Some of the most popular shopping areas in Istanbul, the mega town of Turkey

Istanbul is without a doubt one of the most colorful cities in the world. This mega-city welcomes millions of foreign visitors every year and enables them to have a pleasant time. Istanbul is also a shopping paradise… In many shopping areas, very elegant shops offer beautiful products that foreigners can hardly find anywhere else.

Here are the 4 most famous ones of these shopping districts

Grand Bazaar

Known as the world’s largest covered bazaar Grand Bazaar offers visitors/shoppers an amazingly wide portfolio of products ranging from lokum (Turkish delight) to wood-carved goods, accessories, home decor, carpets, paintings and books, jewelry, gold and silver embroidered clothes and much more.

Spice Bazaar

Spice Bazaar also called the Egyptian Bazaar is one of the most famous bazaars in Istanbul and located in Eminonu next to the Yeni Cami (new mosque). This is the perfect place to buy spices, souvenirs, nuts, honey, household goods or products unique to Istanbul. Popular with foreign tourists, the Egyptian Bazaar also features a flower market, fish market and fruit and vegetable stands.

Arasta Bazaar

Arasta Bazaar is an open-air bazaar dating from the Ottoman period. It is Located behind the Blue Mosque and has about 70 shops that offer carpets, rugs, jewelry, clothing and crafts.

Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street is one of the most popular and colorful streets in Istanbul. It is located in Beyoglu neighborhood where one can do all kinds of shopping, go to movie theaters, visit art galleries and spend some enjoyable time in cafes.  Many consulates are on this street as well.