Istanbul: Shopping

Abdulla Natural Products One of a handful of designer boutiques inside the Grand Bazaar, Abdulla’s sells fluffy towels, crisp cotton linen, and all the accoutrements for a good bath sourced from all over Turkey. Grand Bazaar; 011-90-212-527-3684; www.abdulla.com
smart splurge

Cocoon The art of felt-making thrives in this Turkish shop – find exquisite souvenirs, hats and bags here. Sultanahmet; Kucuk Aya Sofya Caddesi 13; 011-90-212-638-6271; www.cocoontr.com
handicrafts

Grand Bazaar Many items in this 4,000-shop oriental bazaar are uninspired, but classier shops in the must-visit Halicilar Sokak sell silk towels, one-off gift items, and great jewelry. Take time to browse. Beyazit; Kapali Carsi; Yeniciler Caddesi; www.grandbazaarturkey.com
family | historic | jewelry

Istanbul Handicrafts Center Scour the rooms of an old medrese for traditional items like picture frames, hand-made glass, calligraphy, and embroidery. Come in the afternoon to watch artisans carrying out their crafts. Sultanahmet; Kabasakal Caddesi 5; 011-90-212-517-6784
family | historic | handicrafts

Nakkas Carpet Shop Snag a carpet at one of the town’s most exclusive, best-stocked shops. Situated above a 1500-year-old Byzantine cistern near the Blue Mosque, the shop also sells jewelry and Iznik tiles. Sultanahmet; Nakilbent Sokak 33; 011-90-212-516 5222; www.nakkasrug.com
history

Spice Bazaar Otherwise known as the Egyptian Bazaar, this is the place to shop for local flavors – spices, herbs, Turkish delight, exotic cheeses – beneath soaring stone arches. Eminonu; Misir Carsisi
family | historic | food