Shop vintage in Istanbul for old times' sake

Istanbul offers an abundance of vintage and second-hand shops with an unbelievable range from high-end vintage to affordable nostalgic pieces. Vintage enthusiasts know that the thrill of the hunt inside vintage stores is the best part, so we are here to help you save time by listing the best vintage shops in Istanbul. You're guaranteed to find a one of a kind piece.

If you're looking for a dazzling array of vintage clothing and furniture make sure you stop by By Retro. The shop is on the basement floor of Suriye Pasajı in Beyoğlu and offers shoppers a range of clothing and household items from punk rock leather jackets and wedding dresses to gramophones. Famous for providing costumes for Turkish shows and films, this second-hand shop is more organized than most vintage shops. Everything is neatly organized into sections to make your shopping experience worthwhile. Location: İstiklal Caddesi, Suriye Pasajı, No. 166, Beyoğlu; Phone: (0212) 245 64 20

Concentrating on selling vintage items in superb condition, Sentetik Sezer Vintage Shop has a variety of clothing with contemporary looks, vibrant colors and nostalgic details. From oversized sweaters and cropped tops to suspenders and worn-in boots, all the merchandise at this store is in good shape and has characteristics that will put an edge on the way you dress. Location: Kazancı Yokuşu, Pürtelaş Sokak, No. 1/A, Cihangir

Consisting of not only vintage clothing, Mozk, located in Cihangir, also has a great selection of furniture. The furniture in the shop is either second-hand or specially designed. Buying the gorgeous pieces in the store won't break the bank either. Location: Kuloğlu Mahallesi, Ağa Hamam Caddesi, No. 13, Cihangir; Phone: (0212) 252 34 99

When you're buying anything vintage you can't help but wonder who had used or won the item before you. If you are one of these people, come on down to Pied de Poule in Çukurcuma and get some knowledge with your purchase. Owner Şelale Gültekin tells buyers all about the origin of the items – when it arrived and things like the texture and material it is made of. Location: Faik Paşa Yokuşu, No. 19/1, Çukurcuma, Beyoğlu; Phone: (0212) 245 81 16; Hours: Monday through Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Owned by the famous actor-model Ahu Yağtu, Second Chance was once a small shop in Bebek. Later on, for shoppers' convenience, it turned into an online boutique. You can shop for numerous pieces from vintage Burberry shoes to vintage Yves Saint Laurent suits from the 80s. This online boutique gives you the change to surf the web and get a little taste of vintage nostalgia too. Website: https://www.auvintage.com

Original Seconds first appeared as an online boutique and later opened a store in Tünel for the convenience of those shoppers who must try on clothing before buying it. Still continuing with the online boutique, Original Seconds later relocated to Gayrettepe. If you have a sense of style and a big wallet, Orginal Seconds is the place for you. The vintage shop sells high-end brands such as Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Armani, Donna Karan, Chloé, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana. Location: Ayazmadere Caddesi, 40/D, Gayrettepe; Phone: (0212) 213 34 05; Website: www.originalseconds.com

Located in Galata, Binbavul Vintage puts the "V" in vintage. Selling shoes, dresses and other pieces of extraordinary attire that would be better put in a museum than on a mannequin, Binbavul Vintage reeks of history the minute you walk in. Casually walking in, you can buy an Ottoman-inspired kaftan or moccasins. Location: Galip Dede Caddesi, No. 66, Galata; Phone: (0212) 243 72 18; Hours: Monday through Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Shopping vintage isn't for the ladies only. Atölye dö Bora has an array of stylish vintage pieces for men as well. This vintage shop is also a hair studio owned by Bora Şengir. Located below ground floor and dimly lit, shopping here is a totally different experience. Packed with vintage clothing mainly from the 70s, there's something for everyone. Location: Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak, No. 8/A, Galata; Phone: (0212) 243 08 12; Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.