Turkey, a country renowned for being one of the finest holiday destinations is home to a grand shopping experience. This is a country that lies both in Asia and Europe and offers the best of east and west. From eye-catching street bazaars to breathtaking spice markets, there's a whole new world outside the lavish malls that makes shopping in Turkey look like a memorable experience.
So, are you a shopaholic? Well, Turkey, in that case, deserves to be your next destination for a vacation. Here's what the country has to offer as far shopping is concerned.
Best Shopping Places In Turkey One Needs To Know About
Offering the experience of both east and the west in the world, Turkey has fulfilled the shopping dreams of many over the years and continues to do so. Let's take a closer look at some of the finest shopping places in the country away from the malls and onto the streets.
1. Grand Bazaar
A place that has already established itself as one of the oldest and finest shopping places in the world, the Grand Bazaar offers the best of Turkey shopping experience to visitors coming from all around the globe. Established in 1450, the place is one of the main attractions in Turkey and has a wide range of shops selling the best of souvenirs. One can not only shop for souvenirs here but can also find things that are unique to this part of the world.
Interestingly, there are more than 3000 stores at the Grand Bazaar that sell a range of things like carpets, ceramics, lamps, teapots, Turkish tea, and so much more. One amazing fact? Well, it is not just one of the oldest markets, but it is also one of the largest markets in the world today.
Location - Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Timings - 10 AM to 6 PM
2. Bagdat Street
Another of those shopping places in Turkey where travelers can enjoy a luxury shopping experience that is not just limited to shopping malls. It is a 9KM ling street where travelers can find the best of stores, restaurants, and even some lavish malls if that's what you're looking for. It is one of those places to visit in Istanbul where one can enjoy shopping for fancy jewelry, exquisite sculptures, exclusive paintings, and so much more.
The best part about the street is the variety of cafés and pubs that are present here. Once done shopping here, travelers can rest at either of the restaurants and savor the best of delicacies that are a specialty of Turkey. This is a place where luxury meets the charm of street shopping. So, when in Istanbul, plan your visit to Bagdat Street and spend a few hours exploring the place.
Location - Anatolian side of Istanbul, from east to west in the Maltepe and Kadıköy districts
Timings - N/A
3. Spice Bazaar
What's better than enjoying roaming around the bazaar with spice shops around you? Well, a true foodie would get this. Spice Bazaar, a place constructed in 1660 offers a variety of shops in Turkey that offer not just spices but also unique souvenirs to shoppers. Visiting here on your vacation is one of the best things to do in Turkey. Since the market is located in close proximity to the Grand Bazaar, it is easy for travelers to explore both places at the same time.
From exotic spices and dry fruits to nuts, olives, coffee, and the best of Turkish delights, the Spice Bazaar offers it all.
Interestingly, when the place was constructed, it was for mainly charitable purposes and since developed to become one of the finest market places in the country. Today, shoppers come here to buy Egyptian and domestic spices.
Location - Rüstem Paşa, Erzak Ambarı Sok. No:92, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Timings - 8 AM to 7 PM
4. Kemerlati Bazar
As far as old bazaars in Turkey go, Kemerlati Bazar is one of the best places to go for shopping in Turkey. This is a place that may not look like the malls in Turkey but it certainly offers just the same amount of fun today. One can experience shopping for some of the most exclusive things here. Located in Izmir, this marketplace is about 400 years old but just the same charm as before. One can buy spices, antiques, carpets, and so much more while there are a number of other attractions here that are widely popular and add to the whole experience that one gets here.
Travelers can find prayer rooms, Turkish baths, artistic fountains, and so much more right at the bazaar. So, why not spend time here?
Location - Konak, Anafartalar Cd., 35250 Konak/İzmir, Turkey
Timings - 8 AM to 8 PM (Closed on Sundays)
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5. Arasta Bazaar
Built in the 17th century, Arasta Bazaar is another place that offers the best of Istanbul shopping experience. This is a place where one can go shop for traditional products and souvenirs. Be it rugs, jewelry, textiles, or ceramics, this is a place that offers it all. In fact, Arasta Bazaar was first constructed for the upkeep of the blue mosque but has slowly developed to become one of the best shopping places in Turkey, offering many gold shops in Turkey. Today, shoppers fill their shopping bags with scarves, pottery, and other such things here.
Interestingly, jewelry and textiles are amongst those things available in abundance at Arasta Bazaar. So what's the delay? Visit here and shop for the most exclusive things that Turkey has to offer today.
Location - Sultan Ahmet, Mimar Mehmet Ağa Cd. No:2, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Timings - Visitors are advised to confirm the timings of the bazaar with the concerned authorities
Things To Buy In Turkey On Your Next Visit
There are many things that Turkey offers to visitors and one of them is shopping for the most exclusive and traditional things in the country. Be it the gorgeous looking ceramics to the traditional Ottoman Jewelry, the country has it all. So, here are some of the things that you can buy on your visit to Turkey.
1. Ceramic Plates
A style of pottery that was highly popular under Suleyman in the 16th century, hand-painted Ceramic plates are one of the things to buy in Turkey. These plates boast of their rich colors and elaborate designs. One can find geometric patterns, roses, hyacinths, and other such designs on these plates. As for the prices of these plates, smaller plates can cost around 20TL while the prices for the larger plates can rise to around 200TL depending on the size and design.
Where To Buy - Grand Bazaar, Beyoglu El Sanatlari Evi, Divan Bazaar
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2. Ottoman Jewelry
If you're in Turkey and looking for a gift item, well, Ottoman Jewelry isn't a bad choice by any means. A unique gift that is to be said, there are many expert makers in Turkey that deal in Ottoman Jewelry which is inspired by traditional Ottoman pieces. When it comes to shopping in Turkey, traditional jewelry has a special place in the country and there are multiple workshops around the country for this very purpose.
As for the prices, one can expect to pay about 50TL for simpler items as a starting price depending upon the metals and stones used.
Where To Buy - Grand Bazaar, Eller Sanat Galerisi on Postacilar Sokak just off Istiklal Caddesi next to the Dutch Consulate
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3. Turkish Coffee Set
Now here's a thing, if you visit a Turkish home, this is one of the first things that is set to catch your eye. Turkish Coffee Sets are, in fact, offered at many top hotels in Turkey that serve coffee to guests in these cups. Today, there are a variety of markets in the country where coffee sets are sold. Interestingly, this is something that every traveler looks to buy when in the country. Be it hand-painted detailing or handmade sets, shoppers get all the varieties they need. As for the prices, the best of sets can cost around 200TL.
Where To Buy - Pasabhace, Migros, Grand Bazaar, Arasta Bazaar
Turkey, a country that has gained popularity amongst travelers is a fine shopping destination. From lavish shopping malls and shopping centers to some of the oldest markets in the world, this is a country that has it all. In fact, shopping in Turkey is much more than going to luxurious malls and shopping for high-end products. One can find some most of the most traditional things to buy in the street markets here. Be it traditional Turkish Coffee Sets or the best of handmade ceramic plates, shoppers get it all around the country. So, don't you want to experience shopping in the heart of Turkey? Book your Turkey plane tickets today and come experience the best of street shopping in the country.
FAQs
The Grand Bazaar is the best bazaar in Turkey and is located in Istanbul. Established in 1450, the place is one of the main attractions in Turkey and has a wide range of shops selling the best of souvenirs.
The Kemerlati Bazar is about 400 years old and is considered to be one of the oldest marketplaces in the world, not just Turkey. The bazaar offers the same charm to visitors as 400 years ago and shoppers love coming here today.
Much like any other top country in the world, Turkey offers the best of vacation to visitors. While there are many luxurious hotels in the country that offer the best of luxury and cost more than usual, there are plenty of budget options as well for visitors which makes it equally inexpensive for visitors.
Yes, Turkey is one of the safest countries in the world today, because of which, the tourism here is at a sky-high every year and millions of travelers spend their vacation here.
There are many things that make Turkey one of the finest holiday destinations in the world today. While the country offers the best of souvenirs and traditional items to shop for, the country is also famous for its lavish shopping malls and old bazaars.
April, May, and mid-September through mid-November are considered to be the best months to visit Turkey on a holiday. This is the time when the country experiences its spring and fall seasons.
Although there are many top things to buy in Turkey, hand-painted Ceramic plates have to be the top ones today. These plates boast of their rich colors and elaborate designs.
A far as Ottoman Jewelry is concerned, one can expect to pay about 50TL for simpler items as a starting price depending upon the metals and stones used.
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