Shopping in Istanbul: where to buy clothes, textiles, and household utensils
Inflation has taken away Turkey's status as a great shopping destination for a couple of years now. Prices are rising outrageously day by day. Nevertheless, there are locations where it's pleasant to spend your hard-earned money. What to buy in Turkey besides carpets and Turkish delight? Clothes, home textiles, dishware, and perfumes, of course.
I'm warning you right away that Russian cards don't work in Istanbul. It's better to bring cash with you, specifically euros, as there are too many requirements for dollars lately. Money can easily be exchanged at currency exchange points even on weekends and holidays. Visa and Mastercard bank cards issued by other countries work without any problems.
Despite constantly rising prices (in Istanbul, it's normal when you didn't buy jeans yesterday, and today their price has jumped by 15%), trade is flourishing. I advise you to perceive a trip to a shopping mall not as an expense but as an investment. The earlier you make a purchase, the more beneficial it will be. So don't put off your trip for too long, especially since shopping can be combined with a Bosphorus cruise from Courage-Voyage.
Where to go shopping? Which brands to pay attention to? I'll tell you in this article.
I'm warning you right away that Russian cards don't work in Istanbul. It's better to bring cash with you, specifically euros, as there are too many requirements for dollars lately. Money can easily be exchanged at currency exchange points even on weekends and holidays. Visa and Mastercard bank cards issued by other countries work without any problems.
Despite constantly rising prices (in Istanbul, it's normal when you didn't buy jeans yesterday, and today their price has jumped by 15%), trade is flourishing. I advise you to perceive a trip to a shopping mall not as an expense but as an investment. The earlier you make a purchase, the more beneficial it will be. So don't put off your trip for too long, especially since shopping can be combined with a Bosphorus cruise from Courage-Voyage.
Where to go shopping? Which brands to pay attention to? I'll tell you in this article.
Clothing
Turkey is famous for its quality textiles. Remember how in the early 2000s, every self-respecting woman had a secret contact who flew to Istanbul once a month to buy fashion novelties? Now we've grown up and can afford to fly to Turkey ourselves and choose what we really like. Which brands are trending now?
LC Waikiki
One of the most popular Turkish stores. Found literally at every step. Budget clothing and accessories. A great option if you need to dress an ever-growing child who needs to change their entire wardrobe every 2 months. LC Waikiki has bright and diverse collections. With their affordable prices, you can treat yourself to something new every season.
Koton
Another well-known clothing store that has been capturing foreign markets in recent years. Here you'll find everyday clothes, sportswear, children's clothing, and a huge selection of accessories. Prices are maximally affordable.
Mavi
Mavi is popular among young people. Famous for quality jeans, colorful hoodies, and crop tops. Every season they release stylish T-shirts with Istanbul themes. The prints always feature cats, seagulls, Galata Tower, or the red tram from Istiklal Street. This is not only a great souvenir from your trip, but Mavi items are of good quality, so they'll take a worthy place in your wardrobe.
İpekyol
The brand name translates to "silk road" in Russian. A more expensive and quality segment. The style is appropriate: strict women's suits, dresses for going out. The items are elegant with a twist. Exclusively for women.
Yargıcı
Another Turkish brand in the mid-up segment. Original items, good quality, and interesting cuts. There are both men's and women's lines.
Damat
A men's suit store. Stylish and bold color combinations. Here you can pick a suit for a special event, such as a wedding or graduation. Or you can find models for daily trips to work.
Vakko
Premium segment women's and men's clothing. Real Turkish chic in the best sense of the word! It's in elegant Vakko outfits that the heirs of Istanbul mansions leisurely sip prosecco while admiring the Bosphorus. Interestingly, the company started with the production of hats but then took the helm of fashion trends throughout Turkey.
Beymen
A multi-brand boutique. Not only Turkish firms are collected here but also branded items from Balenciaga, Dolce&Gabbana, and many other world designers.
Penti
A brand of underwear and loungewear. A wide selection of different models: both flirtatious and everyday. The quality is excellent, and the assortment is updated frequently. Men's products are also available. My personal recommendation is swimwear from Penti. Be sure to buy some and go on a sea trip with Courage-Voyage.
Voyage throughout Istanbul and a walk around the city
We will see the Bosphorus, swim into the Golden Horn Bay and walk along it to the end. We will explore the entire historical center of Istanbul and its oldest part from the water. We will disembark and walk through the historical area away from the hiking trails
Learn more
Footwear
Flo
A store where footwear of various brands is collected. There is literally everything: from beach flip-flops and running sneakers to elegant sandals and stiletto over-the-knee boots. Prices vary: there are budget models and more expensive ones.
Super Step
A trip to Super Step is a celebration for both children and adults: loud music, bright interior, workshops on decorating sneakers. Even if you don't choose shoes for yourself, you'll have a great time. The store has hundreds of different sneaker models, from the most popular to one-of-a-kind flagship models. Warning: even if you didn't plan to buy yourself another pair of sneakers, be careful, there's a high probability that you won't leave there empty-handed.
Perfume
Atelier Rebul
Want to take all the aromas of Istanbul in one bottle? I strongly recommend visiting Atelier Rebul. Exquisite perfume, body cosmetics, candles. Here are collected scents that are associated with the city on two continents. Just listen to the magic even in the names: Bal d'orient or the simple and laconic Istanbul. You can purchase perfumes in vintage-style bottles. An excellent souvenir from Istanbul!
Home Goods
Turkey has very cool home textiles and dishware. The stores offer a wide selection of painted plates, elegant tulip-shaped tea glasses made of the thinnest glass, colorful bed linens, and soft towels. When planning your trip, be sure to leave some free space in your suitcase, because you will definitely want to take something with you.
Paşabahçe
Each item from Paşabahçe is a small work of art. They are famous for their refined dishware. Stop by the store, even if you don't need anything, just to look at the shelves – it's pure aesthetic pleasure.
Karaca
In addition to dishware and textiles, Karaca produces small household appliances. If you've long dreamed of a Turkish "double-decker" teapot or a Turkish coffee maker, this is the place for you. In December, they sell unusual Christmas tree ornaments and other themed goods.
Madame Coco
Famous not only for its dishware but also for its constant generous discounts and promotions. You can easily pay for one box of glasses and get three as a gift.
Waikiki Home
Yes, yes, that same LC Waikiki has a section with Turkish-made home goods. And they are very high-quality and stylish. Prices are more than affordable. The collection is updated every season. There are themed items, for example, for Valentine's Day or New Year. Just the New Year home fragrances alone are worth it! Real gingerbread and Christmas tree scents!
Linens
Also a store with home goods, but specializes in bed linens. The price segment is mid-up, but the quality is excellent. Such a set will serve as an excellent wedding or anniversary gift.
Where to shop?
It's no secret that people have been going to Istanbul for shopping since ancient times. Therefore, there are many bazaars, shopping centers, and streets with shops here. I'll tell you about the most iconic ones.
Istiklal Street
A pedestrian street where the famous red tram runs. Almost every building sells something. Here, by the way, a pharmacy opened in the 19th century, which later became the Atelier Rebul perfume boutique. Feel free to go for a walk on Istiklal, the shops are open even late at night.
Cevahır AVM
One of the largest shopping centers in the European part of the city. The location is very convenient for tourists staying in the Taksim Square area. You can get to Cevahır by metro, getting off at the Şişli station. Here you can buy almost everything under one roof.
Bagdat Street
Located in the Asian part of Istanbul. Wide sidewalks, the shade of plane trees, and many different shops. Shopping here is a pleasure, as you can combine it with a cup of coffee and lunch on a beautiful terrace. There are much fewer people than in Europe, mostly just locals, so you can take a break from the city hustle and bustle.
Zorlu Center
The stylish building of the shopping center itself makes it popular among tourists. In spring, magnolias bloom on the grounds, you can drink coffee on the veranda, enjoying these flowers, while children play on the modern playground (which is a rarity in Istanbul). Zorlu has both a middle price segment and luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, as well as world jewelry brands. There is an Apple Store here, however, it's better not to buy electronics in Turkey. Due to high taxes, the price of an iPhone is one of the highest in the world.
Nişantaşı
The best district for shopping in Istanbul. Here are concentrated fashion boutiques of local manufacturers and European brands, designer showrooms, jewelry stores, and shopping centers. Moreover, it's simply pleasant to take a walk in the area and soak up the atmosphere of rich Istanbul.
Emaar Square Mall
A fashionable shopping center in Asia. Famous for its observation deck, a long slide that will quickly help you descend from the upper floors, and an aquarium where you can have fun with the whole family.
Galata Port
Galata Port is an open-air shopping center on the Bosphorus shore with a stunning view of the city. It opened relatively recently, and this is where cruise ships from different countries dock. Tourists often find everything at once here: numerous shops, restaurants with views, a promenade. Shopping at the port can be combined with a visit to the Istanbul Modern contemporary art museum, which is located nearby.
Of course, this is far from the complete list of brands and places for shopping. Istanbul is such a large and multifaceted city that every day it opens up from a new side. In the conditions of sanctions and departed companies, Istanbul is a real window to the world, where you can not only relax but also replenish your wardrobe with stylish items.
Ekaterina Kosova
- author of the article
I moved to Istanbul before it became mainstream. I love exploring the eternal city and discovering interesting and delicious places. I write texts, professionally stroll and travel, and freeze moments through photos and videos.
