The Best Flea Markets and Thrift Stores in Istanbul

Flea Market
Flea Market | © jen/Flickr
Feride Yalav-Heckeroth

Istanbul has witnessed the rise of many different empires as well as cultures and religions. Therefore it’s no surprise that the Turkish city’s flea markets and thrift stores have plenty to offer from various decades and eras, whether visitors are looking for a pair of fashionable sunglasses or a used piece of beautiful furniture.

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Feriköy Flea Market

Market, Shop

One of Istanbul’s most popular flea markets sets up every Sunday in the Bomonti neighborhood inside an empty car park. Visitors will end up browsing around for a very long time because the market has everything imaginable including antique objects, records, old photographs, cameras, and so much more.

Sentetik Sezar

Shop

Another Istanbul best in terms of vintage and thrift clothing and accessories, Sentetik Sezar has an excellent collection that is also quite neatly organized for your perusal. Clothing, shoes, and accessories span the 1970s to the early 1990s and have been individually dry-cleaned.

Beşiktaş Salı Pazarı

Market

Even though Beşiktaş’s neighborhood market every Tuesday is known for its fresh produce, the second floor also happens to be a haven for bargain hunters. You’ll find a whole lot of thrifty clothes, textiles, shoes, and underwear usually in huge piles ready for picking and purchasing.

By Retro

By Retro

Almost hidden away in the basement, By Retro is a giant vintage and thrift heaven where visitors can find everything imaginable from period costumes to used wedding dresses. Very popular with Turkey’s TV shows that regularly borrow outfits, you’ll spend a long time browsing through the seemingly endless rows of clothes and accessories.

Asmalı Mescit Mahallesi, İstiklal Cad. Suriye Pasajı No:166/C, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 212 245 64 20

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Çukurcuma

Shop

A second hand shop in Istanbul Galatasaray Cukurcuma quarter.
© Peter Horree / Alamy Stock Photo
For the antique lovers among us, Istanbul’s Çukurcuma neighborhood is one of the best places to find unique finds that hark back to an entirely different era. Walk up and down Çukurcuma Road to really check out all the antique shops that have a lot of their goods displayed right on the street. You’ll find everything from old black and white photos and post cards to old furniture, lamps, posters, books, and much more. One of our favorites on this street is Karadeniz Antik, an antique shop inside an old Çukurcuma home that is brimming over with finds (even outside in the garden).

Mozk

Shop

At Mozk you’ll not only find great vintage furniture and home accessories but also thrift and vintage clothes that range from swimwear to corsets, dresses to costume jewelry. From the 1930s until the 1990s, Mozk has every style covered. Also make sure to follow their Facebook page for their famous backyard outlet sales where you’ll find some great furniture at bargain prices.
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