Turkey Shopping Tours

Discover the best Turkey Shopping Tours

The 10 best bazaars in Turkey can be visited through Turkey Shopping Tours

1. Grand Bazaar - Istanbul: The Grand Bazaar – Istanbul is one of the world's largest bazaars located at the heart of Istanbul. It consists of dozens of sections, still protecting its original architecture and serving as a center of trade and craftsmanship for centuries. Renowned for its labyrinthine alleys brimming with treasures, from intricate carpets to exquisite ceramics, the Grand Bazaar is an essential stop for any visitor to Istanbul. At the best shops of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, visitors can discover a wide range of goods, from traditional Turkish delights to modern fashion accessories. The best time to visit the Grand Bazaar is during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. However, it's important to note that the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, typically around 7 or 8 PM, so plan your visit accordingly. For travelers arriving by air, the distance from Istanbul Airport to the Grand Bazaar is approximately 20 kilometers, while the distance from Istanbul cruise port to the Grand Bazaar is a half-hour drive.

10. Best things to buy at Grand Bazaar Istanbul

1. Turkish Carpets and Kilims: The best Turkish carpet shops in Istanbul are located in the Grand Bazaar, and Turkish Carpets and Kilims are among the best things to buy at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.
2. Turkish Delights: The Grand Bazaar is one of the best places in Istanbul where you can find the best Turkish delights, offering a range of flavors from classic rosewater to exotic pistachio.
   
3. Ceramics and Pottery: Hand-painted ceramics and pottery highlight Turkey's rich cultural history, making them some of the best and most beloved souvenirs you can purchase from the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.
4. Spices and Tea: Explore the fragrant spice merchants, which provide a variety of tastes from sumac to saffron.
5. Handcrafted Jewelry: Adorn yourself with various stunning handmade Turkish jewelry crafted through traditional handicrafts, including rings, earrings, and bracelets delicately fashioned from gold, silver, and precious stones.
6. Turkish Lanterns: Add a bit of Turkish charm to your house with beautifully made lanterns that come in a variety of forms, sizes, and colors.
7. Leather Goods: Turkey is well-known for its luxurious leather goods, which include jackets, purses, and belts. The Grand Bazaar is a good place to shop for quality leather products made by expert craftspeople.
8. Evil Eye Talismans: Save yourself from bad luck with the renowned Turkish evil eye talisman, which comes in a variety of styles including necklaces, keychains, and wall decorations.
9. Antiques and Souvenirs: Explore antique stores for one-of-a-kind finds such as Ottoman-era coins, old postcards, and elaborately carved wooden objects.
10. Turkish Textiles: From gorgeous silk scarves to traditional handwoven fabrics such as Turkish towels (peshtemals), the Grand Bazaar has a vast selection of textiles that will please every taste.

2. Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) - Istanbul: Eminonu Egyptian Spice Bazaar, also known as the largest Turkish spice market in Istanbul, has been a hub of trade since the 17th century, offering aromatic spices, teas, and Turkish delights. As an alternative to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, it provides a unique shopping experience. For those planning a visit, the Istanbul Spice Bazaar's opening hours are between 9 AM and 7 PM.

3. Kemeraltı Bazaar - Izmir: Kemeralti Bazaar in Izmir, Turkey, is a historic market dating back to the Ottoman era. It features traditional Turkish handicrafts, textiles, and local delicacies. Visitors can explore Kemeralti Bazaar's opening hours between 10:30 AM and 5:30 PM.

4. Bedesten Bazaar - Bursa: Constructed during the late 14th century under the patronage of Yıldırım Bayezid (1389-1402), Bedesten stands as the inaugural bedesten of the Ottoman era. Dubbed Bezzazistan-ı Cedîd (New Bedesten), it follows the establishment of Emir Han, the initial trading hub commissioned by Orhan Bey. Situated in alignment with the bazaar's northern axis, it lies adjacent to the Grand Mosque.

5. The Historical Grand Bazaar of Sanliurfa is home to numerous bazaars, shops, and markets, including Eskici Bazaar, Gumruk Inn, and Bakırcılar Bazaar, drawing in crowds of both local and international tourists. Within the Grand Bazaar, visitors can explore shops dating back to the Ottoman period, offering a variety of treasures such as copper ornaments, traditional clothing and accessories, souvenirs, and household items, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.

6. Tahtakale Bazaar - Istanbul: Tahtakale, situated southwest of the Spice Bazaar in Eminonu, is bordered by Mercan, Rüstem Pasha Mosque, and Hasircilar Street. As an inner harbor neighborhood nestled behind significant trade piers, Tahtakale has retained its status as a bustling trade and business district since the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, which continues today. This vibrant area boasts a thriving commercial scene, making it one of Istanbul's neighborhoods where the oldest street layout remains remarkably preserved.

7. The Ferikoy Antique Market -Istanbul also referred to as the Bomonti Antique Market, had its beginnings in 2009. Over time, it has expanded significantly, boasting a current count of over 400 stalls. The market welcomes visitors from 09:00 to 18:00 every Sunday. Whether you're seeking to enhance your collection with affordable finds or searching for unique treasures, there's something for everyone. From vintage Erkin Koray records to rare Safiye Ayla albums or elusive ABBA longplays, you might stumble upon the perfect addition to your collection.

8. Koza Han - Bursa: Built in 1491 under the patronage of Bayezid II to support his mosque and madrasah in Istanbul, this inn occupies a substantial area nestled between the Gazi Orhan Mosque and the Ulu Mosque. Koza Han boasts a frontage embellished with a portico adorned by 40 concrete domes, and it houses a total of 95 rooms. Additionally, it showcases a majestic stone doorway to the north, adorned with exquisite turquoise tiles. Revered as the historic silk and trade hub of Bursa, Koza Han continues to uphold its legacy to this day.

9. The Gaziantep Coppersmith Bazaar, also known as Bakırcılar Bazaar, is a historical gem characterized by its stone-paved streets and wooden-covered shops, transporting visitors back in time. Thought to have been constructed in the 19th century, skilled artisans still practice the art of copper forging within its confines. Enjoying a cup of tea amidst the warm hospitality of the coppersmiths while listening to their tales, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of hammers and the evocative scent of history, makes for a delightful travel experience.

FAQs Turkey Shopping Tours

• Does shopping in Turkey cheap? / Does shopping expensive in Turkey?

Turkey offers competitive prices for goods and services compared to other European countries. Prices may vary depending on your shopping destination and the quality of the products. However, due to exchange rates, many items are often quite affordable.

• What area of Turkey is best for shopping?
  

Istanbul boasts renowned bazaars like the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, and Cukurcuma Street, alongside numerous shopping malls featuring a diverse range of brands, from local favorites to international names. Eminönü serves as the bustling trade and shopping hub of the country, offering everything one might desire. Additionally, cities like Izmir, Bursa, Konya, Antalya, and Cappadocia are home to countless traditional souvenir shops where travelers can discover handmade crafts and unique goods.

• What is Turkey famous for in shopping?
  

While visiting Turkey, tourists can explore a wide array of products, ranging from traditional items to globally recognized brands. However, it's recommended that tourists consider adding the following items to their shopping list: Hand-painted ceramic plates, water pipes, Ottoman-style jewelry, backgammon sets, Turkish coffee sets, Turkish sweets, musical instruments, belly dancing hip scarves, hand-made olive oil soap, Turkish coffee, kilims, pashminas, and leather goods.

• What is the main shopping street in Turkey?

1. Istiklal Avenue - Istanbul 

2. Bagdat Avenue - Istanbul

3. Konak Street - Izmir

4. Atatürk Avenue - Ankara

5. Cumhuriyet Avenue – Antalya

Where is the best place to shop in Turkey for designer shopping?

Istanbul's Nisantasi is the greatest spot to shop for designer products in Turkey. It is well-known for its high-end shopping experiences, luxury brands, and elegant boutiques.