Shopping in Istanbul Part Three
Istanbul Shopping Guide Part Three
The Old Town and Taksim Square Edition
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Istanbul is the only city in the world that lays on two continents. This mega city, is one of the world’s biggest urban areas (the biggest in Turkey) and its continued development breaks every imaginary limit. Here you will find three massive bridges over the Bosphorus, one underwater car tunnel and also an underwater metro line, that will take you from Europe to Asia and return.
The former capital of the Byzantine Empire, explodes history, culture and art. It is one of the most amazing cities one can ever see.
To satisfy the needs of the millions living here, impressive infrastructure was provided. Istanbul is, besides its normal tourism, also a medical tourism hot point by having an incredible developed health sector.
Want more? Oh yes!
In our opinion, Istanbul is the shopping capital of Europe. Everything you think of, is easy to find here. From high end fashion, to new cutlery to bring home, Istanbul is ready to serve you.
Because I could honestly write a book about shopping in Istanbul, I have divided the “Istanbul Shopping Guide” in several parts. Each part will provide important details for every category. I will cover everything, from the Grand Bazaar to baby clothes and wedding dresses. Once a month, in a Sunday, a new part of the shopping guide
The Old Town Istanbul
Even though the old part of the city of Istanbul, also includes The Grand Bazaar, I have already talked about it and I will try to focus on the little boutiques. Besides history, architecture and beauty, the oldest part of Istanbul, is also a shopping heaven.
First of all, expect a lot of tourists. It is a big touristic destination and this particular area is the main touristic check point. Most of tourists shop here. For us, as we are often traveling to Istanbul just for the shopping experience, is a big no. We do have some favorite shops in this area, but we generally shop elsewhere.
You will not find certain category of goods in a certain space. It is like a big walking general store. Everything can be found here, from little neighborhood grocery to gold shops. The most common and important articles for sale are: water/snacks, Turkish delight and Baklavas, Gold, Leather and Fur, Jeans, Shoes, Bags (a lot of trolley bags), Cosmetics and unfortunately a huge number of counterfeit items. Those are for sale here because they do sell, this is what tourists want when they arrive in Istanbul.
As a little advice, don’t buy from the first shop, try to bargain and walk around. If you really like an item, for sure you will find it again a few shops away.
The Old Town area of the city, is like a posh bazaar, but it also has a few brands that are worth your stop at them. U.S. Polo Assn., Colins, Defacto, Tudors and Penti have a few shops in the area, some of them not even 500 meters apart. Especially for Polo, do enter in each shop. You may find different items or the size you needed and couldn’t find in other shops.
Shopping in Taksim Square
https://goo.gl/maps/7KACpaS8uXZKGSsw7
The Taksim Square is considered to be the heart of modern Istanbul. It is situated in Beyoglu neighborhood and all attraction are situated on Istiklal Road. The whole road is full of cafes, restaurants and shops. Also, for a very authentic Istanbul experience, you can take the red tram from one end to another.
The shops here are like in a mall. Everything from high street fashion to gold and home and kitchen accessories are to be found here. There is also a huge Zara and yes, Zara is cheaper here. But, in my personal opinion, I do not come in Istanbul to shop in places like home. I really like some of the Turkish boutique shops that are between the big brands. There are a few shops with amazing shoes or even event dresses.
Beware that this is also a very touristy place and if you don’t like crowds, it might be scary. Imagine 100 thousand Turkish people walking with another 100 thousand tourists. Sometimes it gets so busy that it may take you a few minutes to get from the left side to the right side, of this pedestrian street. I usually start to the left side, when coming from Taksim Metro and at the return I’ll go to the right.
For a little break, go here:
https://goo.gl/maps/KhFjLVAdKPZUX49X8
I put Starbucks as a reference, but in this square, you can find other cafes and restaurants and it is very beautiful.
Shopping in Istanbul is Beautiful
Even though, there are not the best places to shop in Istanbul, for sure something to buy will exist. I do not come empty handed from these areas. The main reason for being listed in the shopping guide is the vibe. You can shop and in the same time stare at how amazing this city is and also visit some of the main objectives. Istanbul is incredibly …
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