Local markets offer a window into the vibrancy and color of the neighborhood, and provide a priceless interaction with the locals. Istanbul has more than its fair share of outdoor markets, selling the usual assortment of fresh produce, household staples, sweat shirts, and maybe the odd antique. A walk through one of these provides yet another opportunity to witness another facet of this complex culture. The major markets (open from 9am to sundown) include the daunting Çarsamba Pazari ("Wednesday" market), held in and around the Fatih Mosque, and the Besiktas Cumartesi Pazari (Saturday Bazaar), Nüzhetiye Caddesi opposite the lovely Ihlamur Pavilion. There is also a flea market between Sahaflar and the Grand Bazaar, and down at Eminönü every Sunday, and a daily antiques market in Horhor (Horhor Cad. Kirk Tulumba, Aksaray). With feng shui taking hold of the consciousness of Istanbul's upper crust, it's no surprise to see organic produce close behind. The Ekolojik Pazari, a new organic market in Feriköy (in the car park on Bomonti Cad., Lala Sahin Sok.; take the metro from Taksim to Osmanbey), fills the niche. It's open every Saturday from 8am to 5pm. And giving a boost to the embryonic art and design scene in Cihangir, the local municipality has organized the new Pazart, an open-air design fair showcasing art, crafts, and artisanal foods against a beguiling backdrop of domes, minarets, and sea (and views, views, and more views from the outdoor bazaar's perch on the hilltop above the Bosphorus). The market is located in Roma Bahcesi, aka Sanatkarlar Parki, open on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month from 3 to 8pm, 1 to 7pm in winter.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
