Istanbul Shopping Tour (Ancient Bazaars and Modern Malls) 7 Nights

All civilizations created their own style of trade. The city centers, like the old Hippodrome, were collecting people. The ancient imperial palace of Byzantines and the most spectacular religious building Hagia Sophia was standing there. After the conquest, Ottomans built their own palaces Topkapi and Blue Mosque at the same square called today Sultan Ahmet. Same land was also rebuilt with Turkish Bath Hurrem Sultan, medresa, hospital, kitchen, and grand vizier Ibrahim Pasha Palace. Just close your eyes and imagine you are back in the Ottoman period, surrounded by cavaliers and corps shopping at Arasta Bazaar. In the afternoon you will get lost in the maze of Grand Bazaar with its 22 entrances and over 4,000 shops. Finally, we will reach Spice Bazaar before dark falls.

Our 1st stop will be in Asia; Camlica Hill has a panoramic view of the European part. On the way back, we will stop by “middle village” Ortakoy to have the opposite view over Asia. Benches of Ortakoy are well organised and you can find hand made bijouteries or other artistic products there. Our next stop is Taksim and we will walk through Istiklal Street to Galata Tower in the end. The most famous street of shopping and strolling in Istanbul has echoes in other countries. It also has some unique side streets and small pasaj (arcades).