From traditional kilims and homegrown skincare to contemporary jewellery and off-beat homewares, shopping in Istanbul is a unique experience. The one-time capital that straddles two continents and has seen the rule of multiple empires is a mash-up of influences. Alongside the historic spice bazaars and street sellers are a growing number of curious boutiques and high-end shopping havens. These are the makers shifting tradition with their own perspective in Turkey’s most frenetic and fascinating city.
Fey
Best for: true Turkish style
In high-style Nisantası is Fey, a basement store with racks dedicated to chic, made-in-Istanbul collections. Visitors can find classic button-down shirts, watercolour-printed A-line skirts, and asymmetrical peacoats. The shop was founded by designer Fatos Yalın, former fashion director of Turkish Marie Claire, and is the only place to buy her engineered ballet flats and one-off raffia skirts. It also offers a curated selection of mid-century jewellery. Upstairs is a line of furnishings and menswear from Yalın’s husband’s brand, Arkun.
Address: Fey, Harbiye, Mim Kemal Öke Cd. No:9, 34367 Şişli/İstanbul
A La Turca
Best for: curiosities
Set on a curved cobblestone lane in arty Çukurcuma, antique crafts store A La Turca occupies a four-storey, late-19th-century house that was bought and restored by Erkal Aksoy in the mid-1990s. The bulk of his collection is Anatolian kilims (flat-woven Turkish carpets), with more than 100 wrapped up in bales and tied with twine, but the place is filled to the rafters with glazed pots, brass-pedestalled globes and quirky tableware too.
Address: A La Turca, Kuloğlu, Faik Paşa Cd. No: 4, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Misela
Best for: bags of colour
In historic Beyoglu, Misela’s handbags fuse fresh contemporary styling with traditional Turkish methods. Highlights include sunlounger-stripe fabric box clutches, pastel top-handle bags with contrast fastenings, and embossed bucket bags with bright tassels. Individuality and personalization are at the heart of the brand: the signature Anatolia bag can be custom-made in 12 different shades.
Address: Misela, Evliya Çelebi, Meşrutiyet Cd. 107E, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Atelier Rebul
Best for: mixing scents
Istanbul’s Karaköy shoreline has been on the rise for years. A must-visit is Atelier Rebul, one of the country’s most beloved beauty brands, which was founded during Ottoman times in 1895. The store is designed to resemble an old-world apothecary, with vintage bottled fragrances and a pharmacist mixing bespoke scents.
Address: Atelier Rebul, Galataport Parcel Post Office, Karamustafa Paşa Mah., Kemankeş Cd. No:42, PP/Z21 Istanbul Turkey
Begüm Khan
Best for: wild inspiration
Acid-green paint and a flashing neon flying scarab signal entry into the world of jeweller Begüm Kıroglu. Her flagship boutique, Begüm Khan in Nisantası, showcases her unconventional botanical and animal influences. Visitors can find dramatic pieces shaped like tropical frogs, snakes, and insects, as well as an extensive collection of evil-eye jewellery and oversized pharaoh cuffs.
Address: Begüm Khan, Harbiye, Mim Kemal Öke Cd. 14/3, 34367 Şişli/İstanbul
House of Junk
Best for: pre-loved pieces
Aslı Atamer turned her Istanbul family villa in the leafy northern neighbourhood of Zekeriyaköy into House of Junk: a revolving door of eccentric accessories, vintage finds and homeware she scooped up on her travels. Shoppers will find everything from mid-century credenzas to quirky candlesticks.
Address: House of Junk, Uskumruköy, 6. Cd. no:10, 34450 Sarıyer/İstanbul
Nishane
Best for: globe-spanning fragrances
Nishane’s unisex perfumes bridge divides, with popular fragrances inspired by Anatolian culture. The sleek store on Ahmet Fetgari also stocks the Home Collection: eight fragrances inspired by different global cultures.
Address: Nishane, Teşvikiye, Ahmet Fetgari Sk No:51/A, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul, Türkiye
Nackiyé
Best for: statement pieces
Nackiyé, a womenswear store in the stylish Besiktas district, focuses on wearable statement pieces. The sisters’ signature style mixes prints and silhouettes with visible stitching or unfinished hems for an undone look.
Address: Nackiyé, Vişnezade, Süleyman Seba Cd. No:19, 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Dank!
Best for: unreal interiors
Dank! is filled with modern and retro home furnishings displayed in a jumble of tiny pseudo-living-spaces. The store is an alternative to the frenzy of consumption, inviting visitors to sell their unwanted items on consignment.
Address: DANK!, İstinye, Balabandere Cd. No:17 D:17, 34460 Sarıyer/İstanbul
Haremlique
Best for: a dreamy night’s sleep
Haremlique sells high-quality Turkish-made bed linens at Zorlu shopping center. Their products are inspired by Istanbul’s districts and Aegean- and Ottoman-inspired patterns.
Address: Haremlique, Levazım, Koru Sok. Zorlu Center No:2 D:194, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Siedres
Best for: contemporary clothing
Siedres has garnered a following for its Mediterranean aesthetic. Designer Ceylin Türkkan creates pieces that are made in small suburban factories, taking inspiration from the people and places along the Aegean coast.
Address: Stockists include V2K Designer Stores in Istanbul
Homemade Aromaterapi
Best for: modern apothecary
Homemade Aromaterapi, a holistic beauty shop in Kuzguncuk, brings ancient rituals into everyday practice, offering products like essential oils and scrubs made with natural ingredients.
Address: Homemade Aromaterapi, Kuzguncuk, İcadiye Cd. No:21, 34674 Üsküdar/İstanbul
Wohha
Best for: handmade ceramics
Wohha, a pottery studio and café, serves cappuccinos in its quirky mugs and offers a range of ceramics with a lead-free glaze.
Address: Wohha, Arnavutköy, Abdülhak Molla Sk. No:9 D:11A, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey
Anim
Best for: tableware and tasteful frocks
Anim integrates family textile heritage with a West Coast vibe, focusing on quality tableware and tasteful fabric designs.
Address: Anim, Sinanpaşa Mahallesi, Süleyman Seba Cd. No:6 D:aire 9, 34353 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey
The Space
Best for: streetwear
The Space focuses on freedom of expression with street culture-inspired clothing, including hoodies and denim.
Address: The Space, Hüsrev Gerede Cd. No:78 Teşvikiye 34365 Şişli/İstanbul
Sobe Handmade
Best for: upgraded footwear
Sobe Handmade offers a modern interpretation of classic Turkish slipper styles, incorporating bright colors and unique details.
Address: Sobe Handmade, Teşvikiye, Akkavak Sk. 12b, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey
Epicene
Best for: sleek jewellery
Epicene is known for its minimalistic jewellery and features a revolving display of unique items.
Address: Epicene, Teşvikiye, Poyracik Sk No:16 D:1A, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey
Kloto
Best for: eco accessories
Kloto offers sustainable, bold, mixed-metal jewellery pieces that add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
Address: Kloto, Mollafenari Mah. Vezirhan Sok, No:48 D:52, Fatih/Istanbul 34120, Turkey
