Cihangir is home to a great range of shops that offer unique finds you won’t see elsewhere. That diversity is in tune with the eclectic crowd that inhabits the neighborhood, and only adds to its unique air.  Drop by these stores while you are strolling through the bohemian streets.

Clothing and Designers

Atölye Mariposa: Atölye Mariposa is a charming retro shop selling a range of colorful clothing and decorative household items from France and England in addition to dresses designed by owner Banu Ones. Only the armchairs and chandeliers are second-hand; everything else in the store is brand new with a retro feel. The faux-vintage home decor pieces are particularly popular with those in search of a nostalgic hit. The inventory includes notepads, bags, purses, boxes, bowls, vases, cups, and much more. Atölye Mariposa brings only one of each clothing item, which is great news for those with a unique personal style. Keep in mind that they carry mostly small and medium sizes. Şimşirci Sokak No. 11/A, Cihangir; P: (0212) 249 04 83

Berrin Akyüz: Clothing boutique Berrin Akyüz works with Polish designer Lucasz Budzisz to design four collections a year for her shop in Cihangir, as well as the branch in Üsküdar. The Cihangir shop in particular is very popular with locals for its young, eclectic clothes for both men and women. The women's range is very far-reaching in terms of style covering bold leather asymmetric mini skirts, floaty pastel dresses and skirts, ruffled shirts, crazy colored belts and necklaces, and a huge range of felt hats with various embellishments. The vibe is overall girly with a decidedly eccentric edge, veering on fancy dress. The men's collection features velveteen jackets, skinny trousers, leather cravats and obscure rope belts. Not recommended for the most manly of men, but fun all the same. Akarsu Yokuşu No. 22, Cihangir; P: (0212) 251 41 25   

Music

Opus 3A Record Store: Opus 3A is a record store with stock of new rather than second-hand items. Its collection focuses primarily on jazz, as well as legendary Turkish pop icons such as Barış Manço and Ajda Pekkan, with some rock and classical music thrown in the mix as well. Most of the store's records are 33 RPM. Cihangir Caddesi No. 3/A, Cihangir; P: (0212) 251 84 05  

Food and Drink Products

La Cave Wine Shop: A veritable cave of wonders in the form of an extensive wine and spirits cellar, La Cave is a great place to pick up obscure liquors that you will probably have great difficulty finding anywhere else in Istanbul, like cachaça (irreplaceable in the making of a caipirinha) and certain brands of rum and whiskey. There is also a vast choice of both imported and home grown wines, and the staff will knowledgeably steer you in the right direction. Sıraselviler Caddesi No. 207, Cihangir; P: (0212) 243 24 05

Asri Turşurcu: A small family business, Asri Turşucu have been specialists in pickles since 1913. The vegetables used in the pickles come from Bursa, which is said to have excellent water that feeds into the produce of the area and results in abundant crops - particularly the red peppers and tomatoes. The company takes 3 months off in the summer in order to prepare their raw produce for pickling. No artificial additives are used, only lemon and salt. Ağahamam Caddesi No.9/A, Cihangir; P: (0212) 244 47 24

Antre Gourmet Shop: A high-end charcuterie, Antre Gourmet sells 40 varieties of Turkish cheese and about 15 varieties of international cheese are available along with homemade jams, baklava, appetizers and sandwiches. Akarsu Caddesi No. 52, Cihangir; P: (0212) 292 89 72  

Balya Organik Health Food Store: Committed to sustainable and healthy lifestyles, Balya is an organic store that serves salads, soups, sandwiches, juices, and coffees. The store avoids using trans-fats, corn syrup, and unnatural additives or preservatives in an effort to maintain their ecological and health-friendly pledge. Defterdar Yokuşu Batarya Sokak No.16/A, Cihangir; P: (0212) 252 35 82

Health

Vie En Rose: Located at the heart of Cihangir, Vie En Rose is an apothecary selling essential oils, soaps and creams made fresh on the premises. All products have sell-by dates on them as the founder believes anything which you can't eat you should also not use on your skin. Rose is the primary ingredient used in the products, and the company uses roses imported from all over the world as well as Turkish-grown ones. Massages are also available, where the essential oils are used to great effect. The store would particularly suit those people concerned with the strains of modern living and looking for products and services tailored to a philosophy of natural calm. Yeni Yuva Sokak No. 50A, Cihangir; P: (0212) 252 09 07