Explore Istanbul
Plan Your Trip to Istanbul: Best of Istanbul Tourism
Essential Istanbul
Traveler Guides
How to shop in Istanbul, from the extravagant to the extraordinary
- Arasta Bazaar881If you love authentic, silky, roomy pashminas as much as I do, Arasta Bazaar is a fab stop. This is a smaller but substantial bazaar near Sultanahmet Square. It's easy to pop by before or after touring the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia. I picked up a sky-blue pashmina trimmed with gold and some loose tea on my last wander through Arasta, but you can also find jewelry and every color of plush Turkish towels.
- Zorlu Center502Get your Gucci fix and your duty-free tax deduction at Zorlu Center, one of Istanbul's most luxurious shopping centers with fancy shops, tasty food, and stunning architecture. It's a multi-use complex, just over 20 minutes away from the popular Eminonu district (where I always stay) by metro. I love this spot because you have a galaxy of high-end options like Vuitton, Tiffany, and Dior, but there's also a huge Zara.
- Istinye Park715I love Istinye Park because it mixes modernity and an authentic Turkish bazaar vibe with many airy, open spaces where you can chill, enjoy a Turkish coffee, and give your feet a break. High-end brands are king at Istinye, and it's a great place to get cosmetics and perfumes. My guilty pleasure is visiting the Rainforest Cafe on the first floor for a nostalgic hit and some post-shopping comfort food.
- Mahmut Pasha Bazaar15Mahmut Pasha Bazaar is a superb option if you're in the mood to haggle and want the hustle and bustle of a bazaar without the total overwhelm. A modest 256 shops, this spot sits close to Eminonu and is packed with little cafes selling baklava, textile shops, and plenty of custom-made bath and plumbing stores. I've scored several gorgeous items over the years, including a button-down silk flowered dress that remains one of my faves.
- Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)4,140Also known as the "Egyptian Bazaar," Misir Carsisi is the top place in Istanbul for Turkish ice cream and loose spices. You'll find loose teas, bright baskets of golden saffron, smoked paprika, and fragrant dried bay leaves. They also sell some of the cheapest and most authentic Turkish Delight here. The spices come in tiny bags, so I like to shop with a larger tote that I am okay with getting a little dirty.
- Olivium Outlet Center279I love the Olivium Outlet Center for two reasons: it's convenient to get to by train, and you can find designer goods at outlet prices. It's the place to stock up on sportswear and sneakers, and I've seen good deals at both the Nike and Adidas outlets, especially when they're rolling out new seasonal fare. This mall runs regular sales that they advertise on social media, and it's open every day until 10 p.m.
- Kanyon Shopping Center359Kanyon Shopping Center is one of the most stunning shopping complexes I've ever seen, with wide, well-lit corridors and a convex ceiling that perfectly marries the indoor and outdoor spaces. If you appreciate understated elegance, Kanyon hits those notes. There are upscale clothing shops, many dining options, and entertainment, but the top reason I visit Kanyon is for cosmetics. You'll find a mix of budget-friendly and top-of-the-line brands like NARS, Watsons, and Yves Rocher.
Istanbul Is Great For
Jaw-dropping mosques
Addictive baklava
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Istanbul
In the words of those who've been there before ...
What is the best way to get there?
Flying:
The city of Istanbul is served by Istanbul International Airport.
Train:
Istanbul is home to two trains stations, Haydarpasa station on the Asian side and Sirkeci station on the European side. Trains from Haydarpasa are destined for cities and towns in Anatolia, while Haydarpasa serves as the gateway to major European destinations.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re visiting Istanbul from overseas, check if you need a visa using the following website.
When is the best time to visit?
The best times to visit Istanbul are between March and May and September and November. April is particularly beautiful because poppies and tulips, which first originated in Turkey, are in full bloom. Average daily temperatures in springtime can be highs of 15 C/59 F and lows of 7 C/45 F and highs around 19 C/66 F and lows around 12 C/55 F in autumn.
Ferry:
The bridge that connects the Asian and European sides of Istanbul is notorious for its traffic jams, making the best way to span the Bosphorus the vapur (ferry). The three main ferry stations on the European side are Besiktas, Kabatas, and Karakoy. Timetables are posted at each terminal.
Metro:
Istanbul has an underground metro network that spans both sides of the city. It runs from morning until late at night and covers all top attractions. It gets very crowded during the morning and evening rush hours.
For comprehensive train maps, follow this link.
Taxis:
There’s an abundance of taxi cabs in Istanbul, which makes hailing a ride a breeze. For ease, download the BiTaksi app, which sends the nearest taxi your way.
Are there local customs I should know?
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Istanbul, which include:
- Some of the most popular restaurants in Istanbul include:
- Istanbul is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Istanbul:
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Istanbul between March and May, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between December and February.