Istanbul is home to one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Built in the 15th century, the Grand Bazaar spans almost 55,000 square metres and houses over 3000 shops and stalls. Locals generally shop at neighbourhoo…Open the full description
Istanbul is home to one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Built in the 15th century, the Grand Bazaar spans almost 55,000 square metres and houses over 3000 shops and stalls. Locals generally shop at neighbourhood markets as they’re much cheaper than the Grand Bazaar. Istanbul also has numerous big shopping malls.
Turkish people love to bargain. You should always try to bargain and ask for “indirim” (a discount).
Istanbul Modern
Museums & Galleries
29
7
With a tightly packed schedule and constantly rotating exhibitions, Istanbul Modern has something to please art lovers of all ages. There’s also a store inside the gallery where you can purchase unique souvenirs, as well as a café overlooking the Bosphorus.
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Grand Bazaar
39
9
Although the Grand Bazaar is notorious for its persistent shopkeepers, it’s still an enjoyable place to explore for its unique atmosphere. Built in the 15th century, the building spans almost 55,000 square metres and houses over 3000 shops and stalls.
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Local Experience
Morning Bosphorus Cruise with a Local Guide
Prices from
20
EUR
Duration
2 h
Languages
English
Meşhur Bebek Badem Ezmesi
Shopping
18
2
When you get in to the shop, you see the history, excellence, perfection, hygiene, kindness and believe to the thing they are doing. I always believe that in this nasty food sector, they are the ones who will never change doing what they are doing.
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Kadıköy
Cafes
29
7
Visitors taste the best traditional Turkish food in every corner of Kadıköy. Also they can enjoy numerous bars, bookshops, cafes.
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Bomonti Flea Market
31
3
What else awaits you at Bomonti? Leather jackets, shoes and boots, sunglasses, jewellery, record players and gramophones, snakeskin handbags… The list is endless!
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Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi
Shopping
26
3
This small coffee shop has been selling excellent Turkish coffee since 1871. It has many fans who wait in long queues to buy coffee that has been freshly roasted and ground.
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Local Experience
Morning Bosphorus Cruise with a Local Guide
Prices from
20
EUR
Duration
2 h
Languages
English
Milk Gallery & Design Store
Museums & Galleries
16
0
If you’re into street art and are curious about how it’s perceived and practised in Istanbul, you should definitely check out Milk. The exhibition openings are always crowded and always surprising. You might even catch a live tattoo session!
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Hacı Bekir
Shopping
18
5
This shop has a charming old-world atmosphere. The original décor has been preserved, and they still use the same jars and equipment. You’ll find a wide range of “lokum” (Turkish delight).
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Mısır Çarşısı
34
9
If you don’t have the time or patience to visit Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, Mısır Çarşısı is a well-located alternative. Stallholders are happy to share their wares, so stop by and sample, sniff and admire the myriad of delicacies on offer! They also sell leather products and souvenirs.
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Vefa Bozacısı
Cafes
33
10
This historical boza shop was established way back in 1876. The boza served here is thicker and tarter than traditional versions, and is now made by the great-great-grandchildren of the original owners.
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Yastık by Rıfat Özbek
Shopping
11
2
Their colourful and stylish cushions make excellent gifts. They smell absolutely divine!
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Çikolata Dükkanı
Shopping
7
1
It's absolute heaven for chocolate lovers. With light and dark varieties in all manner of fruity, nutty and spicy flavours, you’ll be sure to find a favourite. Their fancy boxes full of assorted truffles of your choice make an excellent gift.
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Ortakoy Mosque
Restaurants
15
2
Ortakoy has a neat little collection of shops and restaurants along narrow windy streets that lead out to the pier. At the pier, the Ortakoy Mosque can be seen jutting out into the Bosphorus, with the Bosphorus bridge in the background.
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Robinson Crusoe 389
Shopping
15
2
It has an incredible range of English language books as well as Turkish titles. If you’d like to get to know Turkish culture even better, browse their big collection of translated Turkish books available in English and other languages.
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Nahil Dükkan
6
2
This shop is the commercial enterprise of a non-profit NGO that supports women’s work in Turkey. Instead of buying typical made-in-China souvenirs, buy something handmade from Nahil and support underprivileged Turkish women and children.
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