Best Places for Shopping in Turkey

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Sitting pretty between the continents of Asia and Europe, Turkey boasts of some truly magnificent shopping options that will make any shopaholic get into a frenzy. Shopping in Turkey is great, with open-air markets, covered Turkish bazaars and chic boutiques everywhere. Turkish carpets and ceramics are world famous but the list doesn't by no means stops there!
Bargaining (or haggling) is sometimes part of the experience. Do it right, and it can be a pleasant—and profitable—social experience.

From the 4,000 plus shops in the oldest bazaar in the world, to the 1, 76,000 sqm of stores in the largest shopping mall in Europe, it is not an exaggeration to say Turkey is a shopper’s paradise! Turkey straddles the two continents of Asia and Europe and continues it legacy of being an important trading capital since its time on the historical Silk RouteTurkey shopping is a wondrous mix of old and new, the perfect destination to stock up on traditional arts and crafts as well as avant garde high fashion.

Best Places For Turkey Shopping

Here’s our pick:

1. Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

Grand Bazaar is without a doubt the best place for shopping in Turkey! It is counted among the world’s largest markets and has been running since 1455. It’s touted as the first shopping malls in the world and has the widest assortment of things to buy. Step into the bazaar to go back into time, in a colourful shopping paradise!

What to buy: Carpets, Ceramics, Jewellery, souvenirs
Location: Beyazıt Mh., 34126 Fatih/Istanbul

 

2. Bagdat Street, Istanbul

Comparable to Paris’s Champs-Elesees and New York’s 5th Avenue, Bagdat is the hub for shopping in the city of Turkey. Running 9KM long, this main street has shopping malls, boutiques and department stores selling brands from across the world. Perfect for window shopping, you can spend hours eating and shopping on this street.

Where to shop: Vakko (Turkish luxury brand), Gilan (Jewellery), Pasabache (Glassware)
Location: ‎Maltepe-Kadıköy, Istanbul

 

3. ANKAmall, Ankara

ANKAmall calls itself ‘The Shopping Centre of Turkey’ and has more than 1, 76,000 sqm of shopping and entertainment space making it the largest shopping mall in Ankara Turkey. Competing with the best in Istanbul, it has over 350 national and international brands as well as entertainment avenues for the entire family.

Where to shop: Koctas, Armine, Gulaylar, Karpinski, Swarovski, Zara
Location: Gazi Mahallesi, Mevlana Blvd. No:2, 06330 Yenimahalle/Ankara, Turkey

 

4. Forum Camlik, Pamukkale

Pamukkale is popular as a spa town thanks to its many thermal springs with beautiful terraces. It draws tourists from around the world and is one of the best Turkey shopping destinations for souvenirs. Visitors shop for the ‘Buldan’ which is a local fabric, semi-precious stones, leather, and ceramic goods. The area is also known for the famous ‘Calkarasi’ grapes.

Location: Mehmetçik Mahallesi, Doğan Demircioğlu Cd. No:2, 20170 Pamukkale/Denizli

 

5. Terracity, Antalya

Antalya sits on the ‘Turquoise Coast’ of Turkey and is an entry to the Southern Mediterranean region. The city attracts a lot of luxury travelers and Terra City is one of the best Turkey shopping places. It has more than 180 brand stores that sell everything from Turkish textiles to tailored suits.

Where to shop: Bershka, Derimod, Ekol, Haribo
Location: Fener Mahallesi, Tekelioğlu Cd. No:55, 07160 Muratpaşa/Antalya

 

6. Contemporary Istanbul

Turkey shopping is not limited to just clothing or handicrafts! The city organizes a Contemporary Istanbul Art Fair every year and will be conducted from 20-23 September 2018. In 2017, more than 1,500 art works from 20 countries were on display. It’s the best place to pick up some international artwork for your home and office.

Location: Istanbul Congress Centre and Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Centre

 

7. Oscar Bazaar, Kemer

Kemer is a beautiful seaside resort town off Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast. Oscar Bazaar is one of the best places for shopping in Kemer Turkey. Right in the centre of the town is a medley of stores that sell anything from dry fruits to souvenirs. Grab pretty needlework items that are made by the local women.

What to buy: Dry fruits, Accessories, Textiles, Needlework
Location: Yeni Mahallesi, 07980 Kemer/Antalya

 

8. Cukurcuma Street, Istanbul

Shopping at Cukurcuma Caddesi in Istanbul is akin to time traveling! It is one of the best places for antiques and quirky shopping where you can get cheap Turkey shopping prices. The winding streets are flanked by beautiful neoclassical buildings that are now restored and protected. A perfect combination of flea market and souvenir shopping, you will certainly enjoy a day out in Cukurcuma!

Where to shop: Anadol Antik, Levanten, Firuze, Leyla Seyhanli, D Art and Design, Cezayir
Location: Çukur Cuma Cd., Firuzağa Mahallesi, 34425 Beyoğlu

 

9. Arasta Bazaar, Istanbul

Located in the Blue Mosque complex, Arasta Bazaar is the perfect place to combine sightseeing and shopping in Turkey Istanbul. The large open air bazaar is the best place to find handmade rugs and carpets, delicate ceramics, and mosaic tiles. Indulge in window shopping and get a cup of Turkish coffee on the go!

Where to shop: By Moses, Galeri Cengiz, Iznik Classics, Jennifer’s Hamam, Troy Rug Store
Location: Sultanahmet Mh., Kabasakal Cad Arasta Çarşısı, 34122 Fatih

 

10. Istiklal Caddesi, Istanbul

The Istiklal Avenue or Caddesi as it is known in Turkish as the perfect mix of ancient and contemporary Turkey. The old Gothic and Ottoman era buildings on the street host the biggest brands in International and local fashion. The quaint red tram that runs along the street adds to the perfect tourist experience.

Where to shop: Cicek Pasji, Atlas Arcade, Saray Muhallebicisi
Location: Istiklal Avenue, Beyoglu District

 

Turkey Shopping Tips:

  • Bargaining in the bazaars is quite common. Prices can be negotiated anywhere between 10-40% off the rates
  • The best things to shop in Turkey are Kilims (Traditional rugs), silk head scarves, local textiles, traditional jewellery and spices
  • You can pick up souvenirs like flower teas, spices (especially urfa and maras dried pepper), Turkish honey, Turkish coffee and Turkish towels
  • Credit cards and travellers cards are accepted in almost all shops in Istanbul, you don’t have to carry a lot of cash for shopping

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping In Turkey

Q. What are the best things to shop in Turkey? 

A. Turkey offers you some of the best things to shop while you are here, you can shop for the headscarves that are made from silk, choose from a varied variety of local textiles, buy Turkey’s traditional jewelry and spices, get some lower teas, purchase spices (such as Urfa and maras dried pepper), buy Turkish honey, Turkish coffee, Turkish towels, etc being here.

 

Q. What are the best places to shop from in Turkey? 

A. Turkey offers you some of the best places to shop from while being here on a trip, you can visit some amazing places like Arasta Bazaar, Istiklal Caddesi, Terracity, Antalya, Grand Bazaar, Turkey, Oscar Bazaar, Kemer, Cukurcuma Street, Istanbul Forum Camlik, Pamukkale, ANKAmall, Bagdat Street, Contemporary Istanbul, etc.

 

Q. What are the best things to take for friends and family from Turkey? 

A. You will get plenty of options to choose from while buying souvenirs for your friends and family from Turkey such as buying the local textiles, silk headscarves, traditional jewelry of Turkey, some aromatic spices, etc.

 

Q. Do they speak English in Turkey? 

A. Yes, English is widely spoken in Turkey and you can easily communicate with the locals on your vacation.

 

Q. What is the ideal time to visit Turkey? 

A. Turkey is a place with scorching summers and chilly winters so you can visit Turkey during spring and autumn. So plan your Turkey visit from April to May or from September to November.

 

Q. What are the best places you cannot miss out on in Turkey? 

A. There are some amazing places that you can visit on your Turkey visit such as Blue Mosque, Pammukale, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Aspendos Theatre, Oludeniz, etc that will guarantee you a fabulous time exploring nothing less than the best. 

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