It is possible to visit İstanbul only for shopping. With over 400 stores in its labyrinthine streets and passages, the Covered Bazaar is ideally suited for such a purpose. Names such as Jewelers’ Street, Carpet-Weavers’ Street, Hood-Makers’ Street and Basket-Makers’ street recall that the bazaar was once divided into quarters for different crafts. Besides its historical interest as trade center of the old city, the Covered Bazaar offers unique products such as Turkish handicrafts, hand-woven carpets, hand-painted and bright-colored ceramics, copperware, brassware and meerschaum pipes. Rare antique pieces can be found in the Old Bedesten in the center of the bazaar and fine leather and suede jackets, bags, wallets, etc. are also available.

Carrying traces of Eastern mysticism, the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü is filled with the seductive fragrance of innumerable herbs and spices. The Sultanahmet neighborhood offers possibilities for shopping in the old city. Craftsman may be seen at work and their wares be purchased in Mimar Sinan’s 16th century Caferağa Medrese (religious school) as well as the bazaar of the 18th century Mehmet Efendi Medrese. The vaulted part of the bazaar behind the Sultanahmet Mosque has attractive display windows and provides more shopping opportunities.

Modern stores in downtown Taksim and Şişli, boutiques in chic Nişantaşı, and malls and department stores in uptown Etiler and Levent offer a wide selection of goods including world brands. There are shopping centers all around the city, some of the best-known being Galleria, Nautilus and Akmerkez.

İstanbul is a yet undiscovered shopping center of international caliber offering a range of opportunities for different budgets and can become a reasonable alternative to the relatively expensive centers of the European fashion industry today.