Istanbul is filled with bazaars and markets, with some existing as far back as 400 years ago. Since this city was right smack into the trade routes, it is but natural that there is plenty of commercial activity here. Its markets and bazaars are always filled with products from various points in the world. Shopping is undoubtedly one of the popular pastimes of this city.
Here are some of the markets, bazaars and malls in Istanbul.
Grand Bazaar The grandmother of all bazaars, it ranks high among the world’s oldest and biggest bazaars. Today, this covers around 30,000 square meters and has some 3,000 to 4,000 stalls and shops. It even has a number of restaurants and cafes, as well as 2 mosques and close to 20 inns. This was originally made of wood but continuous development and renovations made it what it is now. It grew as domed roofs were used to cover the open streets that surrounded the area. It is always fun to explore the network of around 70 streets and alleys that make up this bazaar. So fill your bags with goodies to bring home – traditional products such as fabrics, porcelain, jewelry and all the wonderful souvenirs from this delightful city. With the 22 gates and entrances, getting into the bazaar may be confusing for some. Here’s an easy tip for you: head for the Nurusmaniye Entrance, as this is the easiest to find. This is very close to the Beyazit Square. You can shop at the Grand Bazaar everyday, starting from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Egyptian Bazaar Spices, anyone? Harking back to the mid-17th century, you will find virtually all kinds of herbs and spices in this market. No eye of newt or tail of bat, but definitely, you have your choice among the available aphrodisiacs, teas, oils, medicinal plants and of course, local delicacies such as the Turkish delight. The market has close to 90 shops, which are all encompassed under several domes. The bazaar is to the right of the New Mosque in Eminonu. It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.
Arasta Bazaar Close to the Mosaics Museum, this is a store with modest proportions, especially when compared to the Grand Bazaar. There are around 40 stalls and shops.
Sahaflar Carsisi Books are the products of choice in this market. Books – old and new – are available in this market, which is open everyday except during Sundays.
Please remember that most stores are closed during public or religious holidays.
Shopping at Istiklal Street This is not really a market but a street lined with stores, as well as restaurants and cafes. Istiklal Street stretches from the Tunel area up to Taksim Square.
Shopping at Nisantasi and Bagdat Caddesi If you come fully loaded, then you should try Nisantasi and Bagdat Caddesi, where most of the designer brands and internationally known outlets are located. Want a Louis Vuitton or Gucci bag? Well, there is where you can easily find it.
Markets around the City Istanbul also has a lot of nooks and crannies where you can troll to hunt for a good bargain – there is the Sahaflar Carsisi (which primarily sells books), the Beyoglu Flower and Food Market, the Kumkapi Fish Market, the Fatih Bazaar, the Sali Pazar street market, the Yesilkoy street market and the Sariyer Fish Market. In fact, there is also a street market open at specific days of the week.
As for malls, here is a short list of them:
Akmerkez – Etiler quarter
Astoria – Esentep
Atirus Shopping Center – Buyukcekmece
Atrium – Atakoy
Beylikduzu Migors – Beylikduzu
Capital Shopping Center – Altunizade
Carousel – Bakirkoy
CarrefourSA – Bayrampasa, Haramidere, Icerenkoy, Maltepe, Umtaniye
Cevahir Mall – Sisli District
Elysium – Sisli
Galleria Atakoy – Atakoy
Istinye Park – Istinye
Kanyon – Levent
Kule Carsi – Levent
Metrocity – Levent
Meydan – Umraniye
Nisantasi – Nisantasi
Prestige Mall – Bahcesehir
Tepe Nautilus – Acibadem quarter