Updated Date : 18.03.2022
Visitors can spend a few hours among the thrilling crowds and nostalgia of open markets in Istanbul, where they can find a range of things, food and products. Additionally, it is a cost-effective method of shopping.
Whether you're looking for traditional souvenirs, antiques or fresh food for a picnic, a street market in Istanbul has something for everyone. Visiting Istanbul's vibrant marketplaces offers an interactive view of the city's culture and daily business hustle and bustle. Market shopping is second nature to the locals of Istanbul and is always a colorful experience.
Sunday Market in Istanbul
A true Istanbul "foodie" is distinguished by their passion for the Inebolu Sunday market in Istanbul, an Anatolian culinary carnival located in Beyoglu's Kasimpasa district. Tobacco-chewing vendors from Turkey's Inebolu Coastal Region set off late Saturday night in their wagons, loaded down with the finest organic products such as chunky slabs of cornbread, bushels of fragrant herbs, creamy pastes and juices, containers of eggs, vibrant flowers, splitting sacks of grain, hazelnuts and walnuts, and bins of glistening olives. A journey to and from Anatolia - and all before breakfast. It closes early, at 16:00.
Best Cheapest Market in Istanbul
For those who like to dress attractively but economically or wish to visit the street market and throw streets, the street bazaar enables us to blend in and become part of the crowd. With its groups and merry salespeople, the street bazaar plays a vital role in our modern life. You may obtain five pieces for the price of one hundred things, not to mention the joy you will receive. The cheapest market in Istanbul are as follows:
Monday Street Bazaar Bahcelievler
The only bazaar that is open all year. Cheap shorts, inexpensive T-shirts, inexpensive swimwear and low-priced slippers, to name a few. In addition, inpiduals are interested in purchasing things like the high society bazaar, which sells various clothing. It is located in Pazarturk on the same street as the Turkish Foundation.
Best Clothes Markets in Istanbul
Ortakoy Thursday Market
Ortakoy market, hosted every Thursday in the Ortakoy neighborhood, is one of Istanbul's most famous high society markets. They were previously known as the Ulus market. You may find a wide selection of top-brand clothing at highly inexpensive costs, as well as home textiles, cosmetics and a few other items. The Besiktas Municipality provides free shuttle service between 10:00 and 15:00 from Akmerkez Shopping Mall, Zincirlikuyu and Kurucesme.
Top 4 Markets in Istanbul
The Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is undoubtedly the most prominent market in Istanbul, if not all of Turkey, as it attracts 91,250,000 tourists annually. Utilized initially for navigational tools during the Byzantine Empire's period, this market was transformed into a central market under the Ottoman Empire. When you enter the Grand Bazaar, you will be awestruck by the vast array of shops and boutiques. You'll discover clothing stores, jewelry boutiques, boutiques, dessert and spice shops and gift shops amongst a variety of other establishments that sell millions of things.
Spice Market
Spice Market is located in Eminonu area (old city) where you can find different kinds of spices. Spice Market opens doors at 09:00 and closing at 19:00.
Sahaflar Market
Sahaflar Market is a famous open market for bookworms. It is located just across from the world-famous Grand Bazaar and features thousands of books in Turkish and other foreign languages, including educational, fiction and nonfiction. Additionally, you can find used books there and if desired, sell your book to one of the shops.
Arasta Bazaar
Behind Sultanahmet's iconic Blue Mosque, you may find inspiration for your new outfit here. It's not just about clothing; the Arasta Bazaar is widely regarded as a bit of counterpart of the Grand Bazaar. You might strike a deal with less demanding salespeople. Additionally, the streets are more tranquil. This will highlight our day for the more introverted who yet want a taste of typical Istanbul bazaars.
Three Best Places to Shop in Istanbul
Each week, around 200 markets (Pazar) are established in Istanbul. This is an ancient practice dating back to Ottoman times. Turkey's markets offer much more than fruits and vegetables. Almost anything is available in the markets listed in this article. Textiles play a significant role in market popularity. Even celebrities and members of high society have been photographed buying in Istanbul marketplaces, and they do not appear shy. Some of the best places to shop in Istanbul are:
Fatih Market
Due to its location in Istanbul's historical sector, the Fatih district is home to the city's oldest and largest market. Locals refer to it mainly as arsamba Pazar, as Carsamba (Wednesday) is market day. It is open from 07:00 to 19:00. This market comprises approximately 1290 vendors, 4800 stands and over 2500 peddlers. It is located on Fatih's seven main and seventeen lesser historic streets. Fatih Pazar is an illustrious market where you can find virtually anything, from fruits and vegetables to apparel and home goods. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity for travelers to experience authentic middle-class local life.
Yesilkoy Market
Another well-known place, this time in Yesilkoy (meaning 'green village'). The neighborhood is recognized for its comparatively green and prosperous environment. This well-organized marketplace offers a perse selection of high-quality products. Yesilkoy Pazar spans 12,000 square meters and features 2000 stalls, floral displays, tea cafes and restrooms. While the majority of stalls accept credit cards, pricing may be slightly higher than at other markets.
Kadikoy
On Tuesdays and Fridays, another traditional market is held at Kadikoy, on Istanbul's Asian side. It all began modestly in 1969. However, as the city grew, the market expanded as well. As a result, Kadikoy gradually became a victim of the busy city life, with traffic being obstructed during market days. As a result, it migrated from its historical position in Altiyol to a temporary location in Fikirtepe in December 2008, only to return in 2021 to its current location in Hasanpasa. This market is well-known for a large number of female visitors and stallholders.
Essential Tips about Shopping in Istanbul Bazaars
The hustle and bustle of Istanbul's markets are unmatched by any other shopping experience. The city that takes pride in its history can taste the tradition while perusing various strange but flashy things. Whatever your interests are, there is a bazaar for them.
Sure, bazaars may be a tad pricey, but Turks enjoy an excellent haggling. In Istanbul, negotiation is both an art and a science. While not everything will be unique and marketplaces may be crowded, you will discover that the experiences you create will be valuable.
The Final Word
Street markets in Istanbul are unlike anything you've ever seen. They sell everything from fresh fruit to housewares and each one is brimming with vitality. So what is the best feature of Istanbul's street markets? Wherever you go, you can always find something unique.