Istanbul is a timeless mesh of cultures and style. And no trip to the transcontinental city is complete without hitting some of the truly unique spots for some retail therapy. From high-end boutiques to locally crafted home goods to creatively flared stationary, Istanbul has it all and, in many cases, like no other. Here's a list of the best shops you can only find in the Turkish city.
1. ÇiçekIşleri, Kadıköy
On the Asian side of Istanbul, the Kadıköy district offers countless treasures woven within its bustling alleyways and streets. For the latest in original home goods, ÇiçekIşleri remains the spot. The year 2020 marks a decade since the shop opened, which has since expanded to four locations scattered throughout the city. Among the colorful finds you can peruse on a given day are wooden furniture pieces, quirky lamps, eclectically crafted jewelry pieces and seemingly anything in between. If there isn’t enough luggage space for you to haul a large piece back, ÇiçekIşleri offers worldwide shipping and has an online marketplace for future finds, too. Caferağa, Moda Cd. No:39/1, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul
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2. Denizler Kitabevi, Kabataş
There are few cities in the world that have a history like Istanbul. And, to explore some of that history – from ancient maps, to preserved books to rare lithographs – head to the Denizler Kitabevi bookstore in Kabataş. With a vibe that mimics a cozy townhome – clad with bookshelves and preserved maps lining its walls from floor to ceiling, you can easily get lost in another century (or two) here. And, with its friendly staff, you’ll never feel like you’re being rushed out either. Tomtom, İstiklal Cd. No:199 D:A, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
3. Kagithane House of Paper, Karaköy
Like any major city, there’s certainly no shortage of places to snag an Istanbul-inspired tchotchke, whether it’s a magnet or stickers. For a truly unique souvenir as well as some products you can totally use in your daily life - including artisan-crafted calendars, coasters, bookmarks and stationery – Kagithane House of Paper is a gem in the Karaköy district. With any stroll through the bright shop, you’ll see Istanbul’s people and landmarks shining through several of its offerings. Aside from some stationery staples, the shop offers a steady rotation of regionally-inspired and off-the-wall quirkiness as well, whether it’s a fan covered in cats or city-topography inspired necklaces. Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Fransız Gç Sokağı, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
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4. Olive Farm, Beşiktaş
Olive trees have quite the history within Turkey. With domestic roots stemming back nearly 2,500 years, the olive and olive oil industries are major economic drivers throughout the country. Olive Farm, which is headquartered in the Datça region and has an Istanbul storefront, is a purveyor of all things olive and olive oil. In addition to the staples – which include organic cooking oils and jams – its Beşiktaş neighborhood shop also boasts a number of olive-infused natural care products, baby products and even items hand-carved from olive wood. Here you can take – and literally wear – some Istanbul home, well beyond the mass-produced souvenir T-shirt. In addition to its Beşiktaş spot Kuruçeşme, Bodrum Kat, Muallim Naci Cd. 64/A, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
5. Serdar-i Ekrem, Galata
From the carpet-clad confines of Nuruosmaniye to the antiques upon antiques that dominate Çukurcuma, Istanbul is home to some truly picturesque shopping districts. For independent boutiques mixed with a cobble-stoned street charm, head to Serdar-i Ekrem. Highlights include Civan (a made-to-measure men’s tailor), Lunapark (an edgy souvenir shop) and Analog Kültür (a vinyl record shop where you can take home some Turkish tunes, among international beats), among other up-and-comers. If nothing is catching your fancy to buy, you’ll always leave feeling fulfilled with a glimpse of Galata Tower soaring over the southern end of the street. Serdar-i Ekrem Cd. Galata, Beyoğlu/İstanbul
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6. Shopi Go, Şişli
Don’t be fooled by Shopi Go’s exterior, which is layered in squares. There's nothing square about this hip clothing shop whatsoever. Originally an online concept store and opening its first brick-and-mortar in 2014, Shopi Go is locally and globally renowned for its hybrid of international fashion offerings. Whatever the trend may be that you’re seeing in magazines, on runways or draping celebs, Shopi Go is likely already on it. On a given day, you can find the latest from hundreds of international designers and, when you inevitably have to leave the beauty that is Istanbul, you can keep shopping via its easy-to-navigate online platform. Teşvikiye, Ahmet Fetgari No: 62, 34365 Istanbul
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