I can’t go to a new city without checking out the shopping! Once I found out I was going to Istanbul, I searched the top things to do there and shopping was way up there. I started searching for the best boutiques in Istanbul and to be honest, was coming up short. I wrote down about 10 that I wanted to check out and knew I’d want to look at the Grand Bazaar as well.
The problem was, I wasn’t familiar with Istanbul and didn’t know which area all these shops were in. I figured once I got there I could dot them all out on a map and see which ones were near each other.
Once the World Tourism Forum started (the reason I first went to Istanbul) I was introduced to Eda, a young chic woman who runs Istanbulite a luxury tour company in Istanbul. She does bespoke tours in the city (even for celebs sometimes!) She asked if I was up for one and immediately I was like, “yes! a shopping tour! Not one for tourist stuff though… I want to go to the local trendy designers and see what Turkish girls are wearing”. I emailed her my list that night and she said she’d look into the ones I sent and combine with her favorites and make a plan.
Contact Istanbulite: Eda Sokmen, +90 537 346 60 20 email eda@istanbulite.com. The tour we did was a customized version of ‘Shopping in Historical Bazaars of Istanbul’ tour.
BEST boutiques in Istanbul
The tour was absolutely fabulous; I just wish I had more time (but I showed up late, which is very unlike me!). Eda literally knew every shop owner, every salesperson, and just random people on the street. You could tell she knew the fashion scene in Istanbul like the back of her hand. We started with the boutique shops in Galata and Karakoy, then headed to Serdar Ekrem Road. Next, we went into the Grand Bazaar. I’ll also mention a couple shops I found on my own.
Janset Bilgin
Janset Bilgin Mueyyetzade Mah. Tatarbeyi Sk. No:34/B 34425 Galata. +90 212 243 12 24. Email jansetbilgin@hotmail.com
This little shop was full of cute things, like most Istanbul shops, which doesn’t make it easy on us! I nearly bought my mom a gold necklace (but got her a magnet instead… I feel like I really let her down there lol). The jewelry was all handmade by her and I was soon to find out it wasn’t unusual that they had a little cafe inside, as most shops either had a cafe or went next door to bring their customers tea.
Fashion at Eye
Fashion At Eye Fransiz Gecidi C9, Karakoy. +90 212 292 07 80. Email info@fashionateye.com
This is a shop I had requested after seeing the designers two-toned sunnies on Instgram. He also carried loads of varieties of vintage glasses. I had actually just bought Ben a pair of Raybans and was feeling like hmm, I can’t really afford to be buying another pair of glasses!
Kagithane Houseofpaper
Kagithane Houseofpaper Kemankes Caddesi, Fransiz is Gecidi No: 10 Karakoy 34425. +90 212 244 15 83.
Right next door to Fashion at Eye was this little paper shop. It wasn’t on our list, but I thought I might as well take a quick peak. Weirdly, I ended up buying wrapping paper with faces of cats all over it. I have no idea why… but I loved the cats in Istanbul, Ben loves our cat, and so I thought I could wrap his birthday Raybans up in it!
Aphorm
Aphorm Serder- Ekrem Cad. no. 33c Kuledibi 34421 beyoglu. +90 212 293 0217
There were a number of different designers inside this shop. It was mostly jewelry. Really really cool unique jewelry. I felt like very piece was like the when you see someone wearing a ring and you’re like Oh where did you get that?! here… I feel like every cute thing came from this shop lol.
Atelier 55
Serdar Ekrem Sk. Seraskerci Cikmazi No:55, Galata. +90 212 245 32 55. Email basak@atelier-55.com
Atelier was on my list, but it’s one Eda would have taken me to anyways because it’s quite well known and popular in town. They carry international brands like For Love and Lemons (love their stuff!), their own brand, and local designers. There were some funky things in there but nothing that really stood out to purchase. I think it was more dresses for partying and such than every day clothes.
Sofa Art & Antiques
Sofa Art & Antiques Serdar Ekrem Sokak 47, Galata. +90 212 292 39 77. Email dilek@kashifsofa.com
Right next door to Atelier is Sofa, which is the most famous art collector and dealer in Istanbul. They stock up the most famous hotels and houses in the country. People really come all the way here to look at her and her husbands collection as their main purpose. Some art was surprisingly affordable and the paintings of the city would make a great souvenir. The owner is a hoot!
Arzu Kaprol
Arzu Kaprol Galata/ Arzu Kaprol Gallery. Serdar Ekrem Sk. Komando Apt. No:22, Galata. +90 212 252 75 71. Email galata@arzukaprol.com
This is one of the top high end designers in Istanbul. It was very fancy. The dresses had exquisite thick beaded details, and the textiles were just stunning. Sadly, nothing I could afford. Eda said that if you go to a wedding in Istanbul, this is the type of dresses people will be wearing. I wasn’t too surprised remembering what the women had on at the Kempenski Gala just a few nights before (gowns and fur coats!).
Content Interiors
Content Suleyman Seba Cad. Acisu Sok. No: 1. 34357, Macka. Email info@content-istanbul.com
I found this shop randomly while walking near the W hotel. The things inside were really cute and if I had a house I would have definitely picked up a few things. It was also very pricey… but I found out everything in the boutiques here seemed to be!
IstanBuldan
Istanbulden Sair Nedim Cad. No: 27/B Besiktas- Istanbul +90 212 259 47 49
This little (and I mean little) shop was just outside the W hotel in a very fancy area of town. They carried the same type of robes and towels you’d see in the market. I would say if you’re in the area anyways, it is worth having a stop in. It’s not the best prices but if you don’t have time to go to the market it could be your only option.
There were a few more that Eda wanted to take me to, which leaves me something to check out next time I’m in Istanbul. They were:
Bahar Korçan
Serdar-ı Ekrem – Serasker Çıkmazı No.5
She’s known for quirky colorful clothing and has made a name for herself as a top designer.
Lunapark
Serdar-ı Ekrem no.17
Niquie Wedding
Maçka Talim Yeri Sok. 8/1 Maçka
Their material is silk and they do non-princessy, romantic style wedding dresses and nightwear. You can check out their Instagram: @niquieofficial if you’re in the market for a wedding dress!
Building
Nişantaşı – Hacı Efendi Sokak
This shop is considered for the “creative crowd” and is full of local designers. You can check out their Facebook page to see photos.
Gizia Gate
Citys ve Abdi İpekçi
This is the sub-brand of Gizia. They showcase local designers’ luxurious outfits. “GIZIA GATE is a 1,500 square meter multibrand concept store opened by established Turkish fashion brand Gizia in September 2015. Curated under the creative direction of Ceyda Balaban, the store displays luxury design products offered to customers through a VIP service.” – The Istanbul Guide
Midnight Express
Küçük Bebek
This is a popular place that’s been around a while. A luxury boutique with trendy clothing by Banu Bora and homewares and furniture by her husband. This is one Eda wanted to take me to.
Raisa Vanessa
Halil Paşa Yalısı Apt. No:3 D:3 Arnavutköy, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Stage costumes and luxurious nightwear with intricate designs.
Zeynep Tosun
Gazeteciler Sitesi, Hare Sok No.22
Jennifers Hamam
Arasta Çarşısı 125 ve 135
This is really popular and used to be in Galata but has moved to the Old City.
Best Shops in the Grand Bazaar
Cashmere House by Ilyas Aksu
If you want to get pashmina and cashmere shawls while here, this is the shop that Eda recommends as the best. Because there are probably a hundred similar ones in the market, it was really good to have Eda to help me find the best shops within the market who offer fair prices and quality goods.
Kopuk Pestemal Sabun
This is where I spent most my dough. I bought two simple Turkish towels, two fancier Turkish towels, and a robe made with their famous material. I almost bought the hamam soap too but I really don’t need soap and had to draw the line somewhere. The girl gave me great discounts.
Abdulla
This is a higher quality towel and robe shop. It offers similar goods at a higher price- but I am assured by Eda that his stuff is worth it. It’s a higher quality of textile. Everything was very cute but not in my price range sadly.
Sisko Osman
This is the most famous Turkish carpet shop there is! If you want a good price from a nice man then come here. This guy was really patient with me while I picked out 4 vintage carpet turned pillow covers. He also gave me a 10 tl discount on each one.
Yazzma / Dhoku /Ethicon
If you’re into the whole Turkish carpet thing, but want something a little more modern… this is the place for you. It’s actually a couple shops just near each other and there are hundreds of incredible carpets (some that cost 10,000 USD!). They look like they’ve been painted on and are made from silk and velvet. Seriously amazing work being done!
Home Textile
I love this store! This is where you can buy ikat and velvet pillows. I mentioned I went to the exclusive Soho House one night… they decorated with this shops Ikat. I think Ibrahim Pasha Hotel, where I stayed, did too. I got a pillow case and two little clutches which I love so much! I gave one to a friend, and the other I use to keep my phone away from sand in my beach bag.
The Bazaar closed before we could visit all Eda’s favorites. There were a few more on the list like:
Nick’s Calligraphy
Calligraphy! lol
Muhlis Günbattı
Older textiles like ikat and suzani, vintage style.
Koç Deri
The best leather shop in town. I am SO bummed I missed this one! I will literally have to use my own guide next time I’m back in Istanbul to remember which shops I didn’t make it to. “The quality of their work has often been compared to labels like Dolce & Gabbana and Armani.” –Istanbul Guide
For More Istanbul Travel
- Where to Stay in Istanbul + How to Get Around
- Best of Istanbul in Photos
- My Little Guide to Istanbul
This is a great post to bookmark! I love shopping just like you. :)
Can’t wait to go to Turkey one day, so this will come in handy. You always give such helpful tips!
Thanks so much for the advice. Can you give me the name of the Ikat shop..