All my favorite and the best bazaars and Markets in Istanbul

One of my favorite activities is to visit the markets wherever I am, yup….I’m a Market freak!!!

Istanbul is one of my favorite cities in the world, and one of the reason is: In Istanbul, there are more than 200 markets and fairs showing the best of Turkish flavors and culture.

They are always crowded but in which you can find products at very good prices and unimaginable good quality.

My suggestion to visit the Istanbul markets:
Always check in advance if they’re still located where you think and they’re running in the same day you think as they change their location on a regular basis, best to avoid an unnecessary trip to a place far away from where you are.

Where to stay in Istanbul?

If you are searching for a Hotel to stay in Istanbul, Sultanahmet is one of my favorite areas to enjoy and visit the markets!

You can check prices and available rooms HERE (plus you help me keep running this blog because I will make a small commission at any cost for you)
One of my best hotels to stay in Istanbul is The Edition, is big, elegant and with great service in a perfect location.

For your visit to Istanbul, while you explore the best markets, I can recommend you to stay in the Sultanahmet area, is one of my favorite areas to enjoy and visit the markets! You can check prices and available rooms HERE (plus you help me keep running this blog because I will make a small commission at any cost for you)

 

Here are my favorite Markets in Istanbul you can visit and have fun!

1. The Big Bazar or Kapaliçarşi

One of the icons of Istanbul. Also is one of the most ancient and larger markets in the world.

Located in the old town, very close to Hagia Sophia Museum and Sultanahmet Camii, the Blue Mosque, close to the tram stop Beyazit. The little shops are located inside an old building, with long corridors that house everything that normally visitors wants to consume.

Yes, the Grand Bazaar is a place today mostly visited by tourists and even having many shops, the variety is not as big as I expected. Perhaps my expectations were very high (and I normally traveled with the least amount of them as possible).

You can find lamps, backgammons, souvenir, scarves, leather clothing, and some cafes and some restaurants with very touristy prices.

Unless your level of Turkish allows you to bargain at a professional level with the sellers of the place, expect to get high prices.

This is a place to visit for its history more than to make great shopping. Opens from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 to 19:30 hours. Closed on Sunday

 

2. Egyptian Bazaar, Spice Bazaar or Mısır Çarşısı

The Spice Bazaar is a place to delight the senses. Smells, colors, people on every corner and, of course…many sellers. It is also located in the old town, near the Bosphorus and the New Mosque (dating back to the year 1665) close to the tram stop Eminonu.

Inside, there are shops with traditional products such as condiments, tea (try the apple tea or  Elma Chai! ), cheeses, olives, Turkish delight, and souvenirs of the country.

 

The streets surrounding it are organized by offering different products by zone: products for cooking (you can find vine leaves ready to fill in and cook them), bags, jewelry, shoes, and is one of the only bazaars with lots of man clothes.

Maybe you feel better with the idea of visiting these markets with a group, I can recommend you this 4-hour shopping tour of Istanbul, and wander the craft and carpet stalls of the market. You can BOOK HERE and get to experience the market with a local, maybe you can even learn the local way to fight a bit the prices and get better deals!

 

3. Bazar Findikzade or Findikzade Cuma Pazari

It is one of the great local markets, this bazaar opens on Friday.

Located close to the tram stop Findikzade in same name district,  just in front of the tram station with the same name.

This huge bazaar brings together vendors of almost everything you can imagine: from clothing for all ages, styles and occasions, jewelry, household items, vegetables, and fruits.

 

4. Eskidji Bazaar

If you need to buy anything to fix or assemble your new home this is, without doubt, almost paradise.

There are first and second-hand shops. With a huge variety and everything, you need for home: beds, sofas, electronics, furniture, etc.

To get there, from to the Metro station Yenibosna  (line 1, the same that goes to the Ataturk airport), outside there is a van that, every one hour takes you for free up to the Bazaar, from 10:00 until 18:00.

 

Other very local bazaars and markets that you can explore on your visit to Istanbul

 TUESDAY

5. Kadiköy

This market is located on the Asian side, it takes place on Tuesday and Friday.

Selling antiquities and accessories and clothing. You will also find some fruits and vegetables. Kadiköy Bazaar along with the Fatih Pazari are the larger ones.

To reach there you can take the ferry if you’re going from the European side and then take the Metro to the Metrobus Ünalan or until Uzunçayir.

WEDNESDAY

6. Fatih or Çarşamba Pazari,

To get there you can take the bus no. 87 from Taksim Square is one of the largest and most ancient markets of the city.

THURSDAY

7. The organic market of Feriköy or Feriköy Pazare Organik

Located on Lala Şahin street, close to the Metro station Osmanbey. So far the only market with organic products of the city. With a wide variety of products to tempt any natural product lovers.

FRIDAY

8. Fındıkzade Bazaar

SATURDAY

9. Besiktas

Located in Nuzhetiye Caddesi street and running in the two-floor municipal parking. In the lower level you will find fruits and vegetables and in the upper clothing, accessories, and especially female costume.

SUNDAY

10. Beyazit

Located in the outsides of the Istanbul University entrance. It is a flea market, and you can find new and second-hand clothing, shoes and electronics.

 

 

For any place that you need to go within the city, you can look at the following site to check how to get to the Best Markets in Istanbul.

There are a few good App’s to search routes, my favorite for Android is Trafi as they have offline searching.

 

Have you ever visited a Market in ISTANBUL?

Do you have your favorite?

 

 

(Updated August 2019)