Carsamba Market

For a truly authentic Istanbul experience, head to the bustling Carsamba Market in the city’s Fatih district. As its name suggests – it’s the Turkish word for Wednesday – the market is only open on Wednesdays, from early morning to night. Thousands of stalls spring up across several blocks, where vendors proselytise loudly about their wares and locals browse the incredible selection of fresh produce – this is an excellent place to pick up ingredients to take home – as well as clothes, shoes and all manner of other items at bargain prices.