If you’re looking for a 24 hour pharmacy in Istanbul, you’ll quickly notice that pharmacies are easy to find — but not all of them are open all the time. Here’s how pharmacies work in the city and how to find one when you need it most.
Pharmacies in Istanbul, known as “Eczane”, are widely available across the city. You’ll find them in almost every neighborhood, usually marked with a red „E“ sign.
During the day, access is very easy, and you’ll rarely need to search long to find one nearby. However, most pharmacies close in the evening, which can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the system.
They are typically open:
On Sundays, most pharmacies are closed.
👉 This is why finding a 24 hour pharmacy in Istanbul becomes important — outside these hours, only specific pharmacies remain open.
If you need medication at night or on Sundays, you’ll need a “Nöbetçi Eczane”, which means a duty pharmacy.
Pharmacies in Istanbul operate on a rotating system, meaning that at least one 24 hour pharmacy in Istanbul is available in each area at any time.
👉 This ensures that you can always find help, no matter the time.
Below, you can see currently open pharmacies across the city. This is a city-wide list covering all of Istanbul. Pay attention to the districts shown in brackets to find the 24-hour pharmacy closest to you.
If you’re not able to go to a pharmacy — or simply don’t want to — there’s another option in Istanbul that many people don’t know about.
You can search for “Eczane Kurye Istanbul”, which refers to pharmacy delivery services.
In many cases, you can contact them directly via WhatsApp, send your location and what you need, and they will deliver the medication to you.
👉 This works whether you’re in a hotel, restaurant, or at home.
There is usually an extra fee for delivery, but it can be very convenient, especially at night or if you’re not feeling well enough to go outside.
Pharmacies in Istanbul are well stocked and can help with a wide range of needs.
You can usually find medication for common issues like headaches, colds, allergies, and stomach problems, as well as prescription drugs, skincare products, and basic medical supplies.
Pharmacists are often helpful and may suggest alternatives if you don’t have a prescription.
For many basic medications, you don’t need a prescription.
However, stronger medication or antibiotics may require one. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask.
In central areas, many pharmacists speak at least basic English.
Even if communication is limited, describing your symptoms usually works, and pharmacists will try to help.
In urgent situations, you can contact emergency services directly.
If your situation is more serious and you’d prefer to go directly to a hospital, you can find a curated list of hospitals in Istanbul for tourists here.
If it’s an emergency involving your pet, you can also check our guide to 24-hour emergency veterinarians in Istanbul, where you’ll find clinics that are open around the clock.
