The Very Best Value Souvenirs to Buy in Istanbul

The Very Best Souvenirs to Buy in Istanbul

Time spent in Istanbul is an experience for all the senses. There are extraordinary colours and smells in the markets and bazaars, enchanting sounds during the call to prayer and so many exotic foods to taste. Once you visit captivating Istanbul, you will want to bring a little bit home with you. But what are the best souvenirs to buy in Istanbul?

Shopping for souvenirs can often be a bit of a minefield, especially in a city where tourism is a huge source of income like Istanbul. So how do you avoid the cheap imports and find some authentic Turkish bargains? We’re here to help! We have highlighted some beautiful, genuine and unique items you can buy in turkey. Most of these items are carry-on friendly as well so no need to worry about extra baggage charges.

Food and drink is a huge part of the Istanbul experience. Fortunately, there are some great items that are really easy to take home with you.

Souvenirs to Buy in Istanbul – Food

The food in Istanbul is fantastic! It is certainly a treat for the taste buds. Unfortunately, the delicious pides and mouth watering stews are not really luggage friendly. So eat as much of it while you can! So what taste of Istanbul can you take home?

Turkish Coffee and Coffee Set

In Istanbul, coffee is life. We tried as many cups as possible throughout our visit. Turkish coffee is a little different to your take away latte. It is dark, exceptionally strong, similar to an extreme espresso, and has a subtle, chocolate flavour. Sugar can be added to taste. It is usually served with a glass of cold water and a portion of lokum – Turkish Delight.

Just don’t be tempted to drink it to the very last drop! The coffee isn’t filtered so there is a thick, sandy texture that will sink to the bottom of the cup.

Turkish coffee is available in every supermarket and is very good value. The most popular brand is Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi.

Coffee sets are also available in traditional styles. Try the grand Bazaar for a huge selection of coffee cups and traditional Ottoman style sets.

Turkish Tea and Glasses

Another drink we indulged in rather a lot was Turkish tea. Apart from the basic black tea flavour, it is also common to have apple and pomegranate flavours, all delicious. Tea features strongly as part of the warm Turkish hospitality and is even commonly offered while talking business. Don’t be surprised if you’re offered a glass of tea in a shop.

The tea is served indelicate glasses. Istanbul has a strong glass blowing tradition which produces these beautiful, tulip shaped glasses.

To bring a bit of this tradition home, head to the local supermarket for a huge choice of packaged teas. Alternatively, visit the bazaars for something more fancy.

There are also many places to buy the glasses. Basic ones can be purchased in the supermarkets and more ornate versions can be found in the Bazaars.

Turkish Delight and Baklava

Turkish delight or baklava?? How could you possibly choose!? Ok let’s take both… Delicious Turkish delight is, of course, needed to accompany the amazing coffee. Baklava will make a tasty, sweet dessert. Both are relatively easy to transport, but beware of the baklava syrup!

Try Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir for Turkish delight. It has been made here since the 1700s and is a beautiful shop. You will also find a great variety in the bazaars.

For baklava, you can find Hafız Mustafa 1864 shops across the city and you will find a mouth-watering display of baklava, as well as other traditional sweets.

Turkish delight – Hobyar, 1, Zahire Borsası Sk., 34112 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Baklava – Binbirdirek, Divan Yolu Cd. No:14, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Spices

Try the Spice bazaar (also known as the Egyptian Bazaar) to find all sorts or exotic spices. Prepare to be lost amongst the colours, smells and busy alleys. Most spices bought here ban be easily packaged and transported home in hand luggage.

Raki

Raki is the unofficial national drink of Turkey. This strong, fruity alcohol is popular for celebrating and commiserating alike. Pick up a miniature to pop in your carry on or a larger bottle if you if you have a check in bag. Just remember, carry on liquids must be 100ml and below and fit into a clear plastic bag.

Godiva Chocolate

Bit of a random one to round up the food and drink section. But, we found Godiva chocolate to be pretty cheap in Turkish supermarkets. So, obviously, we stocked up. If you’re a fan (and if, like us, it’s ridiculously expensive in your country) we would definitely recommend squeezing a few bars into your suitcase.

Souvenirs to Buy in Istanbul – Homewares

Interior design in Turkey is intricate, ornate and spectacular. Traditional Kilim embroidery and mosaic designs are still popular in homes and public places. These visually beautiful designs are often handmade and sold in Istanbul.

Mosaic lamps

Traditional mosaic lamps pop up everywhere in Istanbul. These beautiful designs create a bit of calm and elegance and reflect the ancient glass making tradition of turkey.

There are many shops selling these beautiful lamps depending on how much you want to pay. Check out the Grand Bazaar for a wide vareity in style (and quality). For something genuine and handmade, try Tuncer Gift Shop Mosaic Lamps Turkish Lamps or Handicraftlamps in Fatih.

Tuncer Gift Shop – Hoca Paşa, Taya Hatun Sk No:1, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Handicraftlamps – Mercan, Fuat Paşa Cd. No:22, 34093 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Peshtemal Turkish Towel

If you visit a hammam in Istanbul, you will certainly come across the Peshtemal. These lightweight, fast drying towels come in many bright and beautiful colours and patterns.

We visited Jennifer’s hammam and found an amazing selection and they will also customise for you as well as ship larger orders. I bought literally one towel, but I love it!

Jennifer’s Hammam – ARASTA BAZAAR, No: 135 Ogul Sokak NO: 20 (showroom, 34400 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Black Soap and Kese

Again, if you have visited a hammam, you will be well acquainted with the kese. This rough glove is used to scrub off dead skin cells. The black soap is made from olive oil and is the perfect accompaniment.

Try Pera Family store for near the Gelata tower is perfect for hammam related paraphernalia.

Şahkulu, 41, Galip Dede Cd., 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Kilim

Last in the homeware section, and certainly not least, kilim. This style of embroidery is found on rugs, cushions, furniture and wall hangings. This design is found throughout the city. However, Adnan & Hasan in the Grand Bazaar is a popular option.

Beyazıt, Halicilar Carsisi Cd No:89, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Souvenirs to Buy in Istanbul – Clothes and Accessorise

Turkish clothing labels are not common in the west. However, it is easy to find good quality and styles from these designers.

Leather bags, wallets, shoes

Leather shoes are really great value in Istanbul. There are many independent outlets offering nice designs. We had a wander around the Taksim area of Istanbul and found some great options.

Turkish designed clothes such as coats

Check out some of the malls to find some nice quality Turkish clothes. We found dress clothes, especially coats and men’s suits, to be very good value.

There are many huge malls in the city. Click HERE to read this post identifying the top 25.

Scarves

Almost every stall and shop sells s selection of beautiful scarves. Ladies, these can come in really handy if you are visiting any religious sites as your hair must be covered.

What Not to Buy in Istanbul

This portion of the article is relatively tiny. We loved shopping in Istanbul! However, just a few things look out for…

The whole city is covered in fake designer gear. I can’t say we spent a long time looking at it so cannot speak for the quality or price. However, there could also be a few raised eyebrows when you return through customs. It is, of course, personal preference but we would recommend this as one to avoid.

The tourist traps in the Grand Bazaar. Make sure you wander off the main thoroughfares to find the real treasure.

How to Barter in Istanbul

Bartering is a difficult concept for western visitors to Istanbul. However, it is a widely used tradition in Turkey and across the East. You will definitely need to haggle a bit when visiting the bazaars. So, here are a few pointers to get you started.

Before you begin, learn the value of the item you want and decide what you will be happy to pay.

When you find the item, play it cool! Don’t e too enthusiastic. It’s also better to let the shopkeeper come up with the first price.

If you are buying a few items, you might ask for a discount

You can walk away if you are not reaching the price you want. However, if you have agreed on a price it is verbal contract and you are obligated to buy.

One final point, most prices suggested are for cash purchases.

Don’t let any of this put you off, just be prepared. Make sure you do your research, carry a bit of cash and bring a sense of humour!

Where to go next?

• Why not relax in a Turkish Hammam? We have detailed what to do and what to avoid in our useful tips HERE
• Have you visited Istanbul or any other cities in Turkey? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
• Pin the image below and read The Very Best Souvenirs to Buy in Istanbul again later

Final note: Things change often when travelling in the Balkans and there is not much information online. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.

The Very Best Souvenirs to Buy in Istanbul