When you think of shopping in Istanbul, Turkey, visions of carpet salesmen offering you elma cayi (apple tea) in a nargile smoke-filled room often come to mind. Of course this is an all very true image that one encounters when shopping in the Old City Istanbul: the Spice Market (Misir Carsi) and Kapali Carsi (Grand Bazaar) are two places that one should not miss when in Istanbul. It is all part of the allure of a place like Istanbul, the mystique and the experience of being in a place where time stands still. Even Martha Stewart is a huge fan (did you see her hour-long show of her visit to Istanbul on the Hallmark Channel, showing the city in its best light?) and was completely impressed with the markets and all of the fresh spices (baharat in the Misir Carsi, Egyptian Bazaar) and wares.

What always amazes me about this city is its ability to seamlessly transition from old to modern in the blink of an eye. Just minutes away from the Old City, Golden Horn, Sultanahmet area lies a new bold face of fresh design and contemporary style. This city has evolved so gracefully. Nothing is forced yet everything is different, a world away in the likes of Kanyon, Istiniye Park, Akmerkez and now, Sapphire, Istanbul’s (and Europe’s tallest building). These luxury malls cater to the well-heeled of Turkey, of which there are evidently many. Clearly, Turkey’s economy is booming considering local Istanbulites are shopping here, dining and socializing at all hours of every day.

Take Kanyon for example. It is an architecturally impressive building that spirals around itself to create five levels of luxury shopping (160 retail shops) with the likes of Harvey Nichols Istanbul, It is located in Istanbul’s Financial neighborhood at Buyukdere Cad. No.185, Levent Tel: 0212 353 53 00, kanyon.com.tr

Istiniye Park is almost double in size with 300 shops and high-end Turkish department store Vakko as the anchor. It also features high-end designers such as Dolce & Gabbana Istanbul, Celine Louis Vuitton Istanbul and Fendi. There is an assortment of restaurants and cafes- even a Rainforest Cafe if your child gets nostalgic for the ones in America. Istinye Park’s address is İstinye Bayırı Cad.No: 73 Sarıyer, istinyepark.com

Akmerkez is nearby in the neighborhood of Etiler. It is currently undergoing a much-needed facelift because of its many new and impressive competitors. It can not just rest on its laurels of having won the award of "Best Shopping Center in Europe" by the International Council of Shopping Centers in 1995 and the "International Design and Development Award" in 1996, also by ICSC. Beymen, Mado, Vakko and Zara istanbul are its main anchor stores, with an additional 240 shops, restaurants and eateries. akmerkez.com.tr ( Istanbul alisveris merkezi)

Last but not least is Istanbul’s newest and tallest gem, Istanbul Sapphire. Sapphire is not only the highest building in all of Istanbul, but all of Europe. The view from the observation deck is well worth a visit. Never before has Istanbul been seen from these heights. 360 degree, unobstructed views of all her majesty. Once you have soaked in the sights from up high, you can firmly put your feet on the ground and browse the 3 levels of shops and eateries. It also houses all of the high-end designers and a great selection of restaurants. What could be better than enjoying a nice glass of Turkish wine and a plate of Kasar cheese (peynir). Kavist.com is Istanbul’s first wine and spirits shop / wine bar with Enomatic machines, where you can pour yourself a taste (1oz), a couple of sips (3oz) or a glass (5oz) of 24 different wines. Not familiar with Turkish wines (sarap-saraplar, sarabi)? They also have happy hour (Istanbul happy hour place) every evening, a perfect place to come by and have a drink and a plate of meze from the local sarkuteri shop before you head on out for the night. Kavist.com also sells on line and delivers! Sapphire is conveniently located in the Maslak neighborhood (directly on the metro line in the Financial District).You can find all your needs in Istanbul Sapphire. hepsiburada

Buyukdere Cad. 34330, 4. Levent istanbulsapphire.com