Curious about history and want to interact with local people while you are in İstanbul? Then traditional shopping areas are your answer.

With its 18 entrances, 13 large commercial buildings and more than 4000 shops; the magnificent Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) is one of the world’s greatest historical bazaars. Also known as the Spice Bazaar; the Egyptian Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) is a six gated authentic place where shoppers can find various spices, dried fruits, basketry, jewelry, drapery and haberdashery. With its craftsmen; Sultanahmet is just the right place for those who want to travel in time and enjoy the mysterious ambiance of the Ottoman era. The Arasta Bazaar with its jewelery, pottery, spice, textiles and carpet shops, and the Antique Books Market with its priceless books make the area an excellent place for the history passionates. And for those who want a real İstanbul experience, street markets are the perfect choice. These markets are set up in specifc areas and named by the days of the week they take place like Salı Pazarı (Tuesdays) in Kadıköy on the Asian Side, Ulus Pazarı (Fridays) in Ulus and Cumartesi Pazarı (Saturdays) in Beşiktaş.