What's open on Sundays in Istanbul?

Sunday in Istanbul runs like any other day of the week. The Grand Bazaar closes on Sundays, which catches visitors off guard, but the Egyptian Spice Bazaar in Eminönü stays open, as do nearly all restaurants, cafes, street food vendors, and most independent shops in Karaköy, Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, and Nişantaşı. Major museums including Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia (now a mosque, so dress accordingly), the Istanbul Modern in Karaköy, and the Archaeological Museums are open, though hours vary and some state museums close Mondays rather than Sundays. The Bosphorus ferry lines run full schedules seven days a week. Kadıköy's street market on the Asian side operates Sunday mornings and is worth the short ferry crossing from Eminönü or Karaköy. Shopping malls like Istinye Park and Kanyon operate normal hours. The short answer: one closed landmark aside, Sunday in Istanbul is not a quiet day.

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