home       what?       how?       who?     testimonials     news      contact       learn  

How Istanbul Personal Shopper Works:
Personalized shopping trips are always structured according to the client's needs and wishes. There is no obligation to purchase from a particular store. Our aim is to help you get just the right items that you want, and sometimes it takes looking through several shops until you find exactly what you have in mind. This is your personal shopping day, and you should never feel pressured or rushed.

The recommended group size is 2-3, with a maximum of 4 people, as a rule. This is to avoid shopping burnout within a larger group of people, all looking for different items at the same time. However, larger numbers can be accommodated, with 2 or more group leaders as needed, depending on group size, to help everyone find what they are shopping for.

The suggested hours of the shopping trips are planned to avoid Istanbul's hectic rush hour traffic, however, if your schedule requires different times, accommodations can be made.
photo by A. Ashman
Bargaining is an important part of the Turkish shopping experience, and we will navigate that phase of the journey for you. As Turkish speakers who know the reputable stores, we are able to ensure that you find just what you are looking for, and at the right price.

Sample Shopping Trips:

 

Through the Bazaars:

This trip offers a chance to experience the excitement and allure of the two major bazaars of Istanbul: the Grand Bazaar (also known as the Covered Bazaar), and the Spice Bazaar (also called the Egyptian Bazaar). Perfect for those with limited time in the city.

  • You will be met at your hotel at 10:00 am
  • The morning will be spent exploring the Grand Bazaar
  • Lunch will be at a local restaurant
  • After lunch, a trip through the Spice Bazaar
  • You will be returned to your hotel at 3:00 pm
Details: Two people maximum per group recommended, $250 (transportation costs and lunch extra).
Please wear comfortable shoes as there is a large amount of walking involved.

 

Turkey Through Textiles:

For textile lovers and collectors, Istanbul is a storehouse of delights, including new and antique carpets and kilims, near-perfect caftans over 100 years old, rolls of silks and satins, and soft, downy pashminas. This adventure will take you to some of the best known textile dealers as well as some out of the way collectors offering merchandise to a select few. You will be met at your hotel at 10:00 am

  • The morning will be spent in the Sultanahmet area, visiting textile dealers, some offering rare finds
  • Lunch will be at a local restaurant popular with textile experts
  • The afternoon will be spent exploring shops in and around the Grand Bazaar
  • You will be returned to your hotel at 3:00 pm
Details: Three people maximum per group recommended, $250 (transportation costs and lunch extra). Please wear comfortable shoes as there is a large amount of walking involved.

 

Foodies Istanbul

This specially designed shopping trip is for the food lovers who want an insider's view of two of the favorite spice and food markets of Istanbul. The morning starts off with a walk through the famed Spice Bazaar, once the pharmacy of the Ottoman Empire. After exploring the inside of the bazaar, we will investigate the adjoining outdoor food stalls piled high with cheeses, dried fruits, nuts, meats, olives and more. Then we will take a ferry to Kadikoy on the Asian side to wander the streets of the outdoor market and experience firsthand the colors and smells of the local market.

  • You will be met at your hotel at 10:00 am
  • The morning will be spent exploring the Spice Bazaar and surrounding area
  • By ferry to the Asian side
  • Investigating the market stalls before and after lunch
  • You will be returned to your hotel at 3:00 pm
Details: Three people maximum per group recommended, $250 (transportation costs and lunch extra). Please wear comfortable shoes as there is a large amount of walking involved.


Indie Istanbul

For a look at the local designers and craftspeople of Istanbul we are proud to be the exclusive shopping insider for Behind the Bazaar. Meet local artisans in their ateliers and showrooms to see them at work and find out what inspires them. For inquisitive shoppers who want to know more about the creative side of the city.

  • You will be met at your hotel at 10:00 am
  • The morning will be spent visiting artist workshops in the Sultanahmet area
  • Lunch will be at a local restaurant
  • Depending on your interests, the afternoon will be spent exploring shops and showrooms of your choosing in Sultanahmet, Levent, Taksim, Cukurcuma or Galata
  • You will be returned to your hotel at 3:00 pm

Details: Three people maximum per group recommended, $250 (transportation costs and lunch extra). Please wear comfortable shoes as there is a large amount of walking involved.