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THE FAB FIVE: ISTANBUL'S BEST SHOPPING LOCALES
As large shopping structures pop out virtually out of nowhere on a monthly basis –– it seems –– the list below offers what is still considered to be the top places to drop dough in Istanbul.
1) Grand Bazaar – Kapali Carsi (Covered Market): The uncontested shopper's dream, is about five-and-a-half centuries old yet remains the only labyrinthine structure to beat. With more than 4000 tiny shops, whose owners tirelessly haggle for a claim of your purchasing lira, euro, or even dollar – acquiring mementos to take home has gotten a little more complex than just deciding between that silky carpet or that fab leather coat. Jewelry – peddled by some of the best customizers in town – is hot; even natives in the know get their goods here. With some of the most fragrant spices, glazed Kutahya porcelain, knock-off designer accessories, that must-have belly dancer outfit, and dining choices as well as coffee shops all confined on some 60 streets the lure of the Bazaar is delivers the goods.
2) Nisantasi: With the City's mall awaiting to open its doors to a media blitz, Nisantasi (Nishantashe) is Istanbul's much smaller version of New York's Fifth Avenue. This is were the brands made their foray into the Turkish market.
Getting There: Located right at the intersection of Tesvikiye Street and Vali Konagi Street... It's been geotagged, so you won't be able to miss it.
3) Istiklal Caddesi: The street from Taksim was once the city's shopping center. Today it's also become victim to the brand trend, squeezing most of the older shops out of business. It's well worth the trip though, as the thoroughfare's contagious vivacity coupled with modern façades etched from historical buildings stimulate first-time visitors and locals alike.
Getting There: Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Street) flows from Taksim Square.
4) Bagdat Caddesi (Bagdad Street): Just a hop across the Bosphorus, the Asian thoroughfare is now a powerhouse among all shopping venues. The traffic here is fierce, particularly on the weekends, but well worth it. It's also a great place to stroll, or to just imbibe the local – albeit posh – culture.
Getting There: Hop on a ferry from the European to the port of Kadikoy, claim your seat on a communal taxi or hail a cab to Bagdat Caddesi (pron. Bahdat Jaddesi). Specify the borough of Erenkoy to be dropped off right in the midst of the action.
5) Istiniye Park: The latest mall to open, the shopping structure even boasts shops and a variety of services in its parking structure! This is the place to get it all, from a 100-inch plasma TV and Bruno Magli's latest sequin dress to a kilo of bananas and a pair and a bag of diapers, Istinye Park has it all. Alas, why didn't they think of including a hotel!
Getting There: Istinye Park's so big it bears no address. Its location's been geo-tagged, check out the map for its location.
STRICTLY SPEAKING: How much...? – Ne kadar? (pron. as read)