Best Stationery Shops in Istanbul for Tourists
Istanbul is a city where creativity meets history — where the centuries-old art of calligraphy coexists with sleek, contemporary design. For tourists who love pens, notebooks, and art supplies, this vibrant metropolis offers countless places to explore. Whether you’re searching for handmade marbled paper, a luxury fountain pen, or simply a charming notebook to document your travels, Istanbul’s stationery scene has something for everyone. This extended guide introduces the city’s most beloved stationery shops, complete with details about atmosphere, accessibility, and nearby attractions to help travelers plan the perfect stationery tour.
Table Of Content
1. Kağıthane (House of Paper) – Karaköy
Type: Designer & Boutique Stationery
Address: Fransız Geçidi No:11, Kemankeş Cd., Karaköy
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed Monday)
Price Range: $ – $$
Kağıthane, meaning “House of Paper,” is not just a shop — it’s a celebration of creativity. Founded by a Turkish designer, the boutique feels like a small art museum dedicated entirely to paper. You’ll find handmade notebooks, printed wrapping paper, postcards, stickers, and original illustrations, most of which are designed in-house. Their Istanbul-themed prints capture daily life: ferries gliding across the Bosphorus, cats lounging on cobblestones, or cups of Turkish tea on a sunny terrace.
Highlights:
- 🖋️ Locally designed greeting cards and notebooks featuring Istanbul icons.
- 🎨 Creative Turkish paper art, magnets, and posters.
- 📸 Minimalist interior design perfect for Instagram photos.
- 🎁 Ideal for small souvenirs that fit easily in luggage.
Why Visit: Kağıthane is a local favorite among artists, designers, and travelers. It’s an excellent place to find high-quality, aesthetic paper products that reflect modern Istanbul culture.
Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with brunch at nearby Karaköy cafés or a walk to Galata Tower — both are within 10 minutes.
2. Paperie – Nişantaşı
Type: Luxury & Designer Paper Goods
Address: Ahmet Fetgari Sok. No:51/A, Teşvikiye, Şişli
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed Sunday)
Price Range: $$ – $$$
Founded in 2009 by Zeynep Sümer Ayverdi, Paperie is Istanbul’s first luxury paper goods boutique. Every detail of the shop exudes sophistication — from the pastel-colored walls to the perfectly arranged rows of imported greeting cards and wrapping paper. Paperie also offers customized wedding invitations, holiday cards, and calligraphy services for those who love personalized touches.
Highlights:
- 💌 Handmade and imported cards from European designers.
- ✨ Elegant wrapping papers, wax seals, and ribbons.
- 🧵 Occasional creative workshops for tourists and locals.
- 🎀 Ideal for buying tasteful, high-end gifts.
Why Visit: If you appreciate fine design and craftsmanship, Paperie is the ultimate stationery experience. Each product feels like art.
Nearby Attractions: The shop is in the heart of Nişantaşı, an upscale district filled with luxury boutiques, cafés, and art galleries — great for combining culture and shopping in one afternoon.
3. Mektup Kırtasiye – Galatasaray, Beyoğlu
Type: Independent Stationery Boutique
Address: Yeni Çarşı Cd. No:10/A, Tomtom Mah., Beyoğlu
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Price Range: $ – $$
Since 1992, Mektup Kırtasiye has been Istanbul’s go-to destination for nostalgic stationery lovers. Its cozy wooden interior and vintage décor make it feel like a warm time capsule. The store’s name means “Letter Stationery,” and true to its roots, you’ll find elegant letter-writing paper, ink pens, and artisan-bound notebooks. This is where Istanbul’s writers and poets shop for their journals.
Highlights:
- 📚 Handcrafted notebooks with classic Turkish designs.
- ✒️ Vintage pens and inks imported from Europe.
- 🕰️ Relaxed atmosphere with a personal touch — the staff are happy to chat about paper and pen preferences.
Why Visit: Mektup Kırtasiye embodies Istanbul’s artistic soul. It’s more than a store; it’s a cultural space where creativity and nostalgia meet.
Nearby Attractions: Located near İstiklal Avenue, so you can easily stop by after visiting Galata Mevlevihanesi or during a shopping walk through Beyoğlu.
4. Hakikat Kırtasiye – Cağaloğlu, Fatih
Type: Art & Office Supplies
Address: Ankara Cd. No:23/C, Hobyar Mah., Cağaloğlu, Fatih
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Price Range: $
Hakikat Kırtasiye has served Istanbul’s artists, students, and office workers for decades. The store is especially popular for its vast selection of paints, sketchbooks, craft materials, and Turkish ebru (marbling) papers. The staff are known for being helpful and patient, assisting even tourists with limited Turkish.
Highlights:
- 🖌️ Massive range of art and craft materials.
- 🧿 Traditional marbled papers and Islamic calligraphy tools.
- 🏛️ Walking distance from the Grand Bazaar and Topkapı Palace.
Why Visit: This is the place to experience a classic Istanbul stationery shop, full of authenticity and local character.
Travel Tip: Bring cash, as smaller items may not be eligible for card payment.
5. Karin Sanat – Aksaray, Fatih
Type: Traditional Art Supply Store
Address: Kızanlık Cd. No:23/A, İskenderpaşa Mah., Fatih
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Sunday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Price Range: $ – $$
Karin Sanat is a hidden treasure for lovers of Turkish traditional arts. From hand-mixed pigments to gold leaf and calligraphy brushes, this store provides authentic materials for artists specializing in ebru (marbling), hat (calligraphy), and tezhip (illumination). The shop owners are artisans themselves and often give visitors short demonstrations.
Highlights:
- 🪶 Best selection of marbling and illumination materials in Istanbul.
- 🌈 Stocks both Turkish and European fine art brands.
- 🌍 Offers worldwide shipping for international customers.
- 📚 Staff knowledgeable about Ottoman art traditions.
Why Visit: Karin Sanat offers a glimpse into Istanbul’s centuries-old artistic heritage — a must for art lovers.
Nearby Attractions: Close to the historic Fatih Mosque and Aksaray metro, ideal for combining cultural sightseeing with shopping.
6. Panel Kırtasiye – Kadıköy
Type: Art, Office & Luxury Pens
Address: İnönü Cd. No:15, Sahrayıcedid Mah., Kadıköy
Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price Range: $ – $$$
Panel Kırtasiye is one of the city’s largest stationery stores, combining everything from affordable notebooks to luxury pen brands such as Montblanc and Pelikan. This 800-square-meter store spans multiple departments — school, office, and art — and serves both professionals and families.
Highlights:
- 🖋️ One of the best selections of premium pens in Istanbul.
- 🖼️ Full art department with paints, brushes, and canvas.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly and ideal for back-to-school shopping.
- 🧳 Great for travelers who want to browse freely and compare prices.
Why Visit: Panel offers the perfect mix of practicality and indulgence. You can buy both an everyday pen and a collectible writing instrument in the same place.
Nearby Attractions: Kadıköy Market, Moda seaside cafés, and ferry terminals for easy access to the European side.
7. Plumon – Nişantaşı
Type: Modern Writing Boutique
Address: Teşvikiye Cd., Hak Pasajı, Dükkan 32, Nişantaşı
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Price Range: $$ – $$$
Plumon is a sleek boutique that celebrates the art of handwriting. It offers a curated selection of premium notebooks, calligraphy sets, and imported Japanese stationery. The store’s minimalist interior and subtle scent of paper and ink make it a sensory delight.
Highlights:
- 🖊️ Premium notebooks and Blackwing pencils.
- 📓 Elegant fountain pens, inks, and desk accessories.
- 💬 Helpful staff who love to discuss journaling and writing habits.
- 🪶 Great gift options for writers and creatives.
Why Visit: If you enjoy journaling or collecting fine stationery, Plumon is a must. It combines Japanese precision with European elegance.
Nearby Attractions: Within walking distance of Paperie and City’s Mall, allowing tourists to spend an entire afternoon exploring Nişantaşı’s artistic side.
Additional Tips for Tourists
- 💸 Tax Refunds: Available in select luxury stores (e.g., Montblanc, Panel). Carry your passport for VAT refund forms.
- 💳 Payments: Most stores accept cards, but always have cash for small, independent shops.
- 🧿 Unique Souvenirs: Don’t miss handmade marbled paper, calligraphy sets, and Istanbul-inspired notebooks.
- 🚶 Combine Shopping with Sightseeing: Many stores are located near key attractions like Galata Tower, the Bosphorus, and the Grand Bazaar.
- ☕ Local Experience: Many shops, especially in Karaköy and Beyoğlu, are surrounded by coffeehouses — take a break with a Turkish coffee after shopping.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Istanbul’s stationery stores is more than a shopping trip — it’s a journey through the city’s creative heart. From centuries-old art traditions in Fatih to sleek, modern design studios in Nişantaşı, every shop tells a story about Istanbul’s relationship with beauty, writing, and craftsmanship. Whether you leave with a handcrafted notebook, a pot of shimmering ink, or simply inspiration from the artistry around you, these shops offer travelers an unforgettable cultural experience — one that captures the essence of Istanbul’s charm and creativity.