Markets and Bazaars of Istanbul

Istanbul has a range of bazaars and markets (semt pazarı) throughout the city that cater to just about every taste. Each neighbourhood has its own open-air market on a specific day of the week, where a wide variety of spices, fruit, vegetables, plants, pastries and more can be found at low prices.

Markets and bazaars may also sell antiques, ceramics, rugs, paintings, toys and old books as well as clothing. Credit cards may sometimes be accepted in these bazaars, but in general vendors ask to be paid in cash.

Most towns in Turkey have their own market selling locally produced fresh vegetables and fruit. These markets may also sell clothing, household goods, peanuts, dairy products and more.

One of the oldest and most popular street markets is the Salı ve Cuma Pazarı, open on Tuesdays and Fridays in Kadıköy on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul. Fruit, vegetables, fish, clothing, rugs, home decoration items, kitchen equipment, table and bed linen and cosmetics are some of the goods for sale. Opening times may change in the winter season.

Bazaars in Istanbul

The most well-known bazaars and markets in Istanbul are generally open from 09:00 until 19:00 or 20:00, and are closed on Sundays and public holidays.

 

    Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)

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This famous bazaar is probably the largest and one of the oldest covered markets in the world. Established at the end of the 15th century, it consists of thousands of stores selling jewellery, carpets and rugs from Turkey and central Asia, clothing, souvenirs, spices, Turkish delight (lokum), antiques, leather goods and food. The bazaar can be accessed through several gates, including the Çarşıkapı Gate by the Beyazit tram stop and the Nuruosmaniye Gate. The Grand Bazaar is also home to two mosques, as well as a number of cafés, restaurants, banks and a Post Office.

 

    Egyptian Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)

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Also known as the Spice Market, this bazaar is located in the historic district of Fatih in Eminönü. It is the second largest bazaar in Istanbul, and sells different kinds of spices, dried herbs, herbal teas and medicinal plants. There are also dried fruits, nuts, oils and confectionery. Sometimes, during the summer period, this bazaar may be open on Sundays.

 

    Secondhand Book Bazaar (Sahaflar Çarşısı)

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Located in the historic district of Istanbul, Beyazit. It sells mostly second-hand novels, university books, tourist guides, stationery, religious books and magazines. It is also possible to find new novels and books in languages other than Turkish. Some small stores may also be open on Sundays.

 

    Galatasaray Fish Market (Balık Pazarı)

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Located in Beşiktaş and Karaköy, one of the most heavily populated districts of Istanbul. The market mainly sells fresh fish and sea-food from the Sea of Marmara and elsewhere, but it is also possible to find plants, meat and cheeses, as well as vendors selling fast food.

 

    Flower Market (Çiçek Pazarı)

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Located close to the Spice Market. Plants, flowers, seeds and gardening books are sold here. It is also possible to buy small animals such as parrots and rabbits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weekly Bazaars and Markets

    Istanbul street markets - European Side
    Bahçelievler  

    Food, clothing, kitchen equipment, cheese, traditional Turkish desserts and pastries.

    Open Mondays from 08:00-19:00

    Bahçeşehir

    Also known as the Bazaar Turk. Food, clothing, kitchen equipment, flowers and plants.

    Open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 08:00-19:00

    Bakırköy

    Food, clothing, kitchen equipment, cheese, shoes, table and bed linen and plants.

    Open Saturdays from 10:00-19:00

    Beşiktaş

    Clothing, shoes, handicrafts, kitchen equipment, flowers.

    Open Thursdays, from 10:00-19:00

    Beylikdüzü

    Foods, fruit, vegetable, clothing, kitchen equipment, cheese, pastry, fish, baked products, plants.

    Open Sundays from 10:00-17:00

    Şişli

    Open Fridays selling clothing, shoes and bags.

    Organic food market on Saturdays

    Antiques from 10:00-19:00 on Sundays

    Istanbul street markets - Anatolian/Asian Side
    Bostancı          

    Food, clothing, kitchen equipment, cheese, traditional Turkish desserts and pastries.

    Open Mondays from 08:00-19:00

    Erenköy

    Fruit, vegetables, clothing, kitchen equipment, cheese, shoes, table and bed linen.

    Open Thursdays from 10:00-19:00

    Kartal

    Food, fruit, vegetables, clothing, kitchen equipment, cheese, pastries, fish and baked products.

    Fridays from 10:00-19:00

    Pendik

    Food, fruit, vegetables, clothing, kitchen equipment, cheese, pastries, fish, baked products and plants.

    Open Saturdays from 10:00-19:00

    Üsküdar

    Food, clothing, kitchen equipment, cheese, pastries.

    Open Fridays from 10:00-19:00

 

Organic Markets

Organic markets (ekolojik pazar) are growing in popularity; they sell organic fruit and vegetables produced according to the Organic Regulations.

    Istanbul Organic Markets
    Şişli Feriköy (European Side)  

    The first organic market to open in Istanbul

    Open: every Saturday from around 08:00-19:00

    Maltepe District (Anatolian Side)

    At: Altayçeşme. Kışlalı Road, No. 18

    Open: Sundays from 08:00-19:00

    Kadıköy District (Anatolian Side)

    At: Özgürlük Park, Selamiçeşme-Göztepe

    Open: Wednesdays from 08:00-19:00