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What to buy in Istanbul: Shopping guide and helpful tips
Discover what to buy in Istanbul, including Turkish carpets, ceramics, lamps, spices, sweets and the best markets like the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.
Heading to Istanbul soon? You’ll definitely want to take a little piece home with you — something to remember the beautiful mosques, bustling bazaars, and warm people.
If you’re wondering what to buy in Istanbul, keep reading. This guide covers the best shopping items and famous souvenirs, including hand-woven carpets, colourful ceramics, mosaic lamps, and more.
You’ll also need reliable mobile internet in Turkey to find the best treasures and navigate in a foreign country. Consider an unlimited data travel eSIM to explore and compare prices.
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What to buy in Istanbul
Istanbul is a shopper’s paradise, especially for locally made goods. If it’s your first time visiting the country, browsing a complete Turkey travel guide can make planning much easier. Here are some of the most popular items.
Sweets and spices
These are one of Istanbul’s great attractions. Turkish delight and other Turkish sweets are some of the best souvenirs to bring home for friends and family.
- You’ll find Lokum (Turkish delight) presented in a variety of flavours and colours with a soft, gelatinous texture that melts in your mouth.
- Another popular sweet is Baklava, a delicious puff-pastry dessert filled with nuts and soaked in syrup.
Where to buy Lokum and Turkish sweets
- Koska, Istiklal Caddesi 122A, Istanbul, Turkey (This is one of the best places to buy a variety of Turkish sweets in Istanbul and is also reasonably priced.)
When shopping in Istanbul, Turkey, spices and tea are also top picks. Before buying loose spices, make sure they are well sealed and packaged to preserve their quality. The Spice Bazaar is where you can find some of the most authentic spices in the country, like:
- Zaatar, which combines cilantro, thyme, oregano, sesame seeds and other ingredients, is perfect for seasoning many dishes.
- Sumac, a reddish spice with a tart touch that pairs wonderfully with salads, meats and fish, is ideal for giving your recipes a Turkish twist.
- Cumin, sweet paprika and cardamom are essential in Turkish cuisine, and you can bring them home to enjoy traditional dishes like köfte and kebab.
Lamps, mosaics, ceramics, and tea sets
One of the most iconic Istanbul souvenirs is the famous mosaic lamp. These are handmade Turkish lamps with tiny, vivid-coloured glass pieces. But they aren’t just visually pleasing; they also symbolise peace and harmony in the home.
Top tip for buyers: To buy a good quality mosaic lamp, pay attention to the quality of the glass, colours and finish. Check that the wiring works properly and that the base is solid.
Another standout item in our list of what to buy in Istanbul is hand-painted Turkish ceramics. Each piece is unique and reflects techniques and designs passed down through generations.
Tourists tend to purchase plates, tiles and vases as they stand out for their floral motifs and vibrant colours. Ceramics, Turkish coffee sets and ceramics with Ottoman motifs make great gifts and memorable Istanbul souvenirs.
Where to buy Turkish ceramics, lamps, mosaics and sets
- Grand Bazaar, Beyazıt Mh., Istanbul, Turkey
- Iznik Classics Cankurtaran, Utangaç Sk. No:13-17, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Pasabhace, Istiklal Caddesi 314, Istanbul, Turkey
Carpets and textiles
If you’re looking for what to buy in Istanbul and have the room to take something bigger home, consider the world-famous, authentic works of art — Turkish carpets and textiles. These handmade carpets and woven rugs are made of high-quality materials like wool, silk, and cotton and bring a special touch to any space.
In Istanbul, you’ll find a wide variety of styles, including Kilims (flat-weave rugs without knots) to the more luxurious Hereke carpets (made with silk threads and detailed craftsmanship).
Each of these pieces reflects centuries of history and tradition. But there are some things you must remember before making a purchase. Here are some essential tips for choosing a carpet in Istanbul:
- Choose a rug that matches your décor and fits your style.
- Ask about the origin and materials to ensure you get the best quality. Prices will vary according to the material, origin, and artisanship.
- Bargaining is part of the experience in Istanbul. Ask for your discount!
- Measure the space where the rug will go and choose the size that fits best.
- Wool carpets are durable and traditional, while silk ones are luxurious but delicate. For something more affordable, opt for cotton or synthetic fibres.
- Check the back side and inspect the construction and knots to assess authenticity.
Where to buy Turkish carpets and rugs
- Grand Bazaar, Beyazıt Mh., Istanbul, Turkey
- Borr Halı, Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey
- Adalı El Dokuma Halı, Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey
Jewelry and antiques
If you love jewelry, Istanbul is the right place to find unique pieces. You’ll find a wide variety of silver and gold jewelry that stand out for their elaborately designed pieces inspired by the Ottoman Empire. You might even come across designs with semi-precious stones.
There’s also no shortage of antique treasures for history lovers. Head to old bazaars and antique shops to discover old watches, oil lamps, furniture, carpets, and copper utensils. When buying antiques, we recommend verifying their authenticity to avoid possible fraud. Also, remember to negotiate the price to get the best deal.
Where to buy Turkish jewelry and antiques
- Grand Bazaar, Beyazıt Mh., Istanbul, Turkey
Is it cheap to buy souvenirs in Istanbul?
Compared with other cities in European countries, Istanbul can be significantly cheaper, but this depends on what you’re looking for and where you make your purchases.
Products like tea, leather, cotton, ceramics and spices are cheaper, since many of them are produced locally and make for practical souvenirs.
Factors that influence prices
- Prices are higher in touristy places. If you’re looking for more affordable options, opt to search for stalls that are less central or explore other nearby markets.
- Some products, like gold jewelry, handmade carpets or antiques, may have high prices because of their quality and craftsmanship, but they are investments worth considering if you’re in cities like Istanbul.
Where to find good prices?
Places like the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar are must-stop locations if you’re looking for local products at competitive prices. In these markets, you’ll find a huge variety of local products, but you’ll have to learn to haggle to get good deals.
Tips for bargaining:
- Compare prices: Before making a purchase, walk through several shops or stalls to ensure you get the best offer.
- Watch out for imitations: Verify authenticity, especially for branded clothing and accessories, and buy in trusted stores.
- Carry cash: Many vendors prefer this payment method and sometimes offer special discounts for it.
- Don’t pay the first price: Start by offering 20–30% less than the initial price and then adjust according to the seller’s response.
Is it safe to haggle in Istanbul’s bazaars?
Yes, bargaining is a common practice in Istanbul. In fact, sellers expect customers to negotiate prices as part of the shopping experience. Remember to always be respectful, keep a positive attitude during negotiations. Haggle gently and enjoy it! It’s part of the retail therapy and fun of shopping in Istanbul.
Best places for shopping in Istanbul
The best places for shopping in Istanbul are those where you can find everything from traditional pieces to the most modern items. And while you explore the bazaars, don’t miss the chance to try some of the best Turkish street food, especially in the street stalls around historic districts. Below are the most popular destinations for tourists:
Grand Bazaar: one of the world’s largest covered markets and the best markets in Istanbul to buy authentic goods and souvenirs. Here you’ll find carpets, jewelry, ceramics, clothing, accessories and more.
📌Location: Beyazıt.
📌Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:30 to 19:00.
Spice Bazaar: perfect if you’re looking for Turkish spices, Turkish tea, Turkish coffee and culinary gifts.
📌Location: Eminönü.
📌Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 to 19:30.
Eskidji Bazaar: ideal for furniture, textiles and decoration.
📌Location: Bahçelievler.
📌Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 to 21:00.
Kadiköy Market: a local, neighbourhood market perfect for buying fresh products, clothing and souvenirs.
📌Location: Kadiköy, on Istanbul’s Asian side.
📌Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:30 to 17:00.
If you’re looking for where to shop in Istanbul, start at the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, then explore neighborhoods like Kadiköy and Galata for modern design and hidden gems. For the best shopping in Istanbul, mix markets and boutiques.
Check out our guide on how to get around Istanbul to move comfortably between neighborhoods and markets.
Practical tips for shopping in Istanbul
Shopping in Istanbul is not only a chance to buy unique goods; it’s also a cultural experience. Here are practical tips to make the most of your shopping excursions:
- Carry cash: Many vendors, especially in markets and bazaars, prefer payment in cash. Make sure you carry Turkish lira, as some places may not accept credit cards.
- Avoid exchange offices with high commissions: Consider using a credit or debit card with a good exchange rate or no fees.
- Compare prices: Don’t settle for the first offer. Visit several shops or stalls to get a sense of the price range before deciding. Carry a currency conversion calculator for easier comparisons.
- Watch out for imitations: Be cautious with replicas. Inspect labels, finishes and materials carefully (for carpets, check the back side).
- Learn about the product: Before buying traditional items like carpets or ceramics, ask about the techniques and materials used. This helps ensure you’re getting authentic and high-quality goods.
- Shipping: If you buy large items like carpets or furniture, ask the store about international shipping options and costs. Many shops arrange shipping for tourists.
It’s also worth checking whether your phone will work in Turkey without restrictions to avoid any inconveniences.
To make the most of your shopping trip, you’ll need high-speed and reliable mobile internet to check prices, compare products, translate signs, and stay connected at all times. You could get a local Turkey SIM card, but using a Holafly eSIM for Turkey offers major advantages: instant activation, 24/7 customer support, and unlimited data plans.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
