What is the best mall in Istanbul? Here’s an updated list of the best shopping malls in Istanbul in 2024: Istinye Park, Zorlu Center, Kanyon, Cevahir, Emaar Square, Mall of Istanbul, Forum Istanbul, Venezia Mega Outlet, Galataport, Viaport, and Aqua Florya. Istanbul, just like all mega cities in the world, is full of great, modern shopping malls. We made a list of the top Istanbul shopping malls, including the largest malls, cheapest outlet malls, most luxurious shopping malls, and the biggest mall in Turkey. Here are our top 11 picks for the best shopping malls in Istanbul:
#1 Istinye Park Mall
Istinye Park Mall is my personal favorite. In my opinion, this is the best mall in Istanbul. Istinye Park Mall is one of the biggest shopping malls in Istanbul. This mall is very spacious, and it has a great design with glass ceilings. Istinye Park Mall has both indoor and outdoor places. There is a luxury brands section with international brands such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Armani, Fendi, and Gucci. Excellent food court and artisan food stores, cinema halls, activity areas, etc the list goes on. I am especially fond of the artisan food stores in Istinye Park Mall. Istinye Park Mall surely delivers and caters to one’s expectations. You simply cannot be disappointed in this place. Also, the design is very refreshing.
How do I get to Istinye Park Mall? Take metro line M2, get off at İtü – Ayazağa metro station, and walk for 10 mins.
Open Address: Katar Cad. , No: 73 Sarıyer
Phone: +90 212 345 55 55
Working Hours: 10:00-22:00 everyday
Istinye Park Mall Official Website
#2 Zorlu Shopping Center
Zorlu Shopping Center is one of the best malls in Istanbul. Many locals will argue that this is the best mall in Istanbul. This mall is very easy to access with public transportation and has luxurious brands and excellent facilities. With countless international brands, Turkish brands, an exceptional food court, and a generous choice of luxury brands, Zorlu Shopping Center made me think whether it should have taken the first place. Maybe it is the best mall in Istanbul after all 🙂 Located on the European side of Istanbul, Zorlu Shopping Center is in a very central location.
You can directly access it with the M2 metro line, the metro station has an underpass to the mall. Take the M2 metro line, and get off at the Gayrettepe-Zincirlukuyu metro station. You’ll find signs inside the metro tunnel that point to the shopping mall. Oh and by the way, Zorlu has a colossal concert area and some of the biggest concerts in Istanbul happen here. If you’re into music, check out Zorlu Performance Arts Stage.
Open Address: Levazım, Koru Sok. No:2, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Phone: 0212 924 01 00
Working Hours: 10:00-22:00 everyday
Zorlu Shopping Center Official Website
#3 Kanyon Shopping Mall
Kanyon Shopping Mall stands out with its award-winning architectural design. Kanyon, literally “canyon” in Turkish, has a unique artistic design that was inspired by the shape of a canyon. This place got the Cityscape 2006 Architectural Review award because of its unmatched architectural design. So when it comes to architectural design, this is the best mall in Istanbul. Thanks to its unique architecture, Kanyon Shopping Mall also has exceptional acoustics and hosts live concerts.
This mall is also known to have a pleasant breeze on hot summer days because of its unique design. Kanyon Shopping Mall also happens to be a great shopping mall with a lot of variety and options. Has an excellent book store too.
To get to Kanyon Shopping Mall, take the M2 metro line and get off at Levent metro station. It is a five-minute walk from the Levent metro station.
Open Address: Büyükdere Cad. No:185, 34394 Levent
Phone: +90 212 317 53 00, WhatsApp: +90 532 290 56 96
Working Hours: 10:00-22:00 everyday
Kanyon Shopping Mall Official Website
#4 Cevahir Shopping Mall
With 230 stores, Cevahir Shopping Mall is one of the biggest malls in Istanbul and Turkey. This busy shopping mall is in an extremely central location, Mecidiyeköy. It is only two metro stations from the famous Taksim Square. Cevahir Shopping Mall offers a great variety of affordable and quality clothing and has an exceptional entertainment center with lots of games, movie theaters, and a giant food court. Cevahir is also very close to the Nişantaşı neighborhood (one stop with the subway). Nişantaşı neighborhood is known for its luxurious brands and Michelin-star restaurants.
How to go to Cevahir Shopping Mall? Get on the M2 metro line, get off at Şişli-Mecidiyeköy station, and walk for two minutes.
Open Address: Büyükdere Cad. No: 22, 34400, Şişli
Phone: +90 212 368 69 00
Working Hours: 10:00-22:00 everyday
Cevahir Shopping Mall Official Website
#5 Emaar Square Mall
Located on the Asian side of the city, Emaar Square Mall is arguably the best – or one of the best – shopping malls on the Asian side of Istanbul. This may not be the best mall in Istanbul, but it is arguably the best mall on the Asian side of Istanbul. This colossal shopping mall not only offers clothing, textiles, and activities but also has an Aquarium.
Emaar Square Mall Aquarium World is one of the best aquariums in Istanbul. They even have exotic sea animals. The Emaar Square is also the only shopping mall on the Asian side of Istanbul with luxury brands. Luxurious brands such as Gucci, Burberry, Cartier, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton can be found here. The only problem with Emaar Square is transportation. Unfortunately, it is a bit far from central places on the European side of Istanbul. On top of that, Emaar Square Mall is not located next to a metro station.
So how do I get to the Emaar Square Mall?
If you are on the Asian side of Istanbul, take 14ES, 8E, 15BK, 15ÇK, 14B or 14DK from Kadıköy. Get off at “Mobilyacılar Çarşısı” station and walk to the mall.
If you’re coming from the European Side of Istanbul, either cross to the Asian side or go to Taksim. In Taksim Square, get on bus 129T and get off at “Mobilyacılar Çarşısı” station.
Open Address: Barbaros Mah. Halk Cad. No:8-B, Ataşehir, 34746
Phone: +90 216 663 15 00
Working Hours: 10:00-22:00 everyday
Emaar Square Mall Official Website
#6 Mall of Istanbul
This large shopping mall is not too far from the Old City center. Depending on your location, the Mall of Istanbul might be the right choice. With lots of affordable Turkish brands and international brands, Mall of Istanbul makes the 6th place on our list. The Mall of Istanbul offers many alternative options and has a big terrace with a nice view. It also offers activities for kids, free parking, and brand shopping. Located on the European side of Istanbul near the center, the Mall of Istanbul is a common spot for tourists.
How to go to the Mall of Istanbul?
Take the T1 tram line. Get off at the Yusufpaşa station and walk to the Aksaray bus station. Take bus 146T, get off at “Masko 1” and walk five mins to Mall of Istanbul..
Open Address: Ziya Gökalp, Süleyman Demirel Blv No:7, 34490 İkitelli Osb/Başakşehir/İstanbul, Türkiye
Phone: +90 212 801 10 00
Working Hours: 10:00-22:00 everyday
Mall of Istanbul Official Website
#7 Forum Istanbul
Forum Istanbul is the largest shopping mall in all of Turkey and one of the best malls in Istanbul with 495,000 square meters of total area. With such a large area to cover, Forum Istanbul offers 286 different brands, and is also adjacent to IKEA. Turkey’s largest shopping mall and IKEA side by side, you can see where this is going. You could easily spend an entire day in this complex.
Forum Istanbul also has activity areas such as “Sealife Aquarium” and “Jurassic Land”. Forum Istanbul is also one of the most best shopping malls in Istanbul. This mall is very close to the city center and easy to get to. It may not be the best mall in Istanbul in terms of variety of luxury brands etc but it is certainly the largest and worth a visit.
How do I get to Forum Istanbul?
Go to Yenikapı metro station of the M2 metro line or Marmaray. Transfer to the M1A metro line and get off at Kocatepe metro station, walk 5 mins.
Open Address: Kocatepe Mahallesi, Paşa Caddesi, 34045, Bayrampaşa
Phone: +90 212 443 13 50
Working Hours: 10:00-22:00 everyday
Forum Istanbul Official Website
#8 Venezia Mega Outlet
Inspired by the Venetian canals, Venezia Mega Outlet welcomes its visitors with water canals and gondolas. To be fair, the main reason this mall is on our list is its design 🙂 However, with plenty of fair-priced outlets and local brand shopping, Venezia Mega Outlet is a local favorite. Since Venezia is an outlet, you can find products here that are much cheaper than most other malls. You won’t find any luxurious brands in this mall, but you’ll find many affordable Turkish brands. If you’d like to have a fun afternoon and the weather is good, this might be worth your time.
How to go to the Venezia Mega Outlet?
Go to Eminönü using tram line T1 and find the bus station located on the left side of the Galata bridge when you’re facing the Galata Tower. Take bus 336E and get off at Kiptaş Venezia station, walk two mins.
Open Address: Küçükköy, Karadeniz Mahallesi Eski Edirne Asfaltı, Metris Kavşağı No:408, 34250 Gaziosmanpaşa/İstanbul
Phone: 0212 618 81 01
Working Hours: 10:00-22:00 everyday
Venezia Mega Outlet Official Website
#9 Galataport
Galataport is Istanbul’s new cruise ship seaport. Technically Galataport isn’t a shopping mall. It is a cruise ship port that has a lot of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Galataport is also house to a very impressive museum: Istanbul Modern Art Museum. Located directly on the Bosphorus, Galataport, without a doubt has the best location out of all the other places on this list. It is located right next to the sea with an incredible view of Istanbul and the historic old town. Galataport is also super easy to get to.
Galataport is within walking distance from the T1 tram line Tophane Station. You can also walk to Galataport from Karaköy. Karaköy is the neighborhood right below the famous Galata Tower, next to the Galata Bridge. Galataport also offers incredible sunsets over the famous Süleymaniye Mosque. On top of everything, it is just a few stops from Dolmabahçe Palace and Kabataş ferry pier. Galataport is a must-see, must-visit site. Even if it is just for taking pictures or watching the sunset.
Open Address: Kılıçali Paşa Mah. Meclis-i Mebusan Cad. No: 8 İç Kapı No: 102, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Phone: 444 5 266
Working Hours: 10:00-22:00 everyday
#10 Viaport Outlet
Viaport Outlet is the only outlet mall on our list and the furthest one from the city. This giant shopping mall is located next to the Sabiha Gökçen airport. Hence the name, Via/Port. Viaport Outlet is located on the edge of the Asian side of Istanbul. Because of its remote location, this wouldn’t be the first choice of most tourists. However, since it is an outlet mall, many locals drive all the way to Viaport Outlet to shop.
Viaport Outlet does not offer luxury brands, it offers mostly reasonably priced Turkish brands. Out of all outlet malls in Istanbul, Viaport Outlet is the largest and most diverse of them. Even though it is far away and difficult to get to, locals go the extra mile to reach Viaport Outlet. So Viaport is certainly not the best mall in Istanbul in terms of transportation. However, it is still worth checking out if you’re into cheap outlet shopping and are willing to go the extra mile.
How do I get to Viaport Outlet?
Unfortunately, there is no direct public transport to Viaport Outlet. The easiest way to get to Viaport Outlet would be to get on M4 metro line from Kadıköy. Kadıköy is located on the Asian side of Istanbul. Once you get there and get on M4, get off at the last station, Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Then take a cab from the airport to Viaport Outlet, a five-minute drive. This is the fastest and easiest way to get to Viaport Outlet.
Open Address: Yenişehir, Dedepaşa Cd No:19, 34912 Pendik/İstanbul
Phone: (0216) 696 10 01
Working Hours: 10:00-22:00 everyday
Viaport Outlet Official Website
#11 Grand Bazaar
Built in 1461, only a few years after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire in 1453, Grand Bazaar is believed to be the oldest shopping mall in the world. Grand Bazaar is not like anything else on this list. This is not a modern shopping mall, it is a historical bazaar. However, a shopping mall, is technically a covered bazaar, isn’t it? Grand Bazaar, a.k.a “Kapalıçarşı” is exactly that – a covered bazaar. That’s what the Turkish word for it means, “Kapalıçarşı“.
Grand Bazaar does not have any international brands, in fact, it doesn’t even have Turkish brands. This is a bazaar, which means very few price tags, and lots of bargaining. It’s a place of history and tradition, handmade rugs and porcelain vases, souvenirs and antiques, jewelry and leather, etc. Grand Bazaar is not for beginners, don’t buy anything here if you don’t know how to haggle. Yet it is certainly a must-see, a must-experience historical site in Istanbul. If you know how to play the haggling game, go for it. Grand Bazaar offers products that you can’t find in modern shopping malls. Grand Bazaar has been the center of trade for more than half of Ottoman history. Yet it is still one of the liveliest centers of trade and tourism in the city.
How do I go to Grand Bazaar?
Get on tram line T1, get off at Çemberlitaş or Beyazıt station, and walk for two minutes.
Open Address: Beyazıt, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul
Phone: 0212 519 12 48
Working Hours: 08:30-19:00 Everyday EXCEPT Sundays (closed on Sundays and national holidays)
Bonus: Istiklal Street
Istiklal Street or Istiklal Avenue is undoubtedly one of the top must-see sites in Istanbul. Like most cities, Istanbul also has a massive pedestrian shopping street, and Istanbul’s most famous one is Istiklal. Istiklal Street or Istiklal Avenue is a 1.7 km (a bit longer than a mile) long pedestrian avenue. This beautiful, historic street has formed around historical embassies from the Ottoman Empire. All of these embassies are now consulates, but they were the earliest ones from Ottoman times. Istiklal Avenue has dozens of different shopping venues, from clothes to cosmetics, fashion, and art.
There are hundreds of venues on and around this street. These venues include restaurants, cafes, art galleries, museums, banks, and much more. When you’re in Istanbul, make sure you see this historical street with its 200+ years old apartments, and admire its architecture and history, meanwhile participating in various activities such as shopping, art gallery visiting, and fine dining.
Open Address: Istiklal Caddesi, Beyoğlu/İstanbul.
Working Hours: All day, but most shops close around 22:00, and restaurants around midnight. Some bars, clubs, and restaurants may be open after midnight.
How do I get to Istiklal Street/Taksim Square?
Get on the M2 metro line, and get off at the “Taksim” metro station. Walk 2 mins to Istiklal Avenue. You can also access Istiklal Street from the end of the street. To do so, take tram line T1, get off at Karaköy, transfer to funicular line F2, aka “TÜNEL“, and voila, you’ll be right in front of Istiklal Avenue when you get off.
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