Exploring Bagdat Avenue: Your Go-To Guide for Shopping in Istanbul

Bagdat Avenue is among Istanbul’s most popular shopping destinations with its trendy boutiques, concept stores and chic cafes. Both locals and tourists enjoy shopping the latest collections from clothing to home goods, jewelry to beauty products. Discover the charm of this 14 kilometer shopping strait as you explore the diverse shops of both local and international brands.

Introduction to Bagdat Avenue

Even though today’s Bagdat Avenue begins from Kiziltoprak (Kadikoy) and goes all the way to Maltepe, the street is not a new addition, but a route used for centuries, even before the Ottoman Empire. The road itself connected the Byzantine Empire to Anatolia, before the city was conquered by the Ottomans. After the conquest it was used as a route for Ottoman expeditions in Anatolia. Back in the day, the route was slightly different and covered other districts as well. The name “Bagdat” comes from Sultan Murad I’s expedition to reclaim the city of Baghdad in Iraq, as it was the point where he and his army left Istanbul.

Centuries later the upper class of Istanbul and palace employees began to reside in districts that Bagdat Avenue passes. Some of the houses that were built at the time are still standing strong and the oldest ones on the street. In 1987, the road, which had already been expanded because it was not originally designed for modern cars and transport vehicles, was converted to one-way traffic.

High-End Fashion Boutiques

Bagdat Avenue became a staple for shopping in for the whole city as it hosts the stores of many global and local brands and even flagship stores for some. One can easily spot designers like Chanel and Louis Vuitton in a walking distance as they are among the busiest hotspots for luxury clothing, bags and accessories. If you have a designer in mind to shop from but cannot locate a store on Bagdat Avenue, head over to Beymen or Vakko, the largest chain department stores in Türkiye, featuring designers from all over the world.

Local Turkish Designers

Each city has its own fashion district where every designer dreams of opening a boutique. Bagdat Avenue holds a special place in Turkish designers’ hearts for having a store at the Anatolian side of Istanbul. It is home to many local designer brands like Les Benjamins, a men’s lifestyle brand based in Istanbul. Starting with 30 printed t-shirts and evolving to achieve global success, the brand describes itself as a representation of a contemporary East. If you're on the hunt for local designs, be sure to visit Bagdat Avenue as you might discover unique styles to take home to.

Jewelry and Accessories

Boutiques located on Bagdat Avenue don’t stop with clothing items. Both jewelry and accessories shopping are a part of the ultimate Bagdat Avenue experience. You can bump into global brands like Swarovski and Pandora during your stroll. Explore local jewelry brands where you find unique designs that showcase the beautiful craftsmanship, made from gold and silver, adorned with precious gems.

Department Stores and Shopping Centers

If you have limited time to shop at Bagdat Avenue, opt for department stores like Boyner, where you can find casual to formal clothing, sportswear to outdoor gear, all in one location. A multiple level store, each dedicated to different categories, Boyner is the ultimate destination for a shopping experience. Bagdat Avenue is also close to shopping centers where you can find global group brands like Inditex: Zara, Massimo Dutti, Mango and other widely known brands like Marks & Spencer and House of Superstep. Yargıcı, a popular Turkish brand for both home decor and furnishings along with clothing for women is also located in many shopping centers. Most of these brands also have branches on Bagdat Avenue; so it’s up to you to choose which shopping experience is ideal for your stay.

Health and Beauty Stores

As makeup and skincare are on the rise for consumers globally, Bagdat Avenue also features famous brands such as MAC Cosmetics and Nars. With their extensive collection of shades and formulations, these brands provide an exceptional shopping experience and personalized makeup applications for their customers. Another spot for beauty shoppers is Sephora, which is one of the largest cosmetics chains globally. From makeup to skincare and perfumes, the store is a must-visit for cosmetics lovers.

Bookstores and Stationery

Some locals like to spend their time at bookstores to take a peek at the bestsellers and new releases while they’re looking to expand their book collection or to purchase some stationery. Penguen Bookstore is one of them, a tranquil environment preferred by students and residents of the area for a quiet moment of reading and studying. You can savor a cup of coffee from their inhouse coffee corner while taking your time to find new books.

Seamless Shopping on Bağdat Avenue with a Stay at The Marmara Suadiye

Located right in the heart of Bagdat Avenue, The Marmara Suadiye is the perfect spot to stay for exploring the Anatolian side of Istanbul. Accommodations designed for your comfort offer breathtaking views of the Marmara Sea and Prince’s Islands. Enjoy the Marmara Suadiye’s luxury amenities and unparalleled hospitality, whether you’re in Istanbul for just a few days or weeks. Choose a residence depending on how many people you’re traveling with for your next visit to truly feel at home and make the most of your time in Istanbul by staying in the shopping district of the Anatolian side.