Some time ago, we told you about the Istanbul Shopping Festival, a Turkish analogue of Black Friday, where people sell and buy goods at huge discounts. If you want to get to Turkey this year, check out our list of the greatest markets in Istanbul that will definitely satisfy your needs.
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Tahtakale Market
Location: Hasircilar and Kantarci and a couple of streets nearby.
It is worth visiting, if you’re looking for a national Turkish character.
For sure, you are familiar with the movies, in which Turkish bazaars are often described in detail. A wide variety of open stores, stalls of which are overstocked with spices, delicacies, and many more things… This is exactly what the Tahtakale Market looks like. It is very easy to become puzzled in all this hustle and bustle.
Hasircilar Street is where you will find Turkish delight, nuts, and a range of sweets. One important landmark to stop by is Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi’s shop. In this place, the best coffee has been sold since 1871. Mehmet Efendi’s shop is definitely a must-go if you want to take some kahve back home.
On other streets, adjacent to Hasircilar street, candles, pharmacies, home and kitchen utilities are in great demand.
If you are interested in Turkish architecture and want to explore some of its history, don’t pass by Balkapani Han, one of the biggest buildings of the Ottoman Empire located nearby. Many more attractions in the city are available with the Istanbul E-Pass. In two days, you will visit different sights with fast pass tickets and make the most of your journey to the capital of Turkey.
Grand Bazaar
Location: the Faith district of Istanbul.
Don’t miss it if you want to learn more about the history of Turkey.
The Grand Bazaar is the world’s oldest and most famous market. Check out our article on the Istanbul Shopping Festival to learn more (there is a little section in the text, dedicated to the Grand Bazaar and the shopping tour).
Here are some things you should pay special attention to:
The Grand Bazaar has a large collection of hammam and beauty products, gifts, Turkish food and ceramics, textiles, lighting, brands, and many more.
The Old Bazaar, or Iç Bedesten, located in the center of the Grand Bazaar, is a beautiful corridor where lamps and chandeliers are sold. This is also the oldest building in Grand Bazaar.
Kalpakçılarbaşi Caddesi is the street where you find gold. To look for traditional Turkish carpets, head off to Halıçılar Caddesi. Metal products are available to be bought on Cebeci Han street. Traditional sweets and drinks can be found almost everywhere.
A symbol of shopping in Turkey and other Arabic countries, a carpet of Turkish textiles, is installed almost in every store. To distinguish a good carpet seller from a bad one, pay attention to their behavior. If they pressure you to look at their assortment, they may turn this experience into an uncomfortable one. The best place to shop for carpets is Zincirli Han.
Egyptian Spice Market
Location: Eminonu Square, not very far from the Grand Bazaar
If you love cooking, visiting this market will contribute to your future culinary masterpieces.
What does it mean?
Well, the Egyptian Spice Market is famous for what it’s called: spices. One of the best ways to keep a memory of the country you’ve been to is by enjoying the local kitchen after arriving home. More than one hundred shops and restaurants are providing tourists with tons of spices and herbs to choose from.
The best spices from Asia and Africa to buy are sumac (replacing lemon in salad dressings), corek otu (which can be added to cakes, bread, and other pastries), and pul biber (perfectly coupled with meat).
Some stalls are dedicated to other foods rather than spices. It includes Turkish delight, Turkish cheese, and smoked pastrami.
Spices are often added to foods to induce one’s appetite. Take some time to satisfy your appetite by attending our Istanbul Street Food Experience in Eminonu. During the tour, you will get to taste food from more than ten street cafes. Coffee and desserts, for sure, will make your tour a relaxing and fun session!
There are way more markets and shopping districts to visit during the year. However, we recommend doing it this summer because of discounts and sales. Find and book the best experience in Istanbul on our website!
