SAEDNEWS: Traveling to Istanbul is like wandering through a living museum, where the walls exude the aroma of coffee and spices. But let’s be honest: half the joy of visiting this magical city lies in exploring its markets and filling your suitcase with colorful souvenirs.
According to SAEDNEWS, Walking through the bustling Grand Bazaar or strolling along Istiklal Street, one question dominates your mind: “Which of all these beauties should I take home?” Whether you’re after heavenly flavors or handcrafted items to transform a corner of your home, this guide helps you make the smartest choices.
Some of Istanbul’s culinary souvenirs rarely even reach your suitcase—they’re often enjoyed by travelers along the way! Still, these are the must-have treats to include on your shopping list:
1. Baklava and Turkish Delight (Lokum)
Istanbul is a paradise for sweets. Turkish baklava, with its 40 layers of delicate pastry and generous pistachio filling, is the city’s signature dessert. For the best baklava, look for brands like Hafiz Mustafa 1864 or Karaköy Güllüoğlu, which offer travel-friendly, vacuum-packed options to prevent syrup from spilling in your bag.
Equally iconic is lokum, or Turkish delight, available in flavors like rose, pomegranate, lemon, and pistachio. These colorful, gelatinous cubes make the perfect companion to your afternoon tea.
2. Turkish Coffee and Tea
No trip to Turkey is complete without the aroma of Turkish coffee. To savor the authentic taste at home, buy freshly ground packages—Mehmet Efendi is highly recommended.
Complement your coffee with a traditional cezve (copper coffee pot), and don’t forget Turkish black tea, traditionally served in slim-waisted glasses. A set of these glasses with a quality tea package brings the atmosphere of Bosphorus cafés into your home.
3. Magical Spices
The Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) in Eminönü is a feast for the senses. Light, affordable, and practical, souvenirs like crushed red pepper (Pul Biber), fresh sumac, and Ottoman-style kebab spice blends are perfect for your kitchen.
If you want something that will remain in your home for years and remind you of Istanbul, opt for handcrafted items.
1. Nazar Boncuğu (Evil Eye)
Though it may seem cliché, the evil eye is Turkey’s most famous symbol. These blue glass charms, believed to ward off negative energy, come in forms ranging from keychains and necklaces to large wall hangings and ceramic dishes. A small Nazar Boncuğu makes a symbolic keepsake from your trip.
2. Clothing and Textiles
Turkey is a global textile hub. Istanbul is a shopper’s dream, from high-end international brands to quality Turkish labels like Mavi and Koton, all at prices often lower than in Iran.
Turkish towels and bedding are also world-renowned. Often handwoven, these towels are lightweight, soft, and highly absorbent—perfect for practical and stylish souvenirs.
Shopping in Istanbul can be exhausting. Imagine wandering for hours through the Grand Bazaar or mega malls like Istanbul Mall and Forum Istanbul. To fully enjoy your adventure without worrying about hotels, transfers, or travel hassles, careful planning is essential.
Choosing the right season, booking your accommodations and tours in advance, and organizing your itinerary ensures a smoother experience. Proper planning allows you to focus on the joy of shopping, not the stress of logistics.
With thoughtful preparation, you can enjoy every aspect of Istanbul—from the bustling markets and delicious treats to the city’s rich culture—without the worry of travel setbacks.
