18 Must-Have Souvenirs and Gifts to Buy in Istanbul (2025 Guide)

In our search for unique and authentic souvenirs in Istanbul, we found some really interesting ideas. From Turkish coffee sets and pomegranate molasses to Iznik ceramics and handwoven peshtemal towels, there’s no shortage of thoughtful gifts.

The best part? You don’t need to rely on touristy spots like the Grand Bazaar. Instead, check out local supermarkets for spices, teas, and sweets, or visit homeware and book stores for more distinctive and creative options. We’ve compiled a mix of ideas to help you find the perfect souvenir without overpaying.

Key Tips foy Buying Souvenirs

• Duty-Free Limit: Gifts and souvenirs up to €430 for adults and €150 for those under 15 don’t need declaration.
• Shop Smart: Most of the best souvenirs—like Turkish coffee, spices, olive oil, and ceramics—can be found in local shops or supermarkets rather than tourist-heavy markets.
• Grand Bazaar: If you shop at the Grand Bazaar, only buy from trusted stores. Don’t purchase immediately — haggle and compare prices.
• Visit Homeware and Bookstores: Check out stores like Pasabahce for ceramics and tea sets, and visit bookstores for unique gifts like local books and Turkish puzzles.

Turkish Coffee & Coffee Sets

Turkish coffee is a staple souvenir from Istanbul. While Kurukahvesi Mehmet Efendi is the most famous, Keyfe Türk Kahvesi is another excellent choice. It’s available in several flavors, including classic, Turkish delight, and mastic. You can pick up a 100g pack for around 50-100 TL in most supermarkets.

To complete the experience, consider buying a coffee set with traditional Turkish coffee cups and a cezve (a small long-handled pot). These sets come in various designs, from simple to ornate.

Where to buy: Check out Pasabahce or Karaca for elegant coffee sets, or head to the coffee street near Yeni Han for more local finds. Find more…

Turkish Tea & Çaydanlık (Traditional Teapots)

Tea is an essential part of Turkish culture, and you can find quality tea in almost any supermarket or local shop in Istanbul. Some popular places to buy Turkish tea include Carrefour, BIM, or even at the famous Spice Bazaar. There’s also a variety of Turkish tea brands you can choose from, including Çaykur.

To brew your tea traditionally, you’ll want a çaydanlık, the classic two-tiered teapot used to make Turkish tea. You can find traditional Çaydanlık at Pasabahçe, Karaca, Evidea, or smaller shops around Eminönü, or the markets near the Spice Bazaar. Electric Kettles are available in big stores like Migros, TeknoSA, or MediaMarkt, but check if they have an automatic turning-off mechanism. Find more…

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Turkish Cheese

Turkey is famous for its cheese varieties. Eski Kaşar (aged cheese similar to parmesan) and young goat/sheep cheeses are highly recommended. Kaymak, a type of creamy cheese, is another excellent option, often enjoyed with honey.

Where to buy: Local markets or food halls often let you sample before you buy, so take advantage of this to find your favorites.

Fresh & Dried Fruits

While fresh fruit is abundant in Turkey, dried fruit is easier to bring home. Dried figs, apricots, dates, and raisins make for delicious, healthy gifts. Turkey is also famous for its pomegranates, which are available both fresh and as dried seeds.

Where to buy: You can find fresh fruit at local markets, while Spice Bazaar is your go-to for dried fruit.

Turkish Delight & Sweets

Lokum (Turkish delight) and baklava are perfect souvenirs for sweet lovers. You can also explore halva, pishmaniye (sweet strands of sugar and flour), and kadayıf (shredded pastry with nuts and syrup).

Where to buy: Hafiz Mustafa and Karaköy Güllüoğlu are renowned for their fresh sweets, but you can also find packaged versions in most supermarkets.

Apparel & Accessories

If you want a stylish and unique souvenir, look for Istanbul-themed hoodies from Mavi or traditional shopper bags from Vapur Shops located at ferry terminals.

Pomegranate Molasses (Nar Ekşisi)

A staple in Turkish kitchens, pomegranate molasses is often used in salads and marinades. The key is to avoid the cheaper, sugary versions (“nar ekşisi sosu”) and look for the pure, 100% pomegranate version. This rich, tangy ingredient can be a great gift for any foodie, adding a Mediterranean touch to everyday meals.

Where to buy: Look for it in organic shops or high-quality grocery stores like Macrocenter or Carrefour. Use it on fresh salads made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and walnuts for a taste of Turkey at home.

Turkish Leather Goods

Leather is one of Turkey’s top exports, and Istanbul offers plenty of shops selling everything from leather jackets to handbags. Zeytinburnu is the go-to district for affordable leather goods, while Derimod is known for its branded items. For something more unique, explore the smaller shops in Osmanbey for boutique leather finds.

Where to buy: Zeytinburnu or boutiques around Osmanbey. Reach Zeytinburnu by Marmaray train, or explore Taksim for thrift shops. Find more places >>

Turkish Carpets & Rugs

If you’re looking for a unique yet affordable rug, skip the Grand Bazaar and head to Adalı El Dokuma Halı in Kadıköy, known for fair prices and authentic designs. For something more mainstream, you can check out Evidea, which offers budget-friendly options without the tourist markup.

Where to buy: Evidea for budget rugs or Adalı El Dokuma Halı in Kadıköy for more unique finds. Find more >>

Iznik Ceramics

These vibrant, hand-painted ceramics with floral and geometric designs are rooted in Ottoman tradition. While Pasabahce sells mass-produced versions, for truly authentic pieces head to an Iznik Ceramics shop. Plates, coasters, and tiles are beautiful additions to any home.

Where to buy: the Iznik Ceramics store or Pasabahce for more affordable options.

Peshtemals (Turkish Towels)

These lightweight, quick-drying towels are perfect for the beach or the bath. Jennifer’s Hamam is famous for their hand-woven peshtemals made from natural fibers. Located in Arasta Bazaar, this shop is a favorite for anyone looking for high-quality textiles.

Where to buy: Jennifer’s Hamam in Arasta Bazaar or their multi-story showroom for a wider selection. Find more >>

Classic Souvenirs: Magnets, Snow Globes, and Glass Art

For classic tourist souvenirs like magnets or Istanbul-themed snow globes, Pasabahce is the best place. Known for its glass products, Pasabahce also offers high-quality keepsakes. If you’re after something more authentic, check out Tuncer in Sultanahmet or Istanbul Kitapçısı near ferry terminals.

Where to buy: Pasabahce for glass products, Tuncer for unique handcrafted souvenirs, and Istanbul Kitapçısı for Istanbul-themed items. Find more >>

Hand-Embroidered Mules

If you’re looking for something a bit more special, Anatolian Craft offers hand-embroidered mules. They’re pricey but make for a luxurious and practical gift. Available in different sizes, these mules are perfect for someone who appreciates craftsmanship and fashion.

Where to buy: Anatolian Craft in Istanbul for high-quality, embroidered mules.

Turkish Ceramics

For beautiful ceramic pieces, check out stores like Karaca and Kütahya Porselen for top-quality Turkish pottery. For something truly unique, Kulak Ceramic in Nisantasi is run by two talented young artists who offer handmade, custom ceramics. Whether you’re after intricate designs or functional tableware, this shop offers pieces that make for beautiful gifts or home decor.

Where to buy: Karaca, Kütahya Porselen, or Kulak Ceramic in Nisantasi. Find more >>

Menengiç Coffee (Pistachio “Coffee”)

Menengiç is a drink made from wild pistachios. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and contains no caffeine. The texture and aroma are similar to a milk-based drink with hazelnut undertones, making it a great option for those who prefer a lighter beverage. You can find this unique “coffee” in grocery stores, cafes, or coffee shops.

Where to try: Beta Yeni Han, Aşk-ı Rûba Kafe, Mare Mosso Coffee.

Turkish Fragrance (Kolonya)

No Turkish household is complete without kolonya, a fragrant cologne traditionally used for refreshment and hygiene. Paşabahçe offers a wide range of scents, including refreshing notes like Deniz (Sea), Leylak (Lilac), and Mimoza (Mimosa), making it a fantastic gift for friends and family.

Where to buy: Paşabahçe showrooms.

Turkish Soaps from Hürrem Sultan Hamamı

For a luxurious yet practical gift, check out the scented soaps from Hürrem Sultan Hamamı. The Turkish coffee scrub soap and collagen soap are especially popular and make perfect gifts for fans of Ottoman history or Turkish TV dramas like “The Magnificent Century.”

Where to buy: Hürrem Sultan Hamamı in Sultanahmet.

Books about Istanbul

If you’re looking for a literary gift, The 500 Hidden Secrets of Istanbul and Monday to Sunday Istanbul are excellent choices. These books provide unique insights into the city’s lesser-known spots and interviews with local creatives. Here are a few more suggestions:

• “The Museum of Innocence” by Orhan Pamuk – a novel tied to a physical museum in Çukurcuma.
• “Istanbul: The Crossroad of Eras, Religions, and Cultures” by M. Kitca – a fascinating read, well-written and not overly academic.
• “The Harem: History, Traditions, and Secrets” by N. Panzer – an insightful book about the history of harems, especially in the Topkapi Palace.
• “The Harem of the Last Ottoman Sultans” by T. Cengiz Gencu – focuses on the Dolmabahce Palace harem.

Where to buy: Check out Minoa Pera, a beautiful bookstore in Istanbul.

Rose Water and Aromatherapy Products

Located in Kuzguncuk, Homemade Aromaterapı offers a wide range of organic oils, body products, and rose water. Packaged in elegant bottles, these items make excellent gifts for anyone who loves luxury skincare products.

Where to buy: Homemade Aromaterapı in Kuzguncuk.

Spices

While many spices in Istanbul are available globally, there are a few that are unique to Turkey. Consider picking up Adana pepper (pul biber), Urfa pepper (isot), and sumac for that distinct, lemony flavor. These spices are not as commonly found in Europe or the U.S., and are a must-try for food lovers. You can find them in supermarkets or in bulk at the Spice Bazaar, but beware of tourist traps—except for saffron, which should be relatively affordable in Turkey.

Where to Buy: Supermarkets or the Spice Bazaar, but avoid the stalls with inflated prices.

Olives

Turkish olives are famous for their variety, including unique pink and purple olives that will surprise your friends back home. The best place to buy them is at local bazaars or supermarkets, though be prepared for them to be packed in simple plastic bags.

Where to Buy: Local markets or Migros and Carrefour for more convenience. More supermarkets >>

Olive Oil

Turkey produces high-quality olive oil, especially from the Aegean coast. While it’s easy to find in stores, it’s best to visit local markets for a more artisanal selection. Avoid commercial brands, as you’ll get much better quality from local producers.

Where to Buy: Local markets for the best selection.

Antiques

Istanbul is known for its rich collection of antiques. You can explore Çukurcuma Caddesi for unique antique finds. For a more structured antique market experience, visit the Feriköy Antique Bazaar, which opens on certain days of the week. Go early to find the best pieces, as it gets crowded fast. Find more >>

Where to Buy: Feriköy Antique Bazaar or Çukurcuma Caddesi.

Chess and Backgammon (Tavla)

For those interested in Turkish board games, backgammon (tavla) sets are a great gift. Avoid the touristy, low-quality ones at the Grand Bazaar and instead head to La Moda Gift and Art in Beyoğlu, which stocks reputable brands like Helena. If you’re looking for a budget option, check D&R, a bookstore chain that also sells board games.

Where to Buy: La Moda Gift and Art in Beyoğlu or D&R for affordable options.

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