It’s fair to say that markets are the heart of Istanbul. The city, lying at the crossroads of trade routes, was destined to become a giant marketplace in itself. Beyond the famed Grand Bazaar, Istanbul is home to many markets with rich histories, from the Spice Bazaar to Genoese trade rows in Karaköy.
Ancient caravanserais still stand, and every neighborhood has its own unique pazar, selling everything from vintage candlesticks and fake Zara pieces to fresh organic mandarins. For Istanbul locals, visiting markets isn’t just shopping; it’s an experience filled with tradition, tea, and stories of good deals.
Here’s our 2025 guide to my favorite Istanbul markets—handpicked spots that I wholeheartedly hope thrive for years to come.
Feriköy Night Market
Address: Cumhuriyet, Semt Pazarı No:8, Bomonti, Istanbul
In the heart of Şişli’s Bomonti district lies this lively covered market, perhaps the city’s busiest. Almost every day brings a different market event: Mondays and Thursdays are for general produce, Saturdays for organic goods, and Sundays for its famous antique market, which is best visited early in the morning. But for a truly unique experience, come late Thursday evening. From 8 PM, a bustling night bazaar opens, offering everything from knockoff Zara to secondhand toys. Nearby Bomontiada, a late 19th-century beer factory turned trendy venue, is perfect for a pre-market drink or bite.
Ulus Sosyete Pazarı
Address: Levazım Mah., Çayır Sok., Beşiktaş, Istanbul
“Sosyete Pazarı,” or “High Society Market,” is more about the goods than the clientele—known for affordable clothes and bags that make you look the part. These markets have deep roots in Istanbul, with the most famous ones in Kadıköy, Bakırköy, and upscale Ulus. Recently renovated, the Ulus market is now a favorite of mine. Thursdays host the main clothing market, while Saturdays are for the cooperative market, where local farmers sell their goods. The atmosphere here is relaxed, and you’ll often see well-dressed locals enjoying tea with gözleme (stuffed flatbreads) as they catch up with friends and family.
Kadıköy Historical Tuesday Market
Address: Hasanpaşa, Mandıra Cd., Kadıköy, Istanbul
Kadıköy’s vast covered market is one of Istanbul’s oldest, running for over a century. Like most Istanbul markets, it operates on a schedule: Tuesdays for fruits and vegetables, Fridays for clothing and goods. Sundays bring the antique market and a summer cooperative market, featuring foods and handmade items from women’s collectives. The historical Kadıköy market, however, has a cozy charm on Güneşli Bahçe Street, where a few dozen stalls offer Turkey’s finest delicacies, rare cheeses, olives marinated in rose, and fresh dried fruits—all at great prices.
Women’s Market (Kadınlar Pazarı)
Address: Zeyrek, İtfaiye Cd. No:19, Fatih, Istanbul
One of my favorite spots in Istanbul, the Women’s Market is curiously named, as it’s mostly run by stern men cutting giant slabs of meat. Nestled under an aqueduct and steps from the historic Pantocrator Monastery (now the Zeyrek Mosque), the market is run by Kurds from the Siirt region. It’s mostly about meat at affordable prices, but there are also stalls selling spices, nuts, and sweets like grape syrup-based confections resembling Georgian churchkhela. The highlight here is the ocakbaşı (literally “by the fire”)—a meat restaurant that serves biryani kebabs slow-cooked in a tandoor.
Friday Market (Cuma Pazarı)
Address: Fındıkzade, Fatih, Istanbul
This sprawling market takes over the streets of Fındıkzade every Friday and is one of the easiest markets to reach for tourists, starting right at Haseki tram stop. Near the tram, you’ll find rows of stalls with clothes, Avon cosmetics, and Zara items often sourced from Istanbul factories. The real finds are with the locals: keep an eye out for black-clad women digging through piles—where they go, treasures follow! At the far end, the fruit and vegetable section offers some of the city’s freshest and cheapest produce, plus exotic fruits, cheeses, and caviar at bargain prices—perfect for a unique Istanbul market experience.
Istanbul’s 10 Best Local Markets: Top Spots for Shopping Like a Local in 2025
Top Local Markets in Istanbul
- Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) – Beyazıt, Fatih
One of the world’s oldest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops selling jewelry, textiles, ceramics, and spices. - Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) – Eminönü, Fatih
A historic market filled with spices, dried fruits, nuts, and Turkish delights. - Kadıköy Market (Kadıköy Çarşısı) – Kadıköy
Located on the Asian side, bustling with fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. - Fatih Market (Fatih Çarşamba Pazarı) – Fatih
Held on Wednesdays, this is one of Istanbul’s largest street markets, offering clothes, household items, and fresh produce. - Beşiktaş Market (Beşiktaş Cumartesi Pazarı) – Beşiktaş
A lively Saturday market popular for affordable fashion, accessories, and fresh food. - Feriköy Organic Market (Feriköy Organik Pazarı) – Şişli
Specializes in organic fruits, vegetables, and natural goods, open on Saturdays. - Yeşilköy Market (Yeşilköy Pazarı) – Bakırköy
A spacious Wednesday market with a range of products, from clothing to fresh produce. - Ulus Market (Ulus Sosyete Pazarı) – Beşiktaş
Known for bargain-priced branded items, attracting shoppers on Thursdays and Sundays. - Çukurcuma Flea Market – Beyoğlu
A treasure trove for antique lovers, offering vintage items, collectibles, and unique artifacts. - Arasta Bazaar – Sultanahmet
Located near the Blue Mosque, featuring traditional crafts, carpets, and souvenirs.
Disclaimer: Sources include istanbeautiful.com and cntraveler.com.
