There are lots of places to shop in Istanbul.
Momondo has a preference for exploring the bazaars, where you can find
stuff that is not available anywhere else – as opposed to the more
western shops of the city.
In the neighborhoods Nisantasi and
Tesvikiye, two of Istanbul’s most swanky shopping areas, there are only
a few steps between the big luxury cars and the small lap dogs.
The
exclusive brand stores offer the latest fashion from Gucci, Max Mara,
Armani and Louis Vuitton. Boutiques and specialized shops stock
everything from Turkish wines to leopard-spotted sneakers. In the
interior design store Pasabahce, you can find both modern Turkish
design and a collection of glasses inspired by the Ottoman tradition.
Two
shops in Atiye Sokak carry the name of the designer Gönül Paksoys. She
interprets Ottoman design in a new fashion for her clothes and jewelry
collections. The result is unique. The assortment at Bashqua Concept
Shop consists of furniture, arts and crafts, clothes, bags and jewelry.
In the pedestrian street Istiklal Caddesi you will find a lot
of smaller shops and chain stores. One of them is Marni, the Turkish
jeans, which since 1991 has grown into a huge exportation success.
There are two stores in Istiklal Caddesi with a huge selection.
This is also where you will find the most wonderful shop selling Turkish delight: Inci Pastanesi in number 124/2.
Besides that, we recommend that you explore the many bazaars, like Grand Bazar.(SEE “WHAT TO DO”)
The
Egyptian spice bazaar in the area Eminönü represents a true palette of
colors, sounds, smells and taste experiences. The tables are abounding
with cinnamon, saffron and ginger. You are walking under vines of clove
seed, passing heaps of cheese, piles of caviar and booths full of
strange cakes. In the pet department, chickens are peeping in chorus
with yellow ducks and sultan birds. You can buy paprika plants,
lawnmowers, dog food, belt buckles and tin buckets. Everything is for
sale.
By Mette Lomholdt