Pandora is a brilliant little place in the heart of Beyoglu, with helpful English-speaking staff. The shop is spread out over three floors and the top level is totally devoted to English-language titles. There is an edifying range of contemporary fiction, as well as the classics. Books of local and international poetry and art tend to be popular with curious expats. Colorful flyers and posters adorn the windows advertising what's going on around town.
This two-mile pedestrian boulevard is a must-see for any visitor to Istanbul. Formerly known as the Grande Rue de Péra, the street's name was changed to İstiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue) after Turkish independence was declared in 1923. The grand boulevard's turn-of-the-century European-style facade is well cared for, and the shops and restaurants that line the promenade are not extremely touristy or expensive. If you start at Taksim Square, İstiklal Caddesi will lead you all the way to the famous Galata Tower. Before you reach Galata, you'll pass through Karaköy, where you can see (and ride) the world's second-oldest subway, the Tünel. The huge boulevard is full of history and mystery.
From swathes of silk to intricately designed carpets, from filigreed Turkish tea pots to ornate Ottoman lamps, the lantern-laced alleys of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar are home to the city's finest treasures. Vaulted archways are covered with wall-to-wall wares of traditional Turkish souvenirs and products in this historic retail paradise. A walk through the medieval alleys brings on as much awe and delight as it does a smidgen of entertainment. The bedesten, or warehouses date back to the thriving times of the 15th Century, when the Grand Bazaar was first proposed to be built by Sultan Mehmet, in a bid to encourage economic progress in the then-city of Constantinople. Today, the bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, its meandering alleys filled with as many as 4000 shops, and its grand sprawl consisting of nearly 61 shopping streets and alleys.
Zegna may not be as popular as Armani, but the truly hip man will be familiar with this brand. Find classic cuts and designs, such as knitted, black three quarter length coats, simple but sophisticated suits, and plain, woolen jumpers. Comfort is another of Zegna's priorities, with an emphasis on soft, wearable fabrics like cashmere, silk and mohair. They also stock an up market range of shirts, ties and accessories. Definitely for the discerning gentleman!
Old Bedesten is actually a cluster of little antique stores located in the heart of the Grand Bazaar in Beyazıt. Many of the shops here specialize in religious icons, which are imported by the truckload from the former Soviet Union. Many stock cases of ornate silver ornaments, including the ubiquitous Turkish "evil eye." You can also find old jewelry and cute Ottoman-era watches complete with Arabic numerals. When you're shopping, bargaining is the name of the game and the harder you bargain, the more fun you'll have!
Considered to be among the top shopping avenues in the world, Bağdat Caddesi or Baghdad Avenue is located on the city's Anatolian side. Stretching across 14 kilometers (8.70 miles), this one-way street is straddled between the districts of Kadıköy and Maltepe. Dotted with old trees, it is lined with high-end boutiques, shopping malls, renowned brand shops, plush eateries, cafes, bars and luxury car dealers. This street is also a cultural spot which includes hosting the Republic Day's cultural parade or celebrating an sports victory.
Madonna, Monica Bellucci and Kylie Minogue - all of them swear by the erotic glamour of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. Already since the 1980s the two Italian designers have regularly put the fashion scene in motion. While Dolce, who is the son of a textile manufacturer, tailored his first jacket at the age of 7, Gabbana had been working as a graphic artist before the founding of their label. It was him who significantly formed the look of the italian luxury label with his sense of theatrics and colourful animal prints.
The Orient Bazaar in the heart of Istanbul's Fatih neighborhood boasts of over 7 decades of experience in the finest Turkish and oriental rugs. Pillow covers with the beautiful Kilim and Jijim prints, rugs featuring suzani patchworks, Central Asian floor cloths, exotic handbags and exquisite, locally made bath towels are sold at this store. All its merchandise is manufactured with non-allergic, natural fabric. One can also shop for other finely crafted home accessories at great prices.
An exquisitely designed store featuring large glass-shielded displays of some of the most splendidly cut diamonds, Zen Diamond lures jewelry shoppers with a fine collection of accessories. Part of a renowned chain of jewelry stores with a strong presence across the world, this Zen Diamond outlet occupies a busy location in the city's Eminönü neighborhood. All the jewelry manufacturing plants of Zen are run by some of the most talented and experienced designers who mesmerize buyers and experts with cutting-edge designs. Rose cut diamonds, pendants, earrings, color stone wedding rings and Solitaire diamond jewelry is sold here, apart from some swish accessories which include bags, cuff links, card holders, wallets and studded watches.
Euro Diamond is a jewelry shop which specializing in intricate diamond jewelry. With beautiful pieces in emerald, ruby and sapphire, along with an array of white and colored diamonds, this is the place to come to if you want to buy a special gift, an engagement ring or a wedding band. You can choose from delicately designed pendants, bracelets, brooches, cuff links, bangles and necklaces.
Doğubank İşhanı is your one stop destination for electronics. From cameras, audio systems, televisions and mobile phones, to home appliances, air-conditioners and gaming consoles, Doğubank İşhanı offers a vast selection of electronics, often at discounted prices. Doğubank İşhanı is a great place to compare the prices and features of various brands and models, before settling on the one that is just right for you. The staff are always happy to help you find your way around the store, and are a great source of information.
Look glamorous everyday by wearing elegant jewelery from Agaoğlu Kuyumcular Çarşısı. This place is famous for stylish jewelry designs and specializes in the fine-cut diamond jewelry. Be it flashy diamond necklace for the upcoming party or earrings for everyday use, Agaoğlu Kuyumcular Çarşısı has something for every occasion. Besides, the store showcases bracelets, rings, diamond studded watches, key chains and more for you to indulge in or pamper your loved ones with the classy diamond giftings.