Shopping in Istanbul
Haggle for carpets at the centuries-old Grand Bazaar in Beyazit, and spices at Eminönü's Egyptian Market. Nisantasi is filled with boutiques, while Taksim's famous shopping street, Istiklal Cadessi, is the place for high-street fashion. Tunel shops sell traditional musical instruments and Cukurcuma antique furnishings. Shiny shopping malls have international stores such as Harvey Nichols in Levent. Most stores are open daily, and those around Istiklal Cadessi till around 9pm.
Chris Kami
Unusual jewellery
In a tiny Beyoglu backstreet, Chris Kami's store is filled with his handmade
jewellery. His creations are made by twisting thick metal wires into
exciting designs around polished stones; the results are unusual and
inexpensive rings, bracelets and pendants.
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Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 12pm-6pm
Address
116/1A, Tarihi Hazzo Pulo Pasaji (Danışman Geçidi), Beyoglu, Istanbul
Telephone
+90 (0) 212 292 6819
Mephisto
Books and CDs
Located along Istiklal Caddesi, Mephisto is a modern bookshop that sells
Turkish music, magazines and photographic books. Ask to hear a CD before
buying, then relax with a strong coffee in the large first-floor café
overlooking the busy street.
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Opening Hours
Mon-Thu 10am-12am; Fri & Sat 10am-1am; Sun 10am-11pm
Address
125, Istiklal Caddesi, Beyoglu, Istanbul
Telephone
+90 (0) 212 249 0696
Beta Shoes
Funky shoes
Beta Shoes has grown from a small company to one of Turkey's biggest
shoe-store chains. Shoes and boots are chunky and comfortable, with bright
colours, flower motifs or thick wedge heels. Men's styles are more
conventional, thankfully.
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Opening Hours
Daily 10am-10pm
Address
Tepe Nautilus Shopping Mall, Kadiköy, Istanbul
Telephone
+90 (0) 216 339 8822
Harvey Nichols
International designers
Opened in 2006, Harvey Nichols in the Kanyon shopping mall in Levent
represents Istanbul's new affluence. After splashing out on designs by
Christian Lacroix, Stella McCartney and Hugo Boss, or bags by Kate Spade,
rest your credit card at their bistro, Gilt.
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Opening Hours
Daily 10am-10pm
Address
Kanyon, 185 Buyukdere Caddesi, Levent, Istanbul 34394
Telephone
+90 (0) 212 319 1155
Egyptian Market (Misir Çarsisi)
Spices and souvenirs
The 17th-century Egyptian Market, or Misir Çarsisi, opposite Eminönü's docks,
originally traded to fund the adjacent New Mosque. The L-shaped vaulted
market has spices and souvenirs; look out for traditional fabrics at Galeri
Hediye, or fresh pistachios at Osmanlioglu, outside.
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Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 9.30am-7pm
Address
Misir Çarşişi, Eminönü, Istanbul
Transport
Bus or tram to Eminönü
Grand Bazaar
Centuries-old market
The Grand Bazaar, or Kapali Çarsisi, has been an important trading centre in
Beyazit since 1461. Its labyrinthine vaults contain over 4,000 shops, along
with cafés around the Old Bedesten. Prepare to haggle for carpets, ceramics,
antique silver and leather.
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Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 8.30am-7pm
Address
Kapali Carsisi, Beyazit, Istanbul
Ali Textile
Recycled carpets
Tucked away down a Beyazit alleyway, Ali Textile sells colourful bags,
clothes and hats made from reworked patches of old carpets and embroidered
rugs. Some of the coats use Central Asian designs, and the small bags are
robust and striking.
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Opening Hours
Daily 10am-8pm
Address
15/36, Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi, Beyazit, Istanbul
Telephone
+90 (0) 535 367 5333
Transport
Tram to Beyazit
Bahar Korcan
Elegant Istanbul designs
Renowned Istanbul fashion designer Bahar Korcan mixes lace, appliqué, soft
wools and delicate silks in her boutique. She favours patchwork designs and
Ottoman influences, such as contemporary-styled wedding dresses with antique
lace. Check the seasonal sale rail.
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Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 10am-8pm
Address
Apt 5, Serdar Ekrem Sok. Seraskerci Çikmazi Ferah, Galata-Beyoglu, Istanbul
Telephone
+90 (0) 212 293 6855
Hafiz Mustafa Sekerlemeleri
Historic pastry shop
In 1864 Mr Hafiz Mustafa sold syrupy baklava, lokum (Turkish delight)
and chocolates. Nothing much has changed in his Eminönü store; piles of
pastries and jars of sweets still tempt locals and international visitors.
There is a simple café upstairs.
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Opening Hours
Daily 7am-10pm
Address
84-86, Hamidiye Caddesi, Bahcekapi, Istanbul
Telephone
+90 (0) 212 513 3610
Transport
Bus or tram to Eminönü
