Where to Shop in Istanbul’s Karaköy Neighborhood

Asia, City Guides, Europe, Istanbul, Travel

September 30, 2023

If you’re wondering where to shop in Istanbul, you’ll find that amongst the cafes on the umbrella-lined streets of Istanbul’s vibrant Karaköy neighborhood are some of the city’s best stores for shopping artisanal and handmade goods, local designers, and conscious contemporary fashion.

There’s no shortage of options so I’ve rounded up the best of the best to make it easy on you. Be sure to also checkout the best of Cihangir and Galata.

Where to buy Local & Sustainable Brands: Lokal Magaza

Tucked in the “french pass” you’ll find Lokal Magaza, which is Turkish for Local Store. True to the name, they’re part of the Local movement in Istanbul. Offering locally designed and produced fashion, accessories, and home wear.

Fitting perfectly with the Maia ethos that conscious style doesn’t have to be boring, the conscious brands that they promote create not only timeless and quality pieces, but they are stylish and fun. This store should be top of your list if you’re planning to shop while you’re in Istanbul.

Where to Get Artisanal Jewlery: Sanat Karaköy

There’s no storefront for Sanat, rather you’ll find a white sign leading you up to the first floor of an unpresumptuous Karaköy building. You’ll know you’re headed in the right direction with the sound of electronic music getting louder and quirky artwork on the walls of the stairs guiding you.

The airy Lofted space is part concept store, part gallery. Their selection of garments and homeware ceramics always feel ahead of the zeitgeist, but the real draw is their selection of contemporary Jewellery pieces. Beautifully places on pillars, the minimal designs look like art in and itself.

Where to get Minimal & Modern Garments: VOG Storee

Hidden on a side street in the French Pass you’ll find an ultra-minimal, ultra-chic store called VOG. When you come to Istanbul you’ll notice that the women have incredible style.

It fits somewhere between functional, minimal, and chic. If you’re looking to emulate this style, VOG is the store to stock up on pieces.

Where to shop Vintage: Italian Vintage Karaköy

I love Vintage, and Italy has some of the best vintage clothes in the world, so finding a store in Istanbul that is stocked with vintage clothes sourced from Italy was a huge win.

The store has a huge selection of vintage, and the racks are packed— but absolutely worth digging through. They also offer a section of new garments (mostly kimono style pieces) that are locally made, with high-quality fabrics.

Plus this store is on one of the best streets in Karaköy. It’s more of an alleyway with umbrellas, lights, and vines all creating a cozy covered walkway. Plus the best coffee at Coffee Orient just down the street.

Where to buy handmade Turkish Designer Pieces: Katremik

A few doors down from Italian Vintage Karaköy is a cute little concept store called Katremik. Theirs normally a group of stylish artsy types hanging outside, drinking tea or coffee, and chatting.

Inside you’ll find all sorts of hand-crafted items from Turkish Artisans, from silver jewelry to bags and homeware.

It’s the perfect place to find a locally made souvenir that will act not only as a memento of your time in Istanbul but also as a functional item in your life — much better than a plastic Galata Tower Magnet if you ask me.