Istanbul is Turkey's largest city and cultural capital, straddling two continents across the Bosphorus Strait. Once the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, it's a city of stunning mosques, grand bazaars, and vibrant neighborhoods blending East and West.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Turkish Carpets and Kilims
Handwoven rugs are Turkey's most iconic craft. Look for genuine hand-knotted silk or wool carpets from established dealers with certificates of authenticity. Kilims (flat-weave rugs) are more affordable.
Price: $50-$10,000+
Where: Grand Bazaar, Arasta Bazaar, specialist dealers
Iznik Ceramics
Beautiful hand-painted pottery from Iznik featuring Ottoman floral and geometric patterns in cobalt blue, turquoise, and red on white. Genuine Iznik pieces are expensive; mass-produced versions are more affordable.
Price: $15-$500+
Where: Arasta Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, specialist shops in Sultanahmet
Evil Eye (Nazar Boncugu)
The blue glass evil eye amulet is Turkey's most recognizable talisman. Available in every size from tiny pendants to wall hangings. Genuine hand-blown glass from Bodrum is superior to machine-made imports.
Price: $1-$50
Where: Spice Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, souvenir shops everywhere
Turkish Delight (Lokum)
The iconic jelly confection flavored with rosewater, lemon, mastic, or pistachio. Buy from quality confectionery shops like Hafiz Mustafa 1864 and Ali Muhiddin Haci Bekir — the legendary Istanbul lokum makers.
Price: $5-$30 per box
Where: Hafiz Mustafa (multiple branches), Haci Bekir (Eminonu), Spice Bazaar
Turkish Spices
Bring home sumac, isot (Urfa pepper), maras pepper, Turkish saffron, za'atar blends, and dried herbs from the Spice Bazaar. Buy from reputable vendors who store spices properly.
Price: $3-$20 per bag
Where: Spice Bazaar, Kadikoy market
Copper and Brass Items
Hand-beaten copper cookware, teapots, lamps, and decorative items from traditional workshops. Genuinely handmade pieces are heavier and have hammer marks.
Price: $20-$200
Where: Grand Bazaar coppersmiths section, Eminonu antique shops
Turkish Tea Set (Cay Seti)
Traditional tulip-shaped tea glasses with saucers and a decorative tea tray make a beautiful and functional souvenir of Istanbul's tea culture.
Price: $15-$80
Where: Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi)
One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets with over 4,000 shops in 61 covered streets. Established in 1455 by Mehmed the Conqueror. Selling carpets, jewelry, ceramics, leather goods, textiles, and spices.
Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30am-7pm (closed Sunday)
Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi / Egyptian Bazaar)
Built in 1664, the L-shaped Spice Bazaar has 88 shops overflowing with spices, dried fruits, nuts, Turkish delight, teas, and herbal remedies. One of Istanbul's most aromatic and atmospheric markets.
Hours: Daily 8am-7:30pm
Arasta Bazaar
A charming Ottoman-era market beneath the Blue Mosque with around 40 shops in a calm, relatively pressure-free environment. Specializes in high-quality ceramics, carpets, and handicrafts.
Hours: Daily 9am-8pm
Besiktas Saturday Market
One of Istanbul's best neighborhood farmers and produce markets. Fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, olives, pickles, and homemade products sold directly by producers. Very local, authentic experience with minimal tourists.
Hours: Saturday morning-afternoon
Kadikoy Produce Market
The finest food market in Istanbul on the Asian side, beloved by locals and foodies. Fresh fish, seasonal produce, artisan cheeses, olives, and specialty foods. The surrounding streets have excellent bakeries and delicatessens.
Hours: Daily 7am-7pm (busiest Sat morning)