Historical Bazaars & Markets

Istanbul’s Bazaars

One of the places that those who want to discover Istanbul should definitely visit is the bazaars. Istanbul bazaars are divided into three. These can be listed as society bazaars, district bazaars, and historical bazaars. One of the most crowded places in Istanbul is its Istanbul bazaars. The phrase used by the Turks summarizes the most important characteristics of the Istanbul bazaars: There is no such thing that can't be found here. Yes, that is right because Istanbul bazaars are shopping stalls where everything that comes to mind, such as food, clothes, household goods, toys, and kitchen utensils, you name it.

Mimar Sinan Bazaar

In Istanbul, historical bazaars dating back to the old imperial periods, such as the Grand Bazaar, Arasta Bazaar, and Mimar Sinan Bazaar, and the historical bazaar culture continued during the Ottoman period and has extended to the present day. In Uskudar on the Asian side of Istanbul, Mimar Sinan Bazaar is representing the bazaar culture of centuries today. If you love to shop in historical bazaars, then Mimar Sinan Bazaar is one of the least known bazaars, and you should not miss it!

Nostalgic Booksellers and Bazaars

Istanbul has many famous booksellers and bazaars in which books are sold, and many of these are dating back to ancient centuries. In these booksellers, you can find books of all languages, and all styles, where you can feel as if you are in the seventeenth century when you enter it.

Chinese Market

Istanbul is home to many different cultures and Chinese is one of them. In the heart of Istanbul, just near Taksim Square, there is a locally famous Chinese Market in which you can find all you are looking for to make perfect Chinese food! Visiting a Chinese market is also an interesting experience because you may see many different ingredients and delicacies. Note this Chinese Market in your must-see list.

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) in Istanbul is one of the world's most famous shopping destinations and, at 30,700 square meters, the world's biggest enclosed bazaar. Once inside, the Bazaar's 64 streets and smaller alleyways house roughly 4,000 stores and the mosque, post office, cafes, banks, and police station, making it a little central city.

Spice Bazaar

The Spice Bazaar is located in a district where the magic happens, the Eminonu district. Eminonu is located near Beyoglu district and it is considered an important port, and has the best view over the golden horn, it is actually considered a must-visit to many tourists since the trip to Istanbul is not completed until you experience this district. The Spice Bazaar is a must-see in Istanbul if you'd like to take some spices and souvenirs back home.

Merter Bazaar

Merter Bazaar, where you can find various products, is open on Sundays. In addition, it is pretty large, where you can encounter both Turkish-specific foods and hand-woven products. It draws attention with its affordable products and fresh products. When shopping at the lovely bazaars of Istanbul, you can practice Turkish with bazaar owners, too.

European Passage

European Passage is in a very central place in Istanbul and relatively accessible. In 1856, Louis Soullier had the first circus show in Ottoman times built here. It was replaced with the Naum Theater, destroyed after the Pera Fire. If you enter through the fish market entrance, you will exit from the Meşrutiyet Street entrance of the passage. The other side of the passage faces the Çiçek Passage.

Ferikoy Antique Market

Feriköy Antique Market, also known as the Bomonti Antique Market, is open every Sunday between 9 AM and 6 PM with more than 450 stalls. In those stalls, you can find records, books, collectibles, toys, carpets, and even clothes! This is a must-see in Istanbul if you have time, don't miss it.

Arasta Bazaar

Istanbul is home to numerous smaller bazaars, each of which has a unique vibe, character, and attitude. Arasta Bazaar ought to be on your list because of this. The first benefit of visiting Arasta Bazaar is that, despite its bustling nature, you won't likely get lost. Even natives get lost for a while in the Grand Bazaar because it resembles a maze. While you won't get lost in Arasta Bazaar, you may easily pass an hour or so looking through trinkets to bring home and taking in the lively and occasionally rowdy ambience.

Flower Passage

The Flower Passage (Çiçek Pasajı) one of the historically essential stops of Beyoğlu and includes popular entertainment, eating, and drinking venues, has flashy architecture. The arcade is a 3-story building, and it is called the most decorated building in Beyoğlu because it is a dazzling building. They still carry the effects of the century they were made today. The decorations in the building and the beauty of its architecture are praised. There are lion and human heads in the middle of the upper floor of the building. The name of this place comes from back in 1870. The Russian refugees used to sell flowers here, that’s why this place is called the Flower Passage.