Turkey is a shopping paradise, featuring many open-air markets, expansive shopping malls, and bustling bazaars offering diverse goods, from exquisite carpets to stylish clothes and jewelry. While the city boasts renowned A-list shopping destinations, the authentic experience lies in exploring vibrant street markets. You will find all kinds of high-quality local products and noteworthy imports from the best bazaars this city offers. Here are the 10 best Shopping Places In Turkey
1. Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
The biggest street bazaar of Istanbul, Grand Bazaar, has roughly 4000 shops selling various local products. It is a colorful market with warehouses and caravanserais connected with vault roofs. The most popular items people purchase here are high-quality Turkish and Persian hand-woven carpets, handcrafted gold jewelry, and embroidered textiles.
Timings : Open daily from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
2. Spice Bazaar, Istanbul
Also known as Misir Carsisi or just the Spice Bazaar, you will know you have reached the right place from miles away from the rich aroma generated by the spice stalls in the market. A food lover’s haven, there are over 80 shops selling spices, nuts, dried fruits, and herbal teas. The famous rose-flavored Turkish delight, lokum, is a must-try item. Here, you will find some of the best saffron, cinnamon, and dates.
Timings : Monday- Saturday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Sunday: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
3. ANKA Mall, Ankara
Located in the capital city of Turkey, ANKA Mall is the largest shopping mall in Turkey. Spread over 1,76,000 sqm, this shopping mall has 350 local and international brands. It has a range of retail stores, fashion outlets, electronic shops, home goods stores, and more. ANKAmall has a cinema, food court, restaurants, cafes, and recreational areas for families. It is a perfect place to find a diverse range of products and spend the day out with family and friends.
Timings: Open daily from 10:00 AM- 10:00 PM
4. Çukurcuma Street,Istanbul
Çukurcuma gives the perfect opportunity to indulge in said exploration. It is a bustling neighborhood with many shops and restaurants on the streets. A shopping place rich in antique items, you can find Ottoman-era glassware and candlesticks, late 19th-century Baroque furniture, lanterns, and hookahs. Home and decor items from the early 20th century are also widely available here.
Timings : Open daily from 10:00 AM- 10:00 PM
5. Oscar Bazaar, Kemer
Oscar Bazaar is a treasure trove for Turkish artistry. Located in the heart of a beautiful seaside resort town, it has a variety of souvenirs, textiles, handbags, shoes, and dried fruits. You can also find needlework made by local women, which can be used as home decor.
Timings: Open daily from 10:00 AM- 12:00 AM
6. Kemeraltı Bazaar, Izmir
Kemeralti Bazaar is one of the oldest bazaars in Izmir. In this bazaar, you will find a mix of traditional and modern shops selling jewelry, textiles, antiques, and spices. You must surely visit and explore this on your vacation in Turkey.
Timings: Open daily from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
7. Arasta Bazaar, Istanbul
Arasta Bazaar is a great place to visit for ceramics and textiles, especially if you are looking for a less crowded and happening place than the Grand Bazaar while not compromising on the shopping experience by any means. Turkish and Central Asian carpets, gold jewelry with rare gems, raw platinum, and other handcrafted treasures are the heart of this market. It is a great place for tourists to buy affordable souvenirs and gifts.
Timings: Open daily from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
8. İstiklal Caddesi, Istanbul
Situated in the heart of the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, İstiklal Caddesi has emerged as a high-fashion shopping street. Earlier, one could see many small boutiques and shopping outlets, now famous brands, including Koton and LC Waikiki, art galleries, cafés, nightclubs, and music stores lining the pedestrian streets.
Timings: Daily from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
9. Terracity, Antalya
Located in Antalya, it is one of the most premium shopping centers of the city. It has a total of 180 stores, which is a mixture of international and local brands. The shopping complex also has cafes, restaurants, and entertainment activities.
Timings: Daily from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
10. Mall of Istanbul, Istanbul
The Istanbul Mall is one of the prominent shopping and entertainment complexes in Istanbul.it is known for its expansive size, featuring a huge shopping area with numerous retail outlets, entertainment facilities, and dining options. This mall houses a diverse range of shops and stores, offering a mix of international and Turkish brands. The range also includes high-end luxury and more affordable brands. Apart from shopping, this mall also hosts events, entertainment activities, and live performances. It is one of the best shopping malls in Turkey to visit.
Timings: Daily from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
What to Buy in Turkey
- Turkish carpets and rugs: Known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors, Turkish carpets and rugs are prized souvenirs that showcase the country's rich weaving traditions.
- Turkish spices and teas: Turkey is famous for its aromatic spices and herbal teas. Visitors can buy packets of spices like sumac, saffron, and Turkish red pepper, as well as a variety of herbal teas, to bring a taste of Turkish cuisine to their kitchens.
- Evil eye amulets (Nazar Boncuk): The evil eye amulet is believed to protect against nasty glares and bring good luck. These blue glass beads can be found in various forms, including jewelry, keychains, and decorative ornaments.
- Turkish delight (Lokum): A popular Turkish confectionery, Turkish delight comes in a variety of flavors and is often packaged in decorative boxes, making it an ideal sweet treat to bring back home.
- Leather goods: Turkey is known for its high-quality leather products, including handbags, wallets, belts, and jackets. Visitors can find a wide range of leather goods in markets and shops throughout the country.
- Hand-painted ceramics: Hand-painted ceramic plates, bowls, and tiles adorned with traditional Turkish motifs make for exquisite and culturally significant souvenirs.
- Turkish bath products: Turkey's centuries-old bathing tradition inspires a range of bath products, including handmade soaps, natural loofahs, and aromatic oils, perfect for recreating the Turkish bath experience at home.