Istanbul is a city with many modern shopping malls. With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose where to go for the best shopping experience.
There are a number of malls in Istanbul that stand out from the rest.
We've picked these because of their store options, size of the mall, clean and modern facilities and children/family activities.
Key takeaways
Our top picks for Istanbul's best shopping malls are:
- Istinye Park Shopping Mall, Sarıyer district
- Cevahir Shopping Mall, Şişli district
- Zorlu Center Shopping Mall, Besiktas district
- Akmerkez Shopping Mall, Etiler district
- Kanyon Shopping Mall, Levent district
- Forum Istanbul, Bayrampaşa district
- Mall of Istanbul, Başakşehir district
The best malls in Istanbul
Istinye Park
Pınar, Katar Cd No:11, 34460 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Türkiye
Istinye Park is one of the most popular shopping malls in Istanbul. It is located in the Sarıyer district and covers an area of 82,000 square meters (920,000 sq ft). The mall has 291 stores, including international and local brands, a cinema, a theatre, and a food court. Istinye Park is known for its luxurious architecture and high-end stores.
Location and accessibility
Located in the Sarıyer district, Istinye Park is easily accessible by public transportation. The mall is situated on the European side of Istanbul, near the Bosphorus Bridge. Visitors can take a bus, metro, or taxi to reach the mall. The mall also offers ample parking space for those who prefer to drive with four levels of underground parking.
Shop variety
Istinye Park is home to over 290 stores, including international brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci. The mall also features local Turkish brands, making it a great place to find unique pieces. Istinye Park has a wide variety of shops, including fashion, jewelry, electronics, and home decor.
Additional facilities
In addition to shopping, Istinye Park offers a range of additional facilities for visitors. The mall has a cinema, a bowling alley, and a children's play area. There are also several restaurants and cafes, serving both local and international cuisine. Istinye Park is a great place to spend an entire day, with something for everyone.
Cevahir Mall
19 Mayıs, Büyükdere Cd. No:22, 34360 Şişli/İstanbul, Türkiye
Cevahir is one of the largest shopping malls in Istanbul. It is located in the Şişli district and covers an area of 420,000 square meters (4,500,000 sq ft). The mall has over 300 stores, including international and local brands, a cinema, a theatre, and a food court.
Cevahir used to be the largest shopping center in Europe. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Location and accessibility
Cevahir Mall is conveniently located near the Şişli-Mecidiyeköy metro station, making it easily accessible by public transportation. It is also easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site.
Additional facilities
In addition to shopping, Cevahir Mall offers a variety of additional facilities for visitors to enjoy. There is an extensive food court with options ranging from fast food to fine dining. The mall also features a cinema, bowling alley, and arcade, providing entertainment options for all ages.
Zorlu Center
Levazım, Koru Sok. Zorlu Center No:2, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
Zorlu Center is luxurious and often regarded as THE high-end shopping mall. It is located in the Beşiktaş district. It covers an area of 105,000 square meters and has over 200 stores, including international and local brands. The mall also has a theatre, a concert hall, and a food court. Zorlu Center is known for its luxury.
Location and accessibility
Zorlu Center is situated on the European side of Istanbul, just off the E5 highway. The mall is easily accessible by car, bus, or metro. The nearest metro station is the Gayrettepe station, which is just a short walk away from the mall.
Shop variety
Zorlu Center offers a diverse range of shopping options, from luxury brands to high street fashion. The mall is home to over 200 stores, including international brands such as Apple, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada, as well as local brands such as Vakko and Beymen.
In addition to fashion, Zorlu Center also has a variety of home decor, electronics, and beauty stores. The mall also features a large supermarket, making it a one-stop-shop for all your needs.
Additional facilities
The mall has a large cinema complex, featuring the latest Hollywood and Turkish movies. There is also a theater, hosting a range of performances from plays to concerts. Outside the mall is a great large playground area for children, throughout holidays different family activities are hosted at the centre.
Kanyon Shopping Mall
Levent Mah, Büyükdere Cd. No:185, 34394 Şişli/İstanbul, Türkiye
Kanyon Shopping Mall is located in the Levent district and covers an area of 37,500 square meters. The mall has over 160 stores, including fashion, electronics, and home decor brands. Kanyon is located in a central area on the European side of Istanbul with a heap of shopping options. Next door to the Kanyon Mall is the large shopping malls - ÖzdilekPark Istanbul Shopping Mall and Metrocity opening up to you more nearby shopping options.
Location and accessibility
Kanyon Shopping Mall is conveniently located in the business district of Levent. The mall is just a short walk from the Levent metro station and is also serviced by several bus lines. For those driving, Kanyon offers ample parking space.
Shop variety
Kanyon Shopping Mall boasts a diverse range of shops, from high-end fashion brands to local boutiques. Visitors can find everything from designer clothing and accessories to electronics and home goods. The mall also has a variety of restaurants and cafes, making it a great spot for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Additional facilities
In addition to its shops and restaurants, Kanyon Shopping Mall offers a range of additional facilities and services. The mall has a cinema, a fitness center, and a spa, providing visitors with plenty of entertainment and relaxation options. Kanyon also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, art exhibitions, and fashion shows.
Akmerkez Mall
Kültür, Nisbetiye Cd No:56, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
Akmerkez is located in the Etiler district and covers an area of 180,000 square meters. The mall has over 240 stores, including fashion, electronics, and home decor brands. Akmerkez is known for its elegant architecture and unique design.
Though not the biggest option, Akmerkez is one of Istanbuls oldest shopping malls and is still very popular.
Location and accessibility
Located in the Etiler neighborhood of Istanbul, Akmerkez is easily accessible by public transportation or car. The mall is situated near the Bosphorus Bridge, making it a popular shopping destination for tourists and locals alike.
Additional facilities
In addition to its selection of shops, Akmerkez features a cinema, a food court, and several restaurants, including a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the Bosphorus.
Forum Istanbul
Kocatepe, Paşa Cd, 34045 Bayrampaşa/İstanbul, Türkiye
Forum Istanbul is located in the Bayrampaşa district, a short drive from the tourist areas of Fatih. Known for its popular stores including Ikea, LegoLand Istanbul, and SeaLife aquarium. This centre stands out as a shopping destination for parents with children. It is one of Istanbul's largest shopping centres.
Location and accessibility
There are plenty of bus and taxi options to get to the Forum. Coming from the Sultanahmet area you can catch the metro as Kocatepe Station is right at the malls entrance. Buying furniture from Ikea ideally you'll need your own car, fortunately there is heaps of parking.
Additional facilities
Forum Istanbul is unique with SeaLife Aquarium, LegoLand, Ikea and includes the home hardware store of Turkey - Koçtaş. It's such a big centre you might want to make it a whole family day out.
Mall of Istanbul
Ziya Gökalp, Süleyman Demirel Blv No:7, 34490 İkitelli Osb/Başakşehir/İstanbul, Türkiye
Mall of Istanbul is a large shopping mall located west of the city center in the district of Başakşehir. Many popular restaurants and cafes, a cinema, a variety of clothing and homeware shops and even an amusement park. Though it’s a bit of a drive from central Istanbul it’s a worthwhile option.
Location and accessibility
You can only get to the Mall of Istanbul by bus or taxi since there are no metro stations nearby. It is around a 40 minute drive from Sultanahmet area.
Additional facilities
The top floor is a food court with numerous food outlets you can sit out in the terrace and enjoy the city views. Moipark is an indoor amusement park with a roller coaster right inside the mall. A great additional option for families with young children.
Tips for shopping in Istanbul
Istanbul is a shopper's paradise. Here are some tips to help make your shopping experience in Istanbul a success:
- Bargaining: Bargaining is a common practice in Istanbul's bazaars and markets. It is not common place in shopping malls.
- Dress Code: Istanbul is a conservative city, so it's important to dress modestly when visiting mosques and other religious sites. When shopping, however, there are no specific dress codes, and visitors are free to wear whatever they feel comfortable in.
- Payment: Most shops in Istanbul accept credit cards, but it's always a good idea to carry cash, especially when visiting bazaars and markets. ATMs are widely available throughout the city.
- Timing: Istanbul's bazaars and markets and shopping malls are busiest in the afternoons and on weekends, so it's a good idea to visit in the morning or on weekdays if you want to avoid the crowds.
- Language: English is spoken by many in Istanbul, especially by those working in shopping venues. However, learning a few basic Turkish phrases can be helpful when communicating with locals.
Conclusion
Istanbul offers a variety of shopping malls to suit different tastes and budgets.
Istanbul Cevahir Mall stands out to us, being one of the largest shopping malls in Istanbul, and offering a good range of international and local brands. With its central location and easy access via the city metro it's super accessible for those exploring the city and taking in the popular sites.
For those looking for a good family day out, Forum Istanbul is a great choice. This shopping mall includes Ikea, restaurants, and kids’ entertainment options at affordable prices. Who doesn't like LegoLand?!
Istanbul's shopping malls offer something for everyone - make sure to check out one of these options on your next shopping trip in Istanbul!
I’m a writer and graphic designer currently living in Turkey with my family. I enjoy learning language, great food (chicken kebab is a favourite at the moment) and experiencing places less-traveled.
