18 Must-Have Souvenirs and Gifts to Buy in Istanbul (2024 Guide)

If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, you won’t want to miss out on the city’s incredible shopping scene. Istanbul is home to some of the world’s most unique and authentic souvenirs, and shopping for these items is an experience in itself. From Turkish coffee sets to handmade shoes, there’s something for everyone in Istanbul’s bazaars and markets. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 18 best souvenirs to buy in Istanbul, and where to find them.

Read more about the Historic Bazaars of Istanbul >>

Turkish Coffee Set & Excellent Coffee

Turkish coffee is an important part of Istanbul’s culture, and it’s a must-try when visiting the city. To bring home the true Turkish coffee experience, consider buying a traditional Turkish coffee set. These sets include a cezve (a small copper or brass pot), cups, and saucers.

You can find authentic Turkish coffee sets at shops like Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi. While you’re there, don’t forget to try some of the excellent coffee these shops are known for. Read more…

Turkish Tea Glasses & Exotic Tea

Turkish tea is another staple of Istanbul’s culture, and it’s consumed throughout the day. Turkish tea glasses are small and delicate, and they’re often decorated with intricate patterns. To bring home a piece of Turkish tea culture, consider buying a set of authentic Turkish tea glasses.

You can find them at shops like Istanbul Sefasi or Grand Bazaar and Spice Market. And while you’re there, don’t forget to try some of the exotic tea blends that Istanbul is known for. Read more…

Read more about Grand Bazaar >>

Turkish Sweets: Baklava, Delight (Lokum)

Turkish sweets are a delicious and important part of Istanbul’s cuisine. Baklava and lokum (also known as Turkish delight) are two of the most popular sweets in the city.

Baklava is a rich pastry made with layers of filo pastry, chopped nuts, and syrup, while lokum is a soft and chewy candy made with sugar and starch. For the best baklava and lokum in Istanbul, head to the Spice Bazaar or Koska. Read more…

Mosaic Lamps

Mosaic lamps are a beautiful and unique souvenir to bring home from Istanbul. These lamps are made with small pieces of colored glass, and they’re often intricately designed. To find an authentic mosaic lamp, head to the Grand Bazaar to the Brothers Lamp or MosaicArtLamp. These shops offer a wide variety of lamps in different colors and designs.

Leather Bags, Jackets, Belts

Istanbul is home to some of the world’s finest leather goods, and shopping for these items is a must when visiting the city. From leather bags to jackets and belts, there’s something for everyone.

For the best quality leather goods, head to Prens Leather or Punto Deri. These shops offer a wide variety of leather items in different colors and styles. Read more…

Turkish Rugs

Turkish rugs are a beautiful and valuable souvenir to bring home from Istanbul. These rugs are handmade with intricate designs, and they’re often passed down through generations.

To find an authentic Turkish rug, head to Vezirhan Carpets or Sisko Carpets. These shops offer a wide selection of rugs in different sizes and designs, and they can also provide information on the history and meaning behind each rug. Read more…

Nazar Amulet (Blue Evil Eye)

The Nazar amulet, also known as the Blue Evil Eye, is a popular souvenir in Istanbul. This amulet is believed to protect against the evil eye, and it’s often found in the form of jewelry or decorative items. For an authentic Nazar amulet, head to Grand Bazaar.

Herbs and Spices

Istanbul is known for its vibrant spice culture, and shopping for herbs and spices is a must when visiting the city. The Egyptian Spice Bazaar is a popular destination for spice shopping, with shops like Malatya Pazari and Mehmet Efendi offering a wide variety of authentic spices. Whether you’re looking for saffron, sumac, or Turkish red pepper, you’re sure to find it at the Spice Bazaar. Read more…

Iznik Ceramics

Iznik ceramics are a beautiful and unique souvenir to bring home from Istanbul. These ceramics are decorated with intricate designs and patterns, and they’re often used as decorative items or for serving food.

For the best selection of authentic Iznik ceramics, head to Iznik Art or Eser Ceramic. These shops offer a wide variety of ceramics in different sizes and designs. Read more…

Turkish Towels

Turkish towels, also known as peshtemal, are a popular souvenir in Istanbul. These towels are known for their absorbency and softness, and they’re often used at Turkish baths. For the best quality Turkish towels, head to Haremlique or Peshtemal Istanbul. These shops offer a wide variety of towels in different colors and designs. Read more…

Exotic Handmade Shoes

Handmade shoes are a beautiful and unique souvenir to bring home from Istanbul. These shoes are often made with high-quality leather and decorated with intricate designs. For the best handmade shoes in Istanbul, head to Çadırcılar Caddesi or Arasta Bazaar. These shops offer a wide variety of shoes in different styles and sizes.

Gold and Jewellery

Istanbul has a rich history of gold and jewellery making, and shopping for these items is a must when visiting the city. Cem Lokmanhekim is one of the best destinations for gold and jewellery shopping in Istanbul, offering a wide variety of authentic pieces in different styles and designs.

Backgammon & Chess

Backgammon and chess are popular games in Istanbul’s social scene, and shopping for authentic sets is a must. Dilek Gift Shop and Mehmet Özyurt are two of the best spots for backgammon and chess shopping in Istanbul, offering a wide variety of sets in different sizes and designs.

Scarves

Scarves are a versatile and elegant accessory in Turkish fashion, and shopping for them is a must when visiting Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar and Divan Bazaar are two of the best places to shop for authentic scarves, offering a wide variety of styles and colors.

Turkish Antiques as Souvenirs from Istanbul

Turkey has a rich history, and its influence on antique culture is evident in Istanbul’s bazaars and markets. The Antiques Market in Beyoğlu and the Grand Bazaar are two of the best destinations for Turkish antique shopping in Istanbul, offering a wide variety of authentic items in different styles and eras.

Read more about Turkish Antiques Shops in our guide >>

Olive Oil Soap

Olive oil soap is an important part of Turkish beauty rituals, and shopping for it is a must when visiting Istanbul. The Spice Bazaar is the top destination for olive oil soap shopping in Istanbul, with shops like Cicek Sabunu offering a wide variety of authentic and high-quality soap.

Turkish Bath Accessories

The traditional Turkish bath experience is a must when visiting Istanbul, and shopping for authentic Turkish bath accessories can enhance the experience.

Derviş is the top destination for Turkish bath accessories shopping in Istanbul, offering a wide variety of items such as kese (scrubbing mitts), peştamal (bath towels), and sabunluk (soap dishes). Read more…

Experience Total Relaxation in Turkish Baths

Turkish Modern Ceramics and Art

Istanbul’s contemporary art scene is thriving, and shopping for modern ceramics and art is a must for art enthusiasts. Local shops in Moda offer a wide variety of authentic modern ceramics and art in different styles and designs.

Find Contemporary Art Galleries in Istanbul >>

Conclusion

In conclusion, shopping for souvenirs in Istanbul is a unique and unforgettable experience that should not be missed. With a wide variety of authentic and high-quality items to choose from, visitors are sure to buy the perfect souvenir to represent Istanbul’s heritage. Whether it’s Turkish coffee sets, mosaic lamps, leather goods, or Turkish rugs, the 18 must-have items on this list offer a breath of culture and history. Remember to shop at recommended shops and markets like the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, and local shops in Moda for the best selection and quality. Happy shopping!

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