Istanbul is a shopping paradise, you can find any kind of materials in different qualities and accordingly different prices. We have listed the interesting shopping districts below; not only for shopping but also to feel the spirit of İstanbul.

1 – Grand Bazaar and Spice Market
If you would like to see the oriental face of this marvellous city, you must visit these two bazaars. Grand Bazaar is one the largest covered market with its 4.400 shops and Spice Market was the last point for the legendary silk road where the goods from Asia tranferred to the Europe during 13th century. They are located in the old city very close to the top historical places, but you can get lost very easily while checking the interesting shops, salesmen and beautiful carvings on the ceilings.
Do not hesitate to bargain while shopping – especially for souvenirs, carpets, other oriental materials.

2 – İstiklal Caddesi
Another story starts in İstiklal avenue, you can take the tram from Taksim square to the end but it is always better to walk on this original pedestrian street to see all type of Turkish people walking up and down. Some passageways with small shops (like Atlas, Aznavur, Terkos Passageways) sell very original / hand made or 2nd hand clothes. It is crowded during any time of the day as many night clubs and bars located on this cosmopolite avenue.

3 – Teşvikiye / Nişantaşı
Here we are in Champelysee or 5th avenue of İstanbul. If you are looking for Louis Vuitton, Escada or Armani that is the place but you can also find small boutiques, nice small cafes , hip hotels and many Art Nouveau buildings. Especially on Saturday nights it gets crowded with many people who come to the famous pubs and cafes.

4 – Bağdat Avenue
Located at the Asian side. You can find many cafes and restaurants, besides many international famous brands such as Gap , Mango, Zara and Lacoste. Keep in mind that in summer and mostly at the weekends it is almost impossible to pass the avenue by car because of the heavy traffic.

TIPS ** In İstanbul mostly shops open at 9,00 am and close at 8,00 pm, they are also open on Sunday between 12,00 pm to 6,00 pm.