Shopping centers can be considered as a very young concept in Turkey, since the history goes back only to the late 80s. However, once the malls appeared on the shopping scene, the Turks embraced them. Almost every neighborhood has at least one. Following you can find some of the biggest and fanciest shopping centers in Istanbul. They are mostly close to the Taksim area, thus very easy to reach by bus, taxi, or subway. Oh yes, as a rule of thumb, we can say that they are open between 10 am and 10 pm.
Akmerkez Shopping Center
Akmerkez
Akmerkez is located in Etiler, a neighborhood of the Beşiktaş district and one of the favorite areas among Istanbul’s elite. It is also close to the business quarters of Levent and Maslak.
This four-storey mall with almost 250 stores covers an area of 180.000 sq meters. It can be easily reached by tourists and locals alike thanks to their free transportation service from and to close range neighborhoods and hotels. It opened its doors in December 1993 and is open between 10 am and 10 pm every day.
Akmerkez was chosen the best shopping center in Europe in 1995 by ICSC. In 1996 it was recognized as the best shopping center in the world, moreover it also received the International Design and Development Award. Akmerkez is a unique shopping center, since no other shopping center in the world has both of these titles. In 2010, Akmerkez was awarded with the prize for best interior design by the European Commercial Property Awards.
Address: Ulus Caddesi No:3, Etiler – Istanbul
http://www.akmerkez.com.tr/
Astoria Shopping Mall
Astoria
Located in the Şişli district, this luxurious and chic shopping center was commissioned in 2008. It is a five-storey shopping center with 110 stores, cafes, gourmet markets, restaurants with Turkish and various world cusines, “Anantara Spa” from the Far East, “Luxury Fitness” and 10 movie halls.
The shopping center hosts artistic activities like painting contests, a kids theatre, signature days, dance shows, fashion displays and cooking workshops.
Address: Büyükdere Caddesi No:127, Esentepe – Istanbul
http://www.astoria.com.tr/
City's Shopping Center
City’s
In case you enjoy being in the center of fashion, let alone shopping, you have got to see City’s in Nişantaşı, part of the Şişli district and very close to Taksim. City’s is a shopping center which blends in with the historical texture of the area.
City’s concept is described as a Life Style Center. It sure deserves this stylish title, considering the variety of the stores, cafes, restaurants and the vital 24 hour six-storey parking service it provides to the populous area.
Address: Teşvikiye Mahallesi Teşvikiye Caddesi No:162, Nişantaşı – Istanbul
http://www.citysnisantasi.com/eng/
Cevahir Shopping Center
Cevahir
It opened in 2005, with a cost tag of 250 million USD. Istanbul Cevahir is the largest shopping centre in Europe, and the sixth largest in the world. It has six stories with both domestic and international brands, some of which were introduced to Turkish customers for the first time.
The world’s second biggest clock of 2.500 sq meters is carried by the building’s glass roof which blankets twelve movie halls, a private theatre, a bowling hall and several entertainment facilities among which a small roller coaster. With more than thirty fast food and around 15 exclusive restaurants it for sure won’t leave you hungry.
Address: Büyükdere Caddesi No:22, Şişli – Istanbul
http://www.istanbulcevahir.com
Forum Istanbul
Forum Istanbul
Whatever you may need, you can almost bet on it that you can find it in Forum Istanbul. The shopping center made its debut in 2009 and is built on an enormous area of 495.000 sq meters. About 8.000 sq meters of it is occupied by Turkey’s first gigantic aquarium Turkuazoo and the first ice museum, Magic Ice.
The rest is shared among big stores like IKEA, the sports store Decathlon, Praktiker, several technology stores, 62 domestic and international clothing and shoe stores, 15 cafes, 34 restaurants and 10 movie halls.
Address: Kocatepe Mahallesi,Paşa Caddesi, Bayrampasa – Istanbul
http://www.forumistanbul.com.tr/Default.aspx
Galleria Shopping Center
Galleria
You have just left the airport upon arrival and there is an emergency. You need to do some shopping! Tell your taxi driver to take the seaside road because the place to be is Galleria, the very first shopping center in Istanbul.
In the 80′s Turkey faced a lot of social changes. The mastermind was the innovative Prime Minister Turgut Özal who recommended building such a shopping center since he was inspired by the shopping mall Houston Galleria in Houston, Texas, USA. Located on the seaside of the Ataköy suburb, Galleria was built on a covered area of 77.000 sq meters.
It has several elite stores, restaurants, movie halls, a bowling hall and an ice skating rink. Galleria was recognized as the world’s most outstanding mall in 1990 by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) for sophisticated blueprint design, rapid construction, and unique structural features.
Address: Bakırköy Ataköy arası sahilyolu, Istanbul
http://www.galleria-atakoy.com.tr/
Istinye Park Shopping Center
Istinye Park
Located in the Istinye neighborhood of the Sarıyer district, Istinye Park has brought a new dimension to Istanbul’s shopping concept. Spread out over an area of 242.000 sqm, the shopping center offers a variety of outdoor and glass roofed indoor sections such as a green central park, Fashion District, street side shopping, a kids’ entertainment center of 1.500 sqm, Hillside Sports and Leisure Club, The Bazaar — an area inspired by historical Turkish architecture — and 12 movie halls, one of which being IMAX 3D.
Green, eco-friendly, humane and eye for details is how you can best describe Istinye Park. There are three waste collecting centers and a waste oil collector. Wheelchairs, lockers to leave your valuables, baby buggies free of charge and immediate tax refund are only some of the thoughtful services provided.
Address: İstinye Bayırı Cad. No: 73, Sarıyer – Istanbul
http://www.istinyepark.com/en_US
Kanyon Shopping Center
Kanyon
As a four-storey shopping center located in the financial district of Levent, the 37.500 sqm shopping center has 160 stores among which Turkey’s and the world’s most selected brands, gourmet restaurants, cafes, a health and sports club and movie halls.
Kanyon was awarded with the 2006 Cityscape Architectural Review Award in the “Commercial Built” category.
Address: Büyükdere Caddesi No:185
http://www.kanyon.com.tr/#/en/homepage/
Metrocity Shopping Center
Metrocity
A four-storey shopping center housing 140 stores located in the finance district of Levent. Teflon coated fiberglass fabric was used for the roof construction, which brightens up the shopping pleasure.
Metrocity and Cevahir (see above) are the only shopping centers directly connected to the Taksim and Levent metro line.
Address: Büyükdere Cad. No:171 1. Levent
http://www.metrocity.com.tr/
In order to make the most use of the valuable land, most of the recently built shopping centers are combined with at least two towers for residencial and/or office purposes. Therefore, most of them have this majestic look.
{ 42 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi,
I would like to buy few wall frames with oriental topics. Could you please inform me shops in those shopping centers, also e-mails of them would be useful.
Thanks a lot
Vasiliki
Hi Vasiliki,
For such items I think you’re much better of browsing the Grand Bazaar instead. Unfortunately, shops there usually don’t have websites, so it’s hard for us to provide you with email addresses.
Kind regards,
Luca
hey well i am going Turkey in a few days
i wanna buy brands and very good shopping
witch stire has pull and bear?:)
please what are the must does in istanbul?
can you please tell me where is the best ports beaches closest to istanbul?
please, thank you
Hi Hanya,
I’m afraid I haven’t seen any pull & bear stores here in Istanbul yet, and a quick look for their worldwide branches in Wikipedia confirms that. That said, there is no lack of choice in famous clothing brands here in Istanbul, among which Zara that is also of Spanish origin. Nor is there a shortage of shopping malls as you read or local Istanbul designers.
As for beaches, there are two really outstanding beaches here in Istanbul: Solar Beach and Daila Beach Club. Unfortunately, for tourists they are kind of difficult to reach since there is no public transportation to get you there. Alternatively, you can find some nice easier to reach beaches on the Prince’s Islands.
thankk youu so muchhh
this is so helpful of youu
i am really greatfull:)
hey,
i wanted to know are the shopping malls closed during Kurban Bayrami ?
and for how many days?
and what else is closed during those days in istanbul?
is it a good idea to visit the city for a week during kurban bayrami?
id be very grateful if you could reply
thank you!!
Hi Suad,
Thanks for your comment. We have an article on Kurban Bayramı. At the bottom of the post you’ll find the “Implications for tourists”. Also note that the Grand Bazaar will be closed for the whole duration of the Feast of the Sacrifice.
Does this make the period a bad time to visit Istanbul? No, not at all. Certainly not if you plan to stay a week, which means there is no need to rush. I would use the first day of the festival (when most popular sightseeing spots could be closed in the morning) to make a tour on the Bosphorus and visit some towns (for nice walks) such as Bebek, Ortaköy, Kadıköy, etc. And the following days all the major tourist attractions are open, except for the Grand Bazaar. But you’ll have plenty to see in the meanwhile, and two days later everything will be business as usual.
Enjoy your stay!
Hi, I need to know which of the two ikea present in Istambul is considered the biggest in the mean of widest collection ? also I’m looking for local and int’l brands regarding houseware, tableware, kitchen ware & house deco items; what best addresses do u recommend me and what malls in Istanbul offer the best and widest choice?
Thank U for your precious help
Both Ikeas in Istanbul are about the same in terms of size and choices. So, I’d choose depending whether you stay on the Asian or European side of Istanbul. For shopping, the Istinye Park shopping center is considered the best mix for local and international brands.
I am going to istanbul in few days and I am staying for about a week. I dont have time to search all of the boutiques and stores so I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction so that I can find what I am looking for. I am looking for classy night dresses, like elegant wedding dresses . they dont have to be channel or anything to expenive but I was wondering where I could find those kinds of dresses.
respond ;soon as you can please!
oh and p.s if you could respond in a list of store names and adresses that would be great! thanks so muchh.
Hi Nouzha,
What’s classy for one person, may not be that stylish for another. Tastes differ, so it’s very hard to tell you exactly what shops to go for. But as mentioned above, you’ll find the best mix of local and international brands in the Istinye Park shopping center. Closer to the city center, you may want to check out Akmerkez and/or Cevahir.
If you’re not a big fan of malls, then I suggest you browse the shopping streets of Nişantası (5 min. from Taksim).
hello sir
i am going to Istanbul next week, i would like to ask in which part of Istanbul is more shopping malls? i do not make hotel reservation yet, but i will do depend on your reply.
regards
Hi Iris,
I would definitely advise you to stay in the Beyoğlu area. Most of the shopping malls are close by. To City’s you can actually walk. Cevahir (Mecidiyeköy/Şişli stop), Metrocity, Kanyon (1.Levent stop), and Astoria (Gayrettepe stop) are easily reachable by metro. Combined with a taxi, you can also visit Akmerkez and İstinye Park.
Have a nice stay.
Hi
I m going to istanbul next week . i want to stay in lion hotel in taksim street . i like to go tuesday market or wednesday market ( local market ) . what are those address? please regard me?
Hi,
Have you read our Top 5 Markets in Istanbul article?
Kind regards,
Luca
Hi,
I’m going to visit Istanbul next week.i want to know up to which date the Sale(Indirim) will be continiued.also please let me know from Taksim square, how can i reach optimium outlet and olivium out let ant Istinya Park by public transportation.
Many thanks in advance for your support.
Kind regards,
Sherry
Hi Sherry,
Shops are having winter sales at the moment, and will continue to do so for a few weeks, so no need to worry about that.
Here are more details on when Istanbul sales start and stop.
Please check out my comment above for transportation details to the shopping malls. You can take the metro mentioned there from Taksim Square.
Have a nice stay, and happy shopping.
Hi,
I am going to Istanbul on the 23 february, 2012. I would like to know when the winter sales will end. I am interested to buy some beautiful inexpensive turkey made scarves as souvenirs. please advise best location to shop.
Hi Faridah,
Well, for your scarves I’d check out the Grand Bazaar first. And no need to worry about sales, cos you can always bargain there.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the bazaar, you may check out local shops or shopping malls. In that case, come back tomorrow, because I’ll have a whole article on how to understand Istanbul sales.
Hi ,
i’d like to know if there is sale in turkey in june
and if there isn’t , when the sale startes in turkey ?
Thank you
Hi Yassmin,
Check back tomorrow. I prepared a whole post on Istanbul sales.
For all your questions regarding shopping sales, please check out Istanbul Sales, When Does It Start and Stop
If you still have more questions, please share them in the comment section of that page, so we stay on topic.
Thanks!
We are visiting Istanbul in a couple of weeks with the intention of furnishing our villa on the Turquoise Coast,is there a shopping area or centre that specialises in contemporary furniture door both indor and outdoor also gym equipment,
Thank you .
Hi Pat,
I’m afraid this site only covers information on Istanbul. But do a Google search for Bodrum forums, and I’m sure a few will be listed.
Hello Luca
No we are buying in Istanbul and then having the goods delivered to Kalkan
In that case, you can have a look at Addres Istanbul. Alternatively, you can buy a Turkish copy of Elle magazine upon your arrival, look at the current ads of furniture shops, and get some addresses.
Dear Luca,
I am visiting Istanbul next week to buy Wholesale women sports wear for my retail shop. my plan is to visit merter, laleli and osmanbey. is there any other places to visit to have more competitive prices with good quality? are the shopping malls you listed before, selling wholesale or only retail.
thank you in advance.
Hi Charbel,
The shopping malls listed in this articles are indeed for retail. Merter, Osmanbey and Laleli are the places for wholesale. My first choice would be Osmanbey.
Kind regards,
Luca
Hi Luca.
I will be coming to turkey by next weel hopefully to buy funitur, carpets and kitchen items and othe household for my new house.
Problem is I have never been to turkey, and don’t know where to get the best funiture and house items. I will be staying in istanbul, and I will be needing all the help I can get. Thanx.
Hi Fatima,
Please check out my replies to the comments Pat Lever a bit earlier.
Have a nice stay.
Hi am visiting Istanbul next month is there any sales in april ? and where can I find cheap articles such tunics shirts and and beautiful accesories ? thn a lot
Hi Nissrine,
As I mentioned before in this comment section, please check out my article Istanbul Sales, When Does It Start and Stop.
Have a nice trip.
hi luca
hi we love istanbul next week we;ll be there can u pls give us a tip r a site on how to use ur bus satation.
also pls if u can tell us if top places to kids to go like forum istanbul
thank u in advance
Hi,
I’m not sure what you mean with “how to use bus stations?”
As for your question on where to go with kids, Forum Istanbul certainly is a great place. Also, did you check out these articles:
10 Fun Activities for Kids in Istanbul
Istanbul Aquarium, a Spectacular Tourist Attraction
Have a nice stay.
hi please am visitingturkey soon i will like to hv list of malls i can get lingeries from thanks
Hi,
All of them will have at least one such shop, if not more.
Kind regards,
Luca
Hi Luca
Would like to know how far is barcelo eresin topkapi hotel to intinye park and how to get there. Also, are the international desinger brands comparatively cheaper in istanbul?
Thanks a lot
Hi Anir,
The hotel you’re staying at is unfortunately not in the middle of anything. The good news is that there is a very modern tramway running right in front of it, which will take you (passed Sultanahmet) to Kabataş. From there you you can hop on the funicular, which will take you in less than a minute to Taksim square. The rest of the road description is mentioned in the article and follow up comments.
As for your question about international designer brand prices, the answer is yes in most cases, but it all depends what your country of origin is.
Have a nice stay,
Luca
Hi,
I am going to Istanbul tomorrow.I will stay for one week. Somebody told me that there is a month ( or week) of great sales and big discounts in the shopping centers and that in this period the shops are opened 24 hours a day.Is it true or not?
Thank you for your prompt answer
As mentioned before here in the comments. please visit Istanbul Sales, When Does It Start and Stop. I hope this will answer your question.
Hello
We will travel to Istanbul in July month .. We ordered Best Town Palace hotel .. Is it a good location / area? Have another question regarding their currency? Is it cheap compared to Danish money?
Hi Mary,
There are literally hundreds of hotels in Istanbul, I obviously don’t know all of them. All I can say is that your hotel seems to be located in Sirkeci-Eminönü, which is across the ferry docks of the Golden Horn, and close to the tramway. This tramway can take you up the hill to Sultanahmet, or across the Golden Horn to Taksim-Beyoğlu (combined with funicular).
As for your question if the Turkish Lira is cheap against the Danish Krone, well at the moment 1 DKK = 0.312 TL. So, the Turkish Lira seems to be the stronger currency. But it of course depends on how many DKK you earn in a month.
Kind regards,
Luca