Iznik Works has a great selection of high quality Iznik ceramics, tiles and pottery. Located in the…read moreGrand Bazaar, the owners Ismail and Hasan are extremely friendly and knowledgable about the history of Iznik ceramics and have a better selection than I found on a my own journey to the famous pottery-making city. The prices and good and the hospitality is wonderful. After a day of shopping in the Bazaar with its hectic pace and high pressure sales tactics, it was a pleasure to find this gem of a shop and the beautiful things they sell!

Iznik works has stunning ceramics. The owner. Ismail, makes the shopping experience truly…read morememorable. This was our favorite shop in the grand bazaar and one of the best experiences of Istanbul.

As my friend and I were walking up the small steep streets to the Galata tower we came across this…read morefantastic little shop selling a variety of different hand crafted items. During our trip we found ourselves returning several times to this store for the unique, high quality, authentic, and decently priced handiwork. This is a tiny little shop and jam packed with unique items - hand crafted belts, shirts, and the crocheted jewellery. Every time we went in we saw something different. The crocheted jewellery was common to find in other shops as well, but wasn't exactly the same here. This store seemed to take the local common handiwork and find ways in which to make something new and stylish from it. Fantastic little place and I definitely love the unique pieces I purchased here. The service was also very friendly.

I didn't realize I would need a head covering for our tour before getting to Istanbul, so enter in…read moreTekin Acar, which was close to our JW hotel. I thought needing a scarf would be a great excuse to find something lovely my mother would enjoy inheriting as a gift, so I went through their selection trying to decide which one she might like the most. The service was incredibly friendly and helpful, and their silk wares felt and looked beautiful. I ended up finding one with tulips on it, which I was told is the flower of Istanbul and the scarf itself is absolutely gorgeous. All in all I would highly recommend Tekin Acar if you're in the area and have someone who loves high end silk gifts.

Galatart...it s not easy to find the right words for it, but maybe "second home" fits best to…read moredescribe it. Water shapes and talks to you there...you can learn the traditional Turkish art "ebru" -paper marbling in a friendly and warm environment from very experienced and creative masters Ezgi Erol and Nesime Kantar, and if you d like, you can buy marbled clothes, candles, notebooks as well. It s also used as an art galerie and exhibition center. Anyway, i m just back from the atelier, and it feels like all my thoughts, worries dropped on water, sank and transform into beautiful art...

You can't miss the store front, with its traditional white front and glass doors. Although the…read morestaff don't speak english that well, you can still get any beads you are looking for. They helped me find a bead so symoblize my Turkey experience (evil eye), however on my second trip I found out that the bead has been dicontinued :(

The mosaics in Chora Church are unbelievable. To learn more, hire a guide or buy a guidebook…read more We spent our day with Ensar from Istanbulday who told us about each mosaic. As you tour the church, the story of Mary and Jesus unfolds. The mosaics have been preserved as they were hidden from the elements under plaster and are currently being lovingly restored. An amazing church to explore in Istanbul.

Love this place. The people are so nice and helpful, and they have so many awesome towels,…read moreblankets, robes, etc to choose from at really reasonable prices. I knew I wanted Turkish towels, so I shopped here based on the reviews, and I'm so glad I did. I walked out with a LOT more than towels, and I didn't break the bank. Also, sometimes it's the little things. They wrap everyone up nicely with an evil eye, so it's so ready to give as a gift.

A blog directed us to Pera Family near Galata Tower as a shop that sells quality towels, robes,…read moreetc. v. shops that sell mass produced products. Service was impeccable and the prices were very good for towels and wash clothes. Blankets were a little more, but still worth it.