Istanbul Attractions

Venue: Istanbul    When: Daily

Buying things in Istanbul can be bewildering simply due to the excessive amount of choice. Here we describe a few of the many markets that you can find in the city.

Every Tuesday on the Asian side of the Bosphorus you can find a bustling flea market in Kadijoy. There is plenty of choice, if it's clothes you're looking for, as well as a wide range of food stalls to wander through. This is a local affair, and far less touristy than the spectacular Grand Bazaar.

On Sundays, in a flea market between the Sahaflar and the Covered Bazaar, vendors uncover their wares on carts and blankets. The Horhor Çarþýsý is a collection of shops that sell furniture of varying age and quality. Flea markets are open daily in the Topkapý district, on Çukurcuma Sokak in Cihangir, on Büyük Hamam Sokak in Üsküdar, in the Kadýköy Çarþý Duraðý area, and between Eminönü and Tahtakale.

After a Sunday drive up the Bosphorus, stop between Büyükdere and Sanyer to wander through another lively market.

The diversity of ingredients available in these markets testify to the verdant and fertile land which is Turkey. Some of the best purchases include dried fruits and nuts (pistachios, almonds, dried apricots etc). Spices too abound, in particular saffron, which is incredibly cheap. Ceramics can be bought cheaply and are beautifully made, and, of course, there are the ubiquitous carpets!