Where to Buy Souvenirs in Istanbul (+Tips for Finding the Best Turkish Souvenirs Around)
Fact checked by Yaren Coşkun
You might be in Türkiye, or maybe planning your trip to see the beauty of Turkish culture, starting from Istanbul, which is among the most popular cities to find virtually everything Turkish. But going back home without unique souvenirs from Türkiye might leave you unsatisfied. So, if you’re not sure where to buy souvenirs in Istanbul, then this guide will walk you through a list of shops and nearby city areas that provide affordable yet high-quality items. You’ll get all the inside scoop on where to find the best souvenirs and gifts in Istanbul, as well as some helpful tips on how to shop like a local and snag some amazing deals.
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Best Souvenirs and Gift Ideas to Buy in Istanbul
From beautiful kilim and carpets to mesmerizing Turkish mosaic lamps, there are plenty of things to suit every taste. Istanbul offers many unique and authentic souvenirs, showcasing its rich artistic heritage.
- Food enthusiasts can indulge in aromatic spices, delightful baklavas, halwa, and tempting Turkish delights or lokum boxes. For those interested in recreating the flavors of Turkey at home, collecting recipes for delicious Turkish dishes is a fantastic idea.
- Turkish perfumes are also good souvenir items to buy in Istanbul as they capture the essence of Istanbul and make for a memorable and fragrant souvenir.
HERE are some great ideas for best souvenirs from Istanbul to take the screenshot
- Yazma (traditional headscarf for women)
- Lanterns
- Evil eye ornaments
- Silk scarfs
- Turkish perfumes
- Kilim and carpets
- Turkish mosaic lamps
- Tea glasses or carved coffee cups
- Cezve or copper pots
- Pashminas
- Rugs and mats
- Paintings
- Keychains
- Iznik Ceramics
- Ottoman jewelry
- Turkish spices
- Turkish delight, baklavas, halva, or lokum boxes
- Handmade leather products
- Turkish food recipes
Traditional Turkish Lamps
Turkish traditional lamps like mosaic lamps make excellent souvenirs to buy from Istanbul. You can buy these colorful unique lamps to decorate and illuminate your home.
Not only do these lamps add a touch of Turkish culture to your living space, but they also take you back to the memories of your trip and give you opportunities to share stories with your loved ones and curious homecoming guests. There are many options and styles of Turkish lamps that you can buy like wall lamps, chandeliers, pendants, table lamps, floor lamps, as well as ceramics with shell gold paint and pottery.
Best Places to Buy Turkish Lamps in Istanbul
If you’re searching for the best places to buy Turkish lamps in Istanbul, then, we would recommend checking the Istanbul Lamps at İskender Boğazı Sk which is about a minute walk from the Grand Bazaar. They are the leading manufacturer and designer of lighting products. They also offer free shipping to anywhere in the world. But we recommend that you confirm the fact when ordering the products for the courier delivery process and services.
Other places in Istanbul that may be good for shopping lamps include:
Rugs and Mats
If you’re looking for rugs and mats from local manufacturers, try exploring Fincancılar Sk Lane. Here, you can find some of the home decor stores including Desmal Home Collection, Punto Perde Dizayn, and Genç Tarmanlar that offer unique and trendy items.
Some other must-visit options:
Clothing & Accessories
Turgut Brode Tekstil, Modakaşmir, and other similar stores nearby are some of the clothing stores you should definitely check out. You can find many small stalls beside the lane to get your hands on some quirky decor pieces, bracelets, bags, and other such stuff. Do not limit your options to the stores we recommend. Explore the place and find a store that works best for you.
Is the Grand Bazaar the Only Place to Buy Souvenirs in Istanbul?
The Grand Bazaar is located near major monuments like The Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace Museum, and the Suleymaniye Mosque, which attract a flock of tourists at all times. The bazaar holds a special relevance in the history of Turkish trade. Because of this, the “Grand Bazaar” is a preferred tourist location, and you can find virtually everything you need under one roof.
The Grand Bazaar is also famous as one of the best fake markets in Istanbul, where both locals and tourists enjoy shopping. The sellers here not only sell counterfeit and previous season’s products, but they also sell original items.
But in case you don’t want to buy anything here: you can simply visit the bazaar to get Turkish cultural vibes and feel of the atmosphere.
Bery, a Mexican expat residing in Istanbul, shares how the bazaar is often filled with sellers and stores that acquire their wares from nearby local shops and then resell them often at significantly inflated prices. However, this may not be very true with every store and seller at the Grand Bazaar.
Being a little shrewd and shopping smart in the bazaar may help you get a good deal around for sure. This includes knowing where to shop, not putting your best price right up-front, and not looking too interested in any product you want.
Tip: Take an early morning trip to the Grand Bazaar to avoid heavy crowds, find fresh updated products, and catch relatively good deals. Just don’t be afraid to bargain with the sellers politely.
Best Places to Buy Souvenirs in Istanbul
Istanbul has a diverse shopping scene, ranging from bustling bazaars to modern shopping malls. Whether you want to buy cheap souvenirs or fancy items, here are some of the best places we’ve picked where you can buy souvenirs in Istanbul:
- Lanes near the Grand Bazaar
- Eminonu Square
- Çukurcuma (chu-KUR-ju-ma)
- Kadikoy Market
- Spice Bazaar (and the Nearby Lanes)
Lanes near the Grand Bazaar
Just a couple of meters away from the Grand Bazaar, there are lanes that sell quality items at reasonable prices.
You will find Turkish cups and plates, traditional clothes like Kaftan, jewelry, and home decor pieces which are usually three times cheaper than the prices offered in the Grand Bazaar. Most locals often shop from these nearby lanes as they are not too touristy and are well connected through the transport system as well. You can ask around the prices in different shops and compare them before jumping in for the best possible deal.
Eminonu Square
Eminonu Square is a great place to shop locally. You can find the lanes bustling with people, especially for those on a budget. The items available here are often cheaper than the ones found inside the Grand Bazaar.
You can find stores, small shops, and stalls lining the lanes. Şarkhan, Istanbul Mosaic Lamp, Kocaoğlu Gift Shop, and Egemen are among the many good souvenir shops to get your hands on some stunning pieces. You can also find some handmade art on the ceramics and rugs here.
Çukurcuma (chu-KUR-ju-ma)
Çukurcuma, which closely means “Friday Valley” in Turkish, is one of Istanbul’s favorite antique hunting locations. It is a street market that offers shoppers the chance to indulge in art and shopping at the same time. The market will welcome you with intricately carved furniture, dusty books, vintage clothing and tapestries, retro homewares, wooden bird cages, paintings, and more.
If you are a collector or know someone who loves to collect such antiques, Çukurcuma is the best market for you. Altın Varakcım, Saga Antikare, Can Antikaa, Kale Antik, and The Works are just a few of the many Antic stores here. Yildiz Pottery Studio and ShiShi Ceramics, both of which are only about a 2-3 minute short stroll from the district of Çukurcuma, are two of the many cool ceramic stores in Istanbul that offer visitors a wide selection of ceramics to purchase as souvenirs.
The key here is to explore the lanes by yourself and check out stores as per your needs and convenience. You will be able to locate some stores which no one talks about. If you are an art freak or love to collect unique antique pieces, then the lanes in Çukurcuma could be your perfect place to find souvenirs from Istanbul, Turkey.
Kadikoy Market
Karakoy is a great place for someone who is looking to buy some of the most unseen and unique souvenirs in Istanbul, offering a wide variety of items to browse from. The vibrancy and liveliness of Karakoy are hard to miss.
Many small shops may have small entries and storefronts, but their collections can be breathtaking. You may be surprised to find that many small-business owners have been in the souvenir business here for years. If you have an eye for it, you may also find some pieces from the times of the Ottoman Empire!
P.S. You must not miss the Soul of Anatolia and Pitane Tasarım, which are two of the best souvenir stores within minutes of walking from Galata Tower.
Spice Bazaar (and the Nearby Lanes)
If you’re interested in sweet and spice souvenirs in Istanbul, this is a place to experience the flavors of Turkey. Egyptian Bazaar also known as “Mısır Çarşısı” is a place to try your hands on some of the best Turkish spices and a wide selection of sweets and Turkish delights around.
The best thing about this place is that you can get to try samples of tea and sweets from local merchants. So, ensure there’s enough room in your stomach before exploring the Egyptian Bazaar. In this Spice Bazaar, a heap of colorful and flavorful spices is lined up for sale outside the shops. Although it is a spice market, you can find some exquisite jewelry and textiles around as well.
And while you’re strolling through this bustling bazaar, don’t forget to stop by Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi where you can find some of the best coffee in town to take home with you.
Tips to Shop in Istanbul
Try the following tips before going out to shop in Istanbul. It will help you in collecting high-quality pieces at a reasonable price:
- Always bargain before buying anything: You can compare and contrast the prices from the nearby shops on different lanes to see the difference and decide the best fit for you.
- Always carry the cash: Don’t forget to keep the cash. Carrying cash will help you with bargaining and paying the small shopkeepers.
- Dress comfortably: Istanbul is a lively city and to see its beauty and meet the true culture, there will require a lot of walking, especially when exploring markets and bazaars. Wearing comfortable shoes and clothing can enhance your shopping experience.
- Keep an eye on your belongings: Istanbul, as one of the most popular tourist destinations, is often crowded as with any famously crowded city. When shopping in a crowded area, keep an eye on your belongings to avoid theft or pickpocketing. Most people visit Istanbul in the winter to avoid the tourist crowds.
- Avoid Sundays: Most shops are usually closed on Sundays. Checking with the local tour guide, hotel manager, or anyone local nearby can help you find where to shop on Sundays.
- Go in the morning: By the middle of the day, the markets usually get very busy and crowded which can be challenging for most people to navigate the bazaars and find the souvenirs.
