Istanbul has one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, which creates a dynamic destination with a distinct culture. There’s a deep appreciation for massive modern shopping and entertainment complexes, but also a reverence for the traditional—most notably, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, which dates back to the 14th century. For visitors who seek unique shopping experiences, the blend of new and old worlds is a delight.

The Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi) and the Egyptian Bazaar/Spice Market (Misir Carsisi) are the shopping heavyweights in this neighborhood. More than 91 million visitors annually come to the Grand Bazaar alone. Even if you’re tight on time, this is the one place you need to go. Open since 1461, it’s ridiculously large with 4,000 shops, but it is one of the greatest and oldest “malls” in the world and offers a real slice of Turkish life. The streets, including Nuruosmaniye Caddesi, leading up to these two iconic markets are lined with shops, too. One of the most notable is Armaggan, the seven-floor department store stocking exquisite fashions and home décor items.