Things to Do | Istanbul Guide and Travel Tips

Once a friend who has been to Istanbul various times said: ‘If you live in Istanbul and still wear unfashionably, the only excuse you can have is that you’re tasteless.’’ Being located at the junction of Europe and Asia, Istanbul lies at the intersection of various trade routes. This exceptional location is enriched with bazaars, streets full of stores, and many boutiques spread across the city; making Istanbul heaven for shopping. In Istanbul, which meets all the needs of consumers with affordable prices alongside deluxe and luxury stores, it is not uncommon to find a shopping mall hidden in a passage, randomly walk into a vast bazaar, go to a cafe just to see a boutique within… These are only a few perks of shopping in such a huge historical city, which can give you a hint of how joyful your experience will be. If you are aiming to shop in such a big metropolis, you should definitely determine where you need to turn your route before going shopping. There are too many options and too many places that you will have to shuttle between, therefore make a list of the places you’d like to visit first! Where are these places I'm talking about? I divided the post into four categories to inform you according to your preferences. In the first two sections, I will be providing information about where to find luxury brands as well as cheap clothing options. In the last two parts, you will find specific information about the vintage stores and local designers. Enjoy your read, and shop till you drop! Part I: I See It, I Like It, I Want It, I Got It If you do not have any financial difficulties, like to wear expensive brands, and plan to leave Istanbul with 5 extra suitcases, I prepared this section for you. Istinye Park Istinye Park Shopping Center is centrally settled amongst one of the foremost elite neighborhoods of the urban center, Sarıyer. Istinye offers distinctive and tasteful styles in addition to well-known brands like Joe Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Prada, Dior, M.A.C., Armani, Burberry, couturier, Chanel, Dolce&Gabbana, Gucci and Michael Kors. This shopping precinct has been awarded several titles by numerous establishments. Some of these titles embody ‘’Shopping Mall developer of the Year’’ (2008), ‘’Grand gap, enlargement & Renovation and maxi Silver’’ (2009) and ‘’Europe’s Best searching Mall’’ (2009). 📍Pınar Mahallesi, Katar Cd No:73, 34460 Sarıyer/İstanbul 📞(0212) 345 55 55 Zorlu Center Zorlu houses expensive brands such as Dolce&Gabbana, Elie Saab, Valentino, Saint Laurent, Tiffany& Co, Fendi, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Burberry, Roberto Cavalli, Michael Kors, Moncler, Montblanc, and Vakko. Apart from these luxurious brands, the biggest H&M, Beymen Club, GAP, Pinko, Tommy Hilfiger, Gant, Network, İpekyol, Abdullah Kığılı, Mango, Yargıcı and Lacoste stores in Turkey are also located in this shopping mall. The Zorlu Center combines a high - end and exclusive shopping experience with artful design indoors and outdoors. Moreover, it is effortless to access located in the center of Istanbul. 📍 Levazım Mahallesi, Zorlu Center, Koru Sokağı No:2, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul 📞(0212) 970 16 53 Kanyon Kanyon Istanbul is a popular place to relax with the residents of the city, located in the financial district of Istanbul: Levent. It is home to highly prestigious brands like Harvey Nichols, Douglas, Apple, Swarovski, Max Mar. However, it falls a little behind Istinye Park and Zorlu Centers in terms of luxury brands. Kanyon Shopping Center with its brilliant design is an alternative shopping center to the indoor shopping centers of the city. It is fresh, semi-outdoor and breezy. Kanyon was awarded the 2006 Cityscape Architectural Review Award in the "Commercial Built" category. If you enjoy a shopping center outside, Kanyon is a good choice. 📍Esentepe Mahallesi, Büyükdere Cd. No:185, 34394 Şişli/İstanbul 📞(0212) 317 53 00 Nişantaşı This is not a shopping center but a district near Taksim which is known for its sophisticated shoppers. The shops of the famous world brands are home to Nişantaşı, and it's a genuine shoppers ' paradise. You can find international fashion giants such as Chanel, Hermes, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Lanvin, and Alexander McQueen as you walk down Nişantaşı and find yourself paralyzed by their unique designs. One of Nişantaşı's most popular shopping areas is on the Abdi İpekçi street – the center of luxury. Abdi İpekçi is the most expensive and elegant street that hosts prominent Turkish brands as well as luxury department stores of internationally well-known labels. Bağdat Avenue Bağdat Avenue is a green and gleaming 14 kilometers long street on the Asian side of the city, parallel to the shore of the Marmara Sea. The luxurious wooden chalet houses built after the 1870s were the first living steps in this area. Some still exist in the upper residential area, which contributes to the luxurious appearance of the vicinity. ⠀ In 2012, Bağdat Street was named the 4th best shopping street in the world by the Parisian consultancy company ‘’Presence Mystery Shopping’’. Bagdat Street became the world's most famous 4th shopping street by overtaking Paris's famous Champs Elysees, New York's famous 5th Avenue and Tokyo's Ginza. Bebek and Arnavutköy A little away from Istanbul's center, Bebek is another wealthy neighborhood flanking the Bosphorus with millions of dollar estates that go all the way to Sarıyer. Besides the great restaurants, Bebek has a large number of shops, where you can spend hours exploring the side streets. You will find outstanding clothing boutiques and accessories by local designers. You will also find more great restaurants and shops hidden on the side streets if you walk down to Arnavutköy along the Bosphorus. Part II: I Want to Afford What I Like Thanks to Istanbul's vast clothing opportunities, it is really easy to find cheap clothes. Here are some places where you can find them: Beyoğlu Business Center (Taksim) You can add to your style at Istiklal Street, which is Taksim's most popular avenue, by shopping in stores filled with world brands ' special products. Besides brands like Mango, Zara, Koton, you can go to Istiklal Street and find fashionable clothing at affordable prices. The Beyoğlu Business Center is on Istiklal Street's left side. 📍 İstiklal Caddesi No: 187, Beyoğlu/İstanbul 📞 (0212) 251 7986 Terkos Passage (Taksim) Terkos Passage is located on Istiklal Avenue in Taksim. Terkos, which makes you feel like you are in a market right when you enter the street, contains many products such as cheap t-shirts, dresses, and pants. According to your desires, you can either check the market stalls or just visit the passage. You can buy dresses, skirts, and trousers at prices like 10TL and t-shirts at 20TL. 📍 Asmalı Mescit Mahallesi, Terkoz Çk. No:2, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul Beşiktaş Bazaar, Sinanpaşa Passage (Beşiktaş) Beşiktaş Bazaar contains many shops and passages. Sinanpaşa Passage, the most notable of these, is in the Beşiktaş Bazaar where we can guarantee you will lose yourself in. In this place, you can find the seconds of popular brands such as Bershka, Asos etc. as well as other products from the world brands. If you want to buy an elegant dress with very reasonable prices here, you can have it for up to 50TL. 📍 Türkali Mahallesi, Nüzhetiye Cd. No:66, 34357 Beşiktaş/Şişli/İstanbul Tuesday Market (Kadıköy) There is more than one address in Kadıköy. In addition to these addresses, there is also the famous Kadıköy Tuesday Market, which is well known by everyone: a market that attracts people of all ages in Kadıköy. On Tuesday, we found plenty of clothing to wear, and on Friday we sold fabrics and tailor materials. You can find everything from the most fashionable dresses to the most trendy jewelry, from the most stylish bags to the most attractive shoes. 📍 Ataşehir Ferhat Paşa, 994478, 067201, 29. Sk. No:40, 34779 Ataşehir/İstanbul Opera Onur Passage (Kadıköy) Opera Onur Passage is one of the oldest passages of Istanbul. In fact, it was the only clothing address back in time, and today it is a bazaar that everyone in Kadiköy is familiar with. Although not many people go shopping there nowadays; those who used to be long-time customers of this passage are still going to this passage. If you want to buy the products of your favorite brand for a much lower price, you should definitely visit the shops in this passage. 📍 Osmanağa Mahallesi, General Asım Gündüz Cd. No:21, 34714 Kadıköy/İstanbul Saturday Market (Bakırköy) Bakırköy, which is one of the central districts of Istanbul, has its own every Saturday fixed market. Here you can find brands such as Cavalli jeans and H&M dresses; alongside Turkish brand clothing. You might be asking how it is possible to buy such brands in a traditional bazaar with meager prices. The answer is that these products are either seconds, imitations or end-of-line clothes. 📍 Osmaniye Mahallesi, Çolak İbrahim Sokağı, 34146 Bakırköy/İstanbul Beylik Bazaar (Beylikdüzü) The market, also known as the socialite market, has over 100 bazaar stalls and is open every weekend on Sundays. There is even a municipal shuttle service for those who want to go to the market. 📍 Adnan Kahveci Mahallesi, Anadolu Cd. No:14, 34528 Beylikdüzü Osb/Beylikdüzü/İstanbul Here we made a table for the open bazaars you can visit according to their set-up days. Mon.Tue.Wed.Thu.Fri.Sat.Sun.FeneryoluBazaarKadıköyBazaarYeşilköyBazaarErenköyBazaarFındıkzadeBazaarBeşiktaşBazaarBeylikdüzüBazaar Part III: Nothing Haunts Me Like the Vintage I Didn't Buy When you buy a piece of vintage clothing you're not just buying the fabric and thread - you're buying a piece of someone's past.-Isabel Wolff By Retro Retro will be the first address of the lovers of retro. In this boutique, you can find many products from the 20s trends to the 80s styles. The range of products is so extensive that the costumes of the series and films of many periods are provided here. 📍 Asmalı Mescit Mahallesi, İstiklal Cad. Suriye Pasajı 166/C, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul 📞 (0212) 245 64 20 Büyükannemin Sandığı This shop, which attracts attention with its cute decoration and hundreds of vintage pieces, has many rare pieces collected both domestically and from abroad. The prices are said to be quite affordable, too. 📍 Caferağa Mahallesi, Şair Latifi Sk. 28b, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul 📞 (+90) 535 408 64 86 Sentetik Sezar Sentetik Sezer, consisting of two different branches in Taksim and Kadıköy, carries the old times to the present. This store is literally a vintage paradise with a wide range of retro glasses, pants, and backpacks. 📍 Cihangir Mahallesi, A,, Pürtelaş Sk. No:1, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul 📞 (+90) 530 775 16 48 AU Vintage AU vintage is a store that was opened in 2012 by a famous actress. This store contains vintage pieces of famous worldwide brands, as it was opened for the sale of whole pieces of clothes that the actress already had. This boutique also executes online sales; therefore you can get the vintage pieces with one click! 📍 Bebek Mh., Küçük Bebek cad. No:34 Balcıoğlu apt. D:1, 34342 İstanbul 📞 (0212) 252 68 36 Ragn’n Roll Hand and Vintage Balat Streets have always had an excellent atmosphere, constituting one of the perfect places to have a nostalgic experience. Balat, which is an excellent place for photoshoots, is a must for those who like clothing in the retro style. Pay a visit to Ragn'n Roll Hand and Vintage to have this nostalgic journey during your stay. 📍 Balat Mahallesi, Yıldırım Cd. 31a, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul 📞 (+90) 533 724 38 88 Pied De Poule It is a world-famous store which contains second-hand products as well as products designed by the shopkeeper. This store, which includes clothes, bags, and accessories of every period from the 1920s to the present, is one of the most colorful vintage shops. Şelale Gültekin, the owner, opened this shop when the collection of her grandmother’s clothes did not fit in the house anymore. Nowadays, there are a lot of different accessories in the store; from the Queen Victorian prom crowns to the corsets, silk stockings and undergarments belonging to the Ottoman period. The success of Pied De Poule has also been seen abroad that this store got to the pages of the New York Times. 📍 Kuloğlu Mh., Faik Paşa Cd. 19/1, 34333 Beyoğlu/İstanbul 📞 (0212) 245 81 16 Atölye Mariposa Atelier Mariposa, one of the most popular stores in Cihangir, will impress you as soon as you enter the gate. The store, which also starts selling bridal gowns, can literally manipulate you into getting married. 📍 Teşvikiye, Teşvikiye Cd. 21/1, 34367 Şişli/İstanbul 📞(0212) 327 81 77 Eleni Vintage Miss Eleni has a complete French nostalgia in her products, as the name of Eleni suggests. The store offers all kinds of items from gloves to hats. You're going to feel yourself in the 1920s as soon as you enter the store. 📍 Serdar-ı Ekrem Caddesi No: 8/A, 34425 Galata/İstanbul 📞(+90) 532 506 50 19 Madam Mare Vintage Madam Mare, which is consisted of clothes that are very affordable compared to many other vintage stores, has great products in it. The store is small, but the quality of the products is excellent. For a vintage enthusiast, this is a place worthy of your time. 📍 Cihangir Mahallesi, Kazancı Ykş. 26/A, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul 📞(0212) 418 99 74 Mozk Vintage Mozk is a cute shopping place with a unique decoration. The prices are a bit pricey, as the products are antique. 📍 Cihangir Mahallesi, Çubukçu Çk 2/A, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul 📞(0212) 252 34 99 Part IV: Fashion Is Like Eating, You Shouldn't Stick to the Same Menu If you are looking for unique designer clothes that can speak to your soul, make sure that you check the stores listed below! Keep in mind that not all of them are expensive and do not forget to check their working hours before going. Atelier55 In this store located in Galata, you can find extraordinary pieces of exclusive brands not sold elsewhere. Many special designs can be purchased here, from clothes and shoes to paintings and sculptures. You can also enjoy a little break in the cafe inside the boutique, where you can also find home accessories. 📍 Şahkulu Mahallesi, Seraskerci Çk., 34420 Beyoğlu/İstanbul 📞(0212) 245 32 55 Boz Sisters One of the store's most important features is that four sisters own it. In the store, it is also possible to find casual clothes as well as haute couture dresses. There is no limit to creativity and diversity with different product groups renewed every month, from custom production to handmade bags. 📍 Harbiye Mahallesi, Abdi İpekçi Cd. No:32, 34367 Şişli/İstanbul 📞(0212) 234 45 56 Building Building, one of the most unique places of Galata and Erenköy, is an address where you can eat while shopping. Colorful clothes, shoes, accessories, bags open up the doors of a completely different world. The collections change in every three-four months. 📍 Serdar-i Ekrem Caddesi 27/A, Beyoğlu 📞 (+90) 212 243 0717 Casette Casette, which has three branches in the city, is famous for its 100 percent leather and handmade shoes. The most important feature of the store is that it’s not built upon mass production. Each outfit model is only produced one for each store. If you can capture the model you like, you are one of the lucky ones. 📍 Ihlamur Yolu Sokak, No: 16/5A Teşvikiye Şişli / İstanbul 📞 (0212) 230 64 16 Date Desig-ner’s Corner Date Desig-ner’s Corner is one of the newest boutiques of Beyoğlu. It is so new that most of its designers such as Gamze Saraçoğlu, Simay Bülbül, and Nej, do not sell these designs even in their showrooms yet. 📍 Asmalımescit Mah. Asmalimescit Mah. Ensiz Sok. No:1/B Asmalımescit Beyoğlu / İstanbul 📞 (0212) 243 81 26 Kumpanya 62 Kumpanya, one of the favorite stores of Nişantaşı, which is home to the products of young Turkish designers, took its place among the famous boutiques. 📍 Teşvikiye, Prf. Dr. Orhan Ersek Sk. No:25, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul 📞(0212) 246 68 75 Laundromat One of Kuledibi's extraordinary stores is Laundromat, which opens a different window to our lives. The store's owners, Yasemin Özeri and Öykü Thurston, exhibit their own designs as well as the work of young designers. 📍 Galip Dede Caddesi 93/B, Kuledibi 📞 (+90) 212 249 98 92 Midnight Express Midnight Express, which has collections of local and foreign designers, has two stores in Bebek and a store in Nişantaşı. At one of the boutiques in Bebek, only unique design jewelry is featured. In other branches, you can find clothing, jewelry, furniture, and home accessories. 📍 Bebek Mh., Küçük Bebek Cad. No:3/A, 34342 Beşiktaş/İstanbul 📞(0212) 263 21 11 Nr 39 NR 39, which is the name of the apartment building in Nişantaşı, made a quick entrance to our lives as a shop and design workshop. This store produces a small number of shoes made of leather, pure silk, genuine leather goods, as well as a lot of creative bridal models. 📍 Halaskargazi Mahallesi, Süleyman Nazif Sok. No:39, 34371 Şişli/İstanbul 📞(0212) 241 40 59 Zeckie Zeckie has two stores in Nişantaşı and Galatasaray and has a very different and creative collection in design. Jewelry designer Zekiye Koçarslan's gold, silver, bronze, and brass accessories, as well as its unusual line, fascinate jewelry enthusiasts. Especially hand-crafted handbags are among the favorites. 📍 Teşvikiye Mah. Değer Apt. 16/C, Teşvikiye Mahallesi, Ihlamur Nişantaşı Yolu Sokak, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul 📞(0212) 232 59 37 Dilek Hanif Represented in both Milan and Paris, by keeping her studio in Istanbul, Dilek Hanif chose to stay close to her Turkish roots. You can browse through her latest collection in a beautiful apartment located in Nişantaşı, the fashion neighborhood of the city, which always abides by a more classic aesthetic. Hanif's clean lines and subtle decorations speak of a mature style with a unique touch, with both ready-to-wear and high-couture designs. 📍 Teşvikiye, Maçka Cd. Ralli Apt. No:37, 34367 Şişli/İstanbul 📞(0212) 219 37 23 Arzu Kaprol You will find bold creations in the store of Arzu Kaprol that don't hide from asymmetry, sharp geometrical cuts, and a futuristic attitude overall. However, if you are looking for daily clothes, you may not find what you are looking for. Kaprol's clothing, for the most part, is too brave to be regularly worn. 📍 Bostancı Mahallesi, Bağdat Cd. No:460, 34744 Kadıköy/İstanbul 📞 (0212) 284 46 30 Gönül Paksoy The striking collection of Gönül Paksoy appears to be inspired by the clothing worn by the Sufi dervish, flowing with the intricate details of conventional textiles and using hand coloring and hand-seeded textiles. If your mode leans to costumes like appearances that definitely turn heads, you can choose Paksoy’s designs. 📍 Teşvikiye Mah., Akkavak Sok. Demet Apt. 4/A, 34365 Nişantaşı/Şişli/İstanbul 📞 (0212) 236 02 09 Zeynep Tosun Zeynep Tosun is among the most successful young designers, who studied in the leading fashion schools of Italy. If you’d like to see her collection and talent, the Akmerkez Shopping Mall displays them. 📍 Akat Mahallesi, Yıldırım Oğuz Göker Sk. No:37, 34335 Beşiktaş/İstanbul 📞(0212) 352 01 56 Related Questions Where to Buy Men’s Clothes in Istanbul? You can find men’s clothes in every shopping mall. However, if you are looking for other stores, you can check out these places: Bey Karaköy (Karaköy): Bey Karaköy stands out from other retailers for its unique monthly spin of designers, which ensures that new items are always on sight. The store offers a blend of the best local labels and foreign brands.Apparel (Beyoğlu): The collection of the store focuses on the topic of urban culture and includes pieces from international brands.Civan (Beyoğlu): A highly successful men's fashion house that understands your needs and offers tailor-made solutions. As it is impossible to list all the stores of men fashion here, we’d like to note that in most of the places we have mentioned above, men clothes are also existent. Where to Buy Islamic Clothes in Istanbul? Most of the stores that sell Islamic clothes are located around Fatih and Sultanahmet. You can check out Miyasem Islamic clothing in Fatih; and if you prefer buying the clothes online, Moda Nisa is a popular choice of many Muslims. Where to Buy Baby Clothes in Istanbul? According to user evaluations on the internet, the best stores for baby clothes in Istanbul are Alisa Baby (Fatih), Biscuit Baby (Şişli), Bebetto Laleli (Fatih), İdil Baby&Mamino (Pendik), Sundoll Baby (Fatih), Büşra Kids (Fatih), Chicco (Fatih), Dosso Dossi Kids (Fatih), Nergizler Baby (Fatih) and so on. When we look at the list quickly, we see that most shops are in the Fatih district. I guess it's not unreasonable to start your shopping in Fatih.