Istanbul - Groceries

[rreett]

Any suggestions for buying local "groceries" for a picnic? are there small grocery stores near the tourist sites? big supermarkets? Local farmer's markets? what is the best way to pick up goodies for a meal?

[Pecoraro]

Any suggestions for buying local "groceries" for a picnic? The problem is finding the green space to have the picnic.

There are four or five islands just off the coast on the Asian side which are accessable via ferry. They were beautiful with lots of green space and white sand beaches. One of them was an extensive fishing village with fresh catch stalls by the dock(s). All had little grocery stores and local food restaurants etc for great picnic items. I don't remember the names but I'm sure if you look up Istanbul you will find them. It takes about an hour via the boats just outside the spice market. Ferry was 6 turkish lira per person each way and I would highly recommend going there if you would like to get away from the heavy tourist spots. Almost everyone going to the islands were locals - so it really gave you the true feeling of being in a foreign country (not much english was spoken over there).

[drwong]

There are several open-air markets all over Istanbul! And several supermarkets as well (we like the Tarsus markets - clean, bright, well-organized, and lots of items). Find a taxi driver who understands English and just tell him where you want to go.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Ah, the Princes's Isles, yes! We did a day-tour to the most touristy one, the end of the ferry line I believe, it was great.

As for groceries, we found one near our hotel in the old quarter of the Sultanahmet, sold cheese and bread, etc. You could also probably get one of the small restaurants to pack you a lunch of mezes, which are appetizer-like dishes, plus some great Kurdish bread. Don't know, haven't tried it, but it's feasible I think.

[Pecoraro]

We did a day-tour to the most touristy one, the end of the ferry line I believe, it was great.

Local tourists going for a day at the beach right??

I see you are from Toronto - I grew up in TO but moved to Florida 24 years ago!!!

Peter