Where to buy clothes and shoes in Istanbul: are outlet malls worth it, and what can you find on Istiklal Street?

For rainy days in Istanbul, consider waterproof trainers or boots with a Gore-Tex membrane; they are more practical than regular footwear when rain is possible.

Compare prices before making a special trip to an outlet. One visitor found the selection poor and prices high: an identical cap was priced at 670 TRY there, compared with 199 TRY previously at Novomall Outlet. A chain pharmacy with red lettering on the ground floor was recommended, however, with some medicines reportedly cheaper than at the Novomall pharmacy.

Istiklal Street is a good place to browse everyday clothing, including lightweight tops. If you find something you really want, it is safer to buy it then rather than assume the same item will still be available later.