Sales and shop opening hours in Istanbul: Sundays and public holidays

Shopping in Istanbul means knowing three rhythms: that of the malls, open almost every day until late in the evening, that of the traditional bazaars, closed on Sundays, and that of the holidays, which can empty the shopping streets for several days. This guide answers travellers' questions: are shops open on Sundays? When are the sales? What to do on a public holiday? The hours given are indicative: each store sets its own, and they change during festivals. Check before you go.

Usual opening hours

Type of place	Indicative hours	Sunday
Shopping malls (Kanyon, Zorlu Center, Istinye Park, Cevahir…)	About 10:00-22:00	Open
Shops on İstiklal and in Nişantaşı	About 10:00-22:00	Mostly open
Grand Bazaar	Monday-Saturday, daytime	Closed
Spice Bazaar	Every day, daytime	Open
Small neighbourhood shops and craftsmen	Variable, often 9:00-19:00	Variable
Supermarkets and groceries	Often until 22:00 or later	Mostly open

These ranges are guidelines, not guarantees: malls publish their hours on their websites, and small shops sometimes close at prayer time or when the owner decides.

Sundays

Unlike some other European cities, Istanbul does not close its shops on Sundays: the malls and streets such as İstiklal or Bağdat Caddesi are very busy that day. The main exception is the Grand Bazaar, closed on Sundays. On Fridays, a few shops slow down at midday prayer.

Lanterns in the Grand Bazaar

Public holidays and bayrams

National public holidays are 1 January, 23 April, 1 May, 19 May, 15 July, 30 August and 29 October (with a half-day on the eve), plus the two major religious festivals, Ramazan Bayramı and Kurban Bayramı. The dates of the latter shift each year; see public holidays and bayrams in Istanbul and national holidays.

During bayrams, the first day is usually the quietest: the Grand Bazaar closes, as do many craftsmen and small shops, while malls open later or with reduced hours.
In the days before bayrams, shops are packed and transport and hotel prices rise.
Restaurants and museums have their own hours: see their pages.

Sales and promotions

In Turkey, sale dates are not set by law for all shops: each brand chooses its own periods. In practice, you see price cuts at the end of each season, in summer (around June-July) and in winter (after New Year), as well as promotions around Black Friday in November. Advertised discounts vary widely: compare with the previous price tag and beware of "exceptional" discounts in very touristy areas. Markets such as the Tuesday market in Kadıköy and Istanbul's markets remain the best address for low prices all year.

Tax refund for foreign visitors

Foreign tourists can claim a VAT refund on some purchases in shops that belong to the tax-free scheme ("Tax Free"). Ask for the form at the till, keep the invoice and the unused goods, and present everything at the refund desk before airport security. A minimum purchase amount applies and conditions change: check with the shop or on the official Turkish tax administration website. Our article on shopping and souvenirs in Istanbul details what to buy.

Payment and practical tips

Cards are accepted in malls and most shops; keep Turkish lira for craftsmen and markets. See money, payment and tipping.
Alcohol sales are limited in the evening: see alcohol in Istanbul.
Haggle in bazaars, not in malls.
Keep your receipt: it is needed for an exchange or a tax refund.