims made by various... Anatolian tribes truly stands out. more

With its variety of different colors and smells, with all the bustle and buzz, the covered Misir Carsisi,... often called the Spice Bazaar and located behind Yeni Mosque, is a feast for the senses. Here you can still experience traditional oriental market life. For centuries fresh produce, commodities, textiles and all kinds of spices (also a good idea for a souvenir) have been sold here. more

In the bazaar area below Sultan Ahmet Camii (the Blue Mosque), arts and crafts items such as ceramics,... jewelry or lamps as well as hand-knotted rugs and kilims are sold in various little shops. Since the 17th century, the stalls served as the stables of the Sipahi, the Ottoman cavalry, hence the bazaar is sometimes also called Sipahi Çarsisi. more

On İstiklal Caddesi, Istanbul's most famous shopping street, the large, internationally operating glass... manufacture Paşabahçe has its flagship store. Here you can buy very modern but also traditional Turkish glasses and vases as well as tableware and kitchen utensils. Very special: collections and individual items inspired by the Ottoman style. more

For over 40 years, this German-Turkish bookshop, run by Thomas Mühlbauer, has been in business. There... is a wide range of German books. In addition to travel guides and books about Istanbul, there are also current bestsellers and translations of Turkish literature. more

The huge shopping center north of Beşiktaş claims to be the biggest one in town. In fact, you can spend... a long time here – statistics say that there are 71,000 parking spaces. In addition to all kinds of Turkish and international fashion boutiques, there is a megaplex movie theater with 10 cinemas (mostly international blockbusters). more

In this fine store on the best shopping street in Istanbul you can find stylish and exclusive leather... clothing for men and women, but also evening gowns and chic designer fashion. more

Mavi is the Turkish answer to Levi's and Diesel – and can well stand the comparison. In the brand store... on İstiklal Street, you can buy denim jeans in all styles and shades of blue. Other clothes to combine with your new jeans are offered as well. more