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As of today, Turkey has been considered a shopper's paradise for centuries. Even though the form of shopping facilities and shopping opportunities has changed outwardly nowadays, it has not lost any of its splendor and importance.
Malls in Istanbul are the most popular shopping alternatives and the best meeting places and entertainment areas for both domestic and foreign visitors.
Istanbul is home to more than 200 modern shopping malls, some of which are really huge and some are even among the best malls in the world.
So, if after seeing all the sights you still want to spend some time shopping, you will definitely find a shopping center that suits your desires.
To make the choice easier, I would like to share with you the best malls, shopping streets and the markets based on my surveys, observations and experiences.
Kanyon, Metrocity and Akmerkez in the Levent district; Istinye Park in Maslak, Cevahir in Mecidiyekoy and Forum Istanbul in Bayrampasa and Zorlu Center in Beşiktaş are the most popular shopping malls in Istanbul worth visiting on the European side.
Emaar Square Mall in Uskudar, Capitol in Altunizade, Palladium and Brandium in Atasehir and Viaport Asia next to Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) are the most popular on the Asian side.
300 shops, 270,000 m2 of construction area, 87,000 m2 of retail space, 3,600 parking spaces and a wide range of shops. Both indoors (huge glass dome and glass ceilings) and outdoors. World class shopping, cinemas, fashion, entertainment, dining and activity areas. It is one of the most popular and best shopping malls in Istanbul.
Address: Katar Cad. , Nr.: 73 Sarıyer
Tel: +90 212 345 55 55
Opening hours: Daily between 10:00-22:00
Access: – Public Bus (Lines 29B FSM – 4. Levent Metro, 29P Poligon Mah. – 4. Levent Metro, 29Ş İstinye Dereiçi – Şişli, 40B Sarıyer – Beşiktaş, 42 Bahçeköy – 4. Levent Metro)
– Midibus (İstinye – Beşiktaş Tarabya – Beşiktaş)
– Free shuttle from Auto Industry and ITU station between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Internet: www.istinyepark.com
40,000 m2, 117 shops and 26 restaurants on the 4th floor, 9 cinema halls, fitness center
2,300 car parking capacity. Local and global top brands, gourmet restaurants, cafes and open-air performances.
Address: Büyükdere Cad. Nr.: 185, 34394 Levent
Tel: +90 212 317 53 00, WhatsApp: +90 532 290 56 96
Opening Hours: Daily between 10:00-22:00
Access: by subway Yenikapi-Haci Osman Metro, by public or midi buses to Levent
Internet: www.kanyon.com.tr
A joint venture of a world-class shopping center. 246 shops, 1,500 covered parking spaces and a wide range of shops. World class shopping, fashion, cinemas, entertainment, food and activity areas.
Address: Nispetiye Cad. 34337, Etiler
Tel: +90 212 282 01 70
Opening Hours: Daily between 10:00-22:00
Access: by subway Yenikapi-Haci Osman Metro, by public buses or midi buses to Levent or Etiler
Internet: www.akmerkez.com.tr
Over 200 shops on 6 floors, diverse shopping categories and a comprehensive range of brands. Large selection of restaurants and cafes, cinemas and the State Theater. World class shopping, fashion, cinemas, entertainment, food and activity areas.
Address: Büyükdere Cad. Nr.: 22, 34400, Şişli
Tel: +90 212 368 69 00
Opening Hours: Daily between 10:00-22:00
Internet: www.istanbulcevahir.com
Forum Istanbul is the largest shopping and residential center in Europe. 495,000 m2, 286 national and international brands. Cinemaximum cinemas, Funlab Entertainment World, Atlantis Bowling, Tiox Entertainment Center, Flyride Helicopter Simulation and Sand Castle alongside large and bespoke playgrounds.
Also houses IKEA. Also, the famous Istanbul Sea Life Aquarium, home to the largest family of sharks in Europe, and the Legoland Discovery Center in Turkey, also located in Forum Istanbul.
Address: Kocatepe Mahallesi, Paşa Caddesi, 34045, Bayrampaşa
Tel: +90 212 443 13 50
Opening Hours: Daily between 10:00-22:00
Access: by public bus (lines 32 Cevatpaşa – Eminönü, 32A Cevatpaşa – Beyazıt, 32T Cevatpaşa – Mecidiyeköy, Kartaltepe stop)
– by subway (get off at Atatürk Airport – Aksaray Tube Route station, change at Aksaray – Kirazlı Tube Route station)
Internet: www.forumistanbul.com.tr
World class shopping, fashion, cinemas, entertainment, food and activity areas.
Address: Büyükdere Cad. Nr.: 171, 1. Levent
Tel: +90 212 344 06 60
Opening Hours: Daily between 10:00-22:00
Access: by subway Yenikapi-Haci Osman Metro, by public or midi buses to Levent
Internet: www.metrocity.com.tr
A shopping and event paradise in the heart of Istanbul! With its 180 shops, 10,000 m2 main square, the scattered flora of the Bosphorus; Zorlu Center is a small town in itself. This semi-open, semi-closed shopping beauty houses Apple Store, Brooks Brothers, Industrie Denim, Cos, Lanvin, Pomellato, Stella McCartney and Superdry's first store in Turkey.
What else? The Zorlu Performance Arts Center hosts world-renowned musicals, orchestras, plays and many other fantastic works of art. But remember to feed your body at Eataly, Jamie's Italian, Tom's Kitchen or Morini before you feed your soul!
Address: Levazım Mahallesi, Barbaros Bulvarı Kavşağı, Beşiktaş, Istanbul
Tel: (+90) 212 444 94 96
Opening Hours: Daily between 10:00-22:00
Access: Zincirlikuyu station on Metro M1 or Metrobüs line.
Internet: www.zorlucenter.com.tr
I would like to go into more detail about Galataport because it is a prestige project and has a special meaning for me.
Galataport is one of Turkey's mega projects. This port is located on the most valuable part of the Bosphorus. You can experience an amazing view of the Bosphorus. The length of the port is 1.2 km. Starting from Karakoy Port to Findikli Campus of Mimar Sinan University. You can see the Asian side of Uskudar and Kadikoy from the shore of Galata Harbor. On the left is the Bosphorus Bridge, you won't take your eyes off the Maiden's Tower on the Bosphorus. It's impossible to hide your admiration for the views of these two continents.
This historic port has not been open to the public for 200 years. Over the years, Galataport enriches Istanbul with the restoration of historical buildings. One of them is Tophane Clock Tower known as Nusretiye Clock Tower. Built by Sultan Abdulmecit in the second half of the 19th century, this clock tower is the oldest building in this modern luxury port.
Galataport expects 23 million local visitors, 7 million tourists and 1.5 million seafarers each year. Besides its historical side, it has more branches that make this project a mega. Galataport is the world's first underground cruise terminal. Luxury hotel, modern art and culture buildings, modern Grand Bazaar with 250 retail shops. Other options include restaurants, museums, sports halls, offices, technical areas and parking garages. The cruise terminal is the world's first underground terminal. It is 29,000 square meters and has 176 pieces of the 3 meter special covering system.
3 ships with 15,000 passengers can embark daily. It has a storage capacity of 15,000 suitcases, 5 ramps and a 1200 meter long conveyor belt. Many well-known cruise companies use the port. Costa Venezia, Seven Seas Cruises, Viking Sky, Sea Dream 2 and MS Nautica cruises are some of them. The modern Galataport Grand Bazaar is one of the most luxurious shopping malls in Turkey. Adidas, Arte Diore, Cacharel, Columbia, Gizia, Heinrich, Hennes Hermann, Lufian, Swarovski, Versace & Rosenthal are the small part of the shops in it.
Depending on your taste, Galataport is a place where you can taste various international and Turkish cuisines. BigChefs, Gunaydın Kebap & Steakhouse, Hafiz Mustafa, Loventi Belgium, Mezzaluna, Muutto Anatolian Tapas Bar, Saltbae Burger and Starbucks are some of the brands.
It is very easy to get to Galataport as it is in an easily accessible location. Galataport is connected to Beyoglu district. The T1 tram line is the easiest mode of transportation to get to Galataport. The nearest tram stop is Tophane station and you can see Galataport if you look to the side. You can walk to Galataport from Karakoy area, it takes about 15 minutes from Bosphorus shore.
Gastronomy: DD Scoop, Antepsan, Arifoglu, Balsev, Baylan, BigChefs, Bodrum Mantı, Burger King, Butterfly, Cafe Fuego, Cookshop, Cremma, Espressolab, Gina, Grandma Cafe, Ikon, Istinye Tavukcusu, Istinyemis, Kahve Dunyasi, Kahve Dunyasi Al Gotur, Gunaydin Kebap & Steakhouse, Gunaydin Kofte & Doner, Guven Kuruyemis, Ha'BuPide, Hafiz Mustafa, Kahve Dunyasi Al Gotur Corner, Kirpi Cafe, Kiva, L'Atelier Vakko Bistrot, Liman İstanbul, Lokum Atolyesi, Loventi Belgium, Mezzaluna, Monochrome, Muutto Anatolian Tapas Bar, Ottoman 1860, Ozsafalar, Popeyes, Prince Coffee House, Roka İstanbul, Sagra, Sait Balik, SALTBAE Burger, Selamlique Istanbul, Seven Hills Galata, Simit Sarayi, Starbucks, Sekerci Cafer Erol, The Populist, Vakkorama Cafe , Vandal, Wong, Woops, Yada Sushi
Address: Kılıçali Paşa Mahallesi, Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi, No: 8, İç Kapı No:102, 34433, Beyoğlu, İstanbul. For map view please click
How to get there?
From Taksim to Galataport: Take the funicular (F1) from Taksim Square to Kabatas station. Then take the Kabatas tram line to the Tophane tram stop.
From Sultanahmet (Old Town) to Galataport: Take the tram line (T1) towards Kabatas and get off at Tophane station.
From the Asian side to Galataport: You can take the ferry from Uskudar or Kadikoy to Karakoy. It can be reached in 10 minutes on foot. Another alternative is to take Marmaray from Uskudar to Sirkeci railway station. You can take the tram (T1) towards Kabatas and get off at Topkapi station.
Internet: www.galataport.com
365,000 m2 area, 250 shops, 4,000 parking spaces, amusement centers, cinemas. Conceived in the street concept and offers shopping at reasonable prices in the stores in the outlet concept. An amusement center for families with children with a ponny club, amusement center, bowling and cinema. 10 mins. Drive to Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW).
Address: Yenişehir Mah. Dedepaşa Cad. Nr. 19, Pendik
Tel: +90 216 696 10 01 (Telefon)
Opening Hours: Daily between 10:00-22:00
Access: by public bus (lines 132K, 134, 130H, 16KH, KM25, KM27)
– by minibuses (Pendik Kurtköy / Viaport, Pendik / Velibaba / Viaport, Kartal / Sultanbeyli / Viaport, Dudullu / Yedpa / Viaport, Çekmeköy / Madenler / Viaport)
Internet: www.viaport.com.tr
World class shopping, fashion, cinemas, entertainment, food and activity areas. Cinema Spectrum being renewed, its food and beverage area. The Loft and Captune World feature a brand new children's play area.
Address: Mahir İz Caddesi 34662 Altunizade
Tel: +90 216 554 77 77 (Telefon)
Opening Hours: Daily between 10:00-22:00
Internet: www.capitol.com.tr
Shops, fashion, cinemas, entertainment, gastronomy and activity areas. areas for children.
Address: Barbaros Mah. Halk Cad. Nr.: 8-B, Ataşehir, 34746
Tel: +90 216 663 15 00
Opening Hours: Daily between 10:00-22:00
Access: free shuttle from Atasehir, Bostanci, Caddebostan, Göztepe, Sogutlucesme, Yenisehir
Internet: www.palladiumatasehir.com.tr
Emaar Square Mall is one of the most popular malls in Istanbul with 491 different brands in its indoor and outdoor stores as well as entertainment areas such as 4DX Multi-Storey Cinema, Emaar Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, FunLab and Virtual Reality Room. Covering more than 138,000 square meters, it secures its place as the beating heart of luxury shopping in Turkey.
Address: Unalan, Libadiye-Straße Nr. 88, 34700 Üsküdar
Tel: +90 (850) 290 80 90
Opening Hours: Daily between 10:00-22:00
Access: with metro (Metroline Kadikoy – Kartal; Station Goztepe)
Internet: www.emaarsquaremall.com
Pay: in shopping malls the price is fixed and it is not considered good to bargain for the price like in a bazaar! And please also remember that shopping malls in Istanbul rarely accept euros.
Opening times: The shopping centers are normally open seven days a week until late in the evening. This does not apply to Turkish public holidays.
Turkish cinemas usually show international films in the language in which the film was shot with Turkish subtitles. Admission to current Hollywood blockbusters costs only 4-5 EURO in Turkey.
Visiting a bazaar (market) is a must in Istanbul. The classic is of course the Grand Bazaar (called Kapalı Çarşı), which is also one of the most visited sights in Istanbul.
Of course, the Egyptian (spice) bazaar is also well known.
Since locals sometimes ask about typical markets in Istanbul, I have added a list of rather quiet places for a stroll through the markets to my list.
These include easy-to-reach markets in the city center and weekly markets typical of Turkey.
List of Recommended Markets (Bazaar):
4,000 shops, 30,000 workers and 500,000 daily visitors make the 15th-century Grand Bazaar one of the oldest and most fascinating markets in the world. In the Grand Bazaar you will find all the interesting souvenirs from Turkey, antiques, food, gold jewelry, clothing, etchttp://travelassistant24.com.
Baklava, sweets, Turkish pastirma sausage, spices, nuts, street food, Turkish coffee, tea and more can be found at the Egyptian Bazaar near the Galata Bridge on the Golden Horn.
a small market with around 40 shops south of the Blue Mosque with souvenirs and restaurants.
50 shops full of literature in Chartoprateia Square near the Grand Bazaar. Most of the books are in Turkish, but there are some English and German books.
Street market with all kinds of goods at the Besiktas district on the European side of Istanbul. The nearby Ihlamur Palace is an interesting sight.
local market on Wednesday with household goods, linens, clothes, stuffed animals, curtains, carpets, cosmetics, accessories.
Feriköy Ekolojik Pazar (Feriköy Eco Market) on the Asian side of Istanbul and Kastamonu Market on the outskirts offer local foods for Istanbul residents. The streets in the Kadikoy district on the Asian side of Istanbul are also interesting for fruits, vegetables, sweets, restaurants, bars and cafes.
Bargaining at the bazaar: You can bargain down the price by around 30% in tourist markets such as the Grand Bazaar. You rarely trade in markets for locals. It is best if you change your euros into Turkish lira beforehand.
When shopping for antiques, carpets and other old items, you should pay close attention to Turkey's customs regulations! The export of cultural goods is strictly forbidden in Turkey without a permit. Old stones from the beach can be a problem.
In another blog of mine you will find my recommendations for the locations and tips about the food.
As it may not be possible for everyone to try a lot of street food in a limited amount of time, you can also get to know Istanbul's markets and food during a guided tour.
So, if you want to enjoy an authentic gourmet experience in Istanbul and at the same time get to know this fascinating city, I can recommend our enthusiasts and cultural experts; a team of professional tour guides from "Yummyistanbul" who are incredibly proud to share their knowledge of Istanbul and Turkey with you.
Ending at Taksim Square, Istiklal Avenue is the hub of shopping and nightlife on the European side of Istanbul. The 14km long Bagdat Caddesi is its counterpart on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Individual shops selling Turkish goods can be found on the side streets of Istiklal Caddesi towards the Bosphorus.
Istiklal Caddesi (Europe): Is the most famous shopping street in Istanbul. It starts in the south near the Galata Tower and ends in the north at Taksim Square. In between there are local and international shops, restaurants and bars in the evening. There are also many well-known sights near Istiklal Caddesi.
Bagdat Caddesi (Asia): Is the longest shopping street in Istanbul (14km). It starts in Kadikoy on the Asian side of Istanbul and heads east along the coast. Always plan a visit to Bagdat Caddesi in advance as the shops are all further apart.
Abdi Ipekci Street: One of the most exclusive shopping streets in Istanbul with international brands, chic cafes, restaurants and historical houses.
Nispetiye Street: International and Turkish brands in Besiktas, Akmerz shopping center, popular among Turkish movie stars, with restaurants known in Istanbul like P.F. Changs, Eataly and Wagamama.
Side streets of Beyoglu: The Atlas Pasaji (Passage) is popular among Istanbul's youth. In it you will find more alternative (cheap) t-shirts, dresses and accessories. The road from Istiklal Caddesi to the Galata Tower (Galip Dede Cd.) is interesting for musicians, souvenirs and decorations. Also interesting is the nearby Serdar-i Ekrem street with small boutiques.
My conclusion about shopping in Istanbul
Street markets, bazaars and shopping centers in Istanbul are unlike anything you have ever seen. They sell everything from fresh fruit, clothes to household goods and each one is full of vitality. So what is the best thing about Istanbul's markets? Wherever you go, you can always find something unique.
If you have a question, your own tips or experiences about shopping in Istanbul, then my fellow readers and I would be happy if you wrote a comment below.
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También hay centros comerciales en Lima, donde vivo. No entiendo por qué la gente va a los centros comerciales cuando viene a Estambul. Todos los productos similares ya están a la venta. No vine hasta aquí para ir al centro comercial. En mi opinión, ¿qué haría yo en un centro comercial moderno cuando hay un gran bazar o un bazar egipcio, que son los primeros, más grandes y más bonitos centros comerciales del mundo?
Cuando visito una ciudad, quiero conocer a la gente y su cultura.
Me quedé en Estambul durante 10 días. En diez días también visité ciudades cercanas como Bursa, Çanakkale y Edirne. Por supuesto, durante mi estancia en Estambul también visité el Gran Bazar y el Bazar de las Especias. Pero también visité centros comerciales modernos. Mi favorito era el Parque Istinye. Después de todo, estos centros comerciales son una parte integral de la Estambul moderna y no querrás pasar tiempo en el Gran Bazar todos los días. Finalmente, un día entero es suficiente para explorar el bazar.
Ich kann nur eines sagen WoW. Ich war im Frühjahr 2022 für einen Kurztrip in Istanbul. Ein Bekannter von mir, der in Istanbul lebt, hatte mir empfohlen the Mall of Istanbul zu besuchen. Ein riesiges Haus. Ich war schon in Dubai aber sowas habe ich noch nie gesehen. Die Vielfallt, das Ambiente war saaagenhaft. Warum Du das Mall of Istanbul nicht auf deiner "Best of" Liste hast ist mir unklar. Dieses Haus gehört unbedingt in diese Liste. Ist halt nur ein Tipp von mir :)
Liebe Carla, erstmal einen grossen Dank für Deine Meinung. Das gibt mir den Ansporn weitere Recherchen durchzuführen und Empfehlungen zu machen.
Ich denke auch wie Du, dass das Mall of Istanbul riesig gross ist und viel zu bieten hat. Ich war auch einige Male in Dubai. Da kann Mall of Istanbul sehr gut den Malls in Dubai die Stirn bieten, ja sogar fast alle von denen übertrumpfen. Aber bei der Auflistung der Malls hatte ich meinen Schwerpunkt auf Erreichbarkeit gesetzt. Und da die Erreichbarkeit des MOI durch öffentliche Verkehrsmittel nicht ausreichend bis mangelhaft ist habe ich es nicht aufgelistet. Aber mein Augenmerk ist darauf gerichtet und wenn sich etwas zum Guten hin ändern sollte, dann werde ich dieses auf meine Liste setzen.
After watching the series Midnight at the Pera Palace on Netflix, I promised myself that I would see the hotel at the first opportunity when I came to Turkey, and the hotel was magnificent. When I arrived, I made the mistake of getting directions to Grand Pera instead of Pera Palace, but when I saw its architecture, I said I am glad I made this mistake. A shopping center that must be seen, the service and cleanliness of the shopping center was great.
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