In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of shopping malls in Istanbul. These stylish malls can be found on both the European and Anatolian sides of the city, each offering unique features and services. In this article, we’ve put together a list of the best shopping malls in Istanbul, providing you with valuable information.
When it comes to shopping in Istanbul, you have two main options. The first is to explore the best malls in Istanbul, and the second is to visit its historical streets, bazaars, and passages. If you’re interested in learning about shopping malls, you’re in the right place. However, if you’re keen on experiencing the charm of Istanbul’s historical shopping spots, we also recommend checking out our article ” Shopping In Istanbul [Streets & Passages]”.
Table of Contents
Best Malls in Istanbul
In our list of the best shopping malls in Istanbul, we’ve gathered a total of 20 options. These shopping centers are located across various districts of Istanbul, including Mecidiyeköy, Şişli, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, Maltepe, and Pendik, among others. We’ve included a mix of large, stylish, and luxurious malls, as well as smaller, quieter, and more affordable ones. This way, you can choose the one that suits your needs best.
1. Galataport
Galataport is located in Karaköy as a port serving cruise ships in Istanbul. After many years of restoration work, Galataport was opened to visitors as a giant activity and shopping area. The best feature of Galataport is that it is very close to places such as Sultanahmet and Taksim Square, where local and foreign tourists who come to visit Istanbul stay. This place has become a very lively place when cruise ships traveling to the Mediterranean added Istanbul to their routes again in 2023. Galataport is a shopping center that hosts many local and foreign brands. It also attracts attention with its restaurants and cafes. Those who go to Galataport can have a pleasant time on the seaside and even visit the completely renovated Istanbul Museum of Modern Art.
One of the best things about Galataport is its proximity to popular tourist destinations like Sultanahmet and Taksim Square, making it easily accessible for both local and international tourists. In 2023, when cruise ships resumed their routes to Istanbul, Galataport became a vibrant and bustling place.
Galataport is a shopping center that houses numerous local and international brands, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes. Visitors to Galataport can enjoy a pleasant time along the seaside and even explore the completely renovated Istanbul Museum of Modern Art.
Kılıçali Paşa Mah. Meclis-i Mebusan Cad. No: 8 İç Kapı No: 102, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye, https://galataport.com/
2. Istanbul Cevahir AVM
Istanbul Cevahir AVM, the second-largest shopping mall in Europe and the eighth-largest in the world, has been a magnet for visitors from the Mediciyeköy and Şişli districts since its opening in 2005.
You can easily access the mall by taking the metro from Taksim, one of Istanbul’s most touristy areas. Istanbul Cevahir Shopping Mall has not only been a favorite among locals but also a significant attraction for tourists in recent years.
With over 200 stores, the mall dedicates two of its six floors to dining options, including various food and beverage outlets. The ground floor features entertainment areas for both kids and adults. Additionally, alongside the movie theaters, Istanbul State Theatre’s Cevahir Stage has made the shopping mall a popular destination for theater enthusiasts.
19 Mayıs, Büyükdere Cd. No:22, 34360 Şişli/İstanbul, https://istanbulcevahir.com/en/
3. Kanyon
Kanyon, a trailblazing open-space shopping mall, stands out with its unique ambiance and luxury brand offerings. You can conveniently access Kanyon directly from the metro station, and aside from its cinema and theater, the mall hosts concerts and various festivals that bring diverse entertainment experiences.
Kanyon also boasts a selection of restaurants serving Turkish and Italian cuisines, making it a popular choice for both lunch outings and post-work gatherings.
Büyükdere Cad. No:185 34394 Levent – İstanbul, https://www.kanyon.com.tr/en/shopping
4. İstinye Park
İstinye Park, a shopping destination with 280 diverse stores and both indoor and outdoor spaces, has been serving visitors since 2007. Notably, İstinye Park hosts the shops of many luxury brands that made their debut in Turkey.
With its glass ceilings and open green areas, İstinye Park creates a spacious atmosphere that welcomes natural light. The shopping mall has received accolades such as “Best Shopping Mall of the Year” from various institutions and features amenities like a sports center and movie theaters.
For those with gourmet tastes, İstinye Park’s Market Place is home to 20 small shops that evoke the spirit of old neighborhoods, offering a blend of health, sports, gastronomy, entertainment, and shopping in one place.
Pınar, Katar Cd No:11, 34460 Sarıyer/İstanbul, https://istinyepark.com.tr/
5. Zorlu Center
Zorlu Shopping Mall is one of Istanbul’s top luxury malls. You can get there directly from Gayrettepe Metro Station. It’s located in the Şişli district, easily reachable by metro and bus.
Inside Zorlu AVM, you’ll find nearly 200 brand stores, including prestigious high-end shops. The mall also houses the five-star Raffles Hotel, Turkey’s largest performing arts center, a Cinemaximum megaplex, excellent restaurants, and stylish cafes.
Levazım, Koru Sok. Zorlu Center No:2, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, https://www.zorlucenter.com.tr/en/
6. Vialand AVM
@vialandmall
Vialand AVM is a captivating shopping and entertainment destination in Istanbul. Its standout feature is the enormous Theme Park, often likened to Istanbul’s own Disneyland.
Vialand Shopping Mall deserves to be ranked among the best malls in Istanbul due to its indoor and outdoor dining options, 100+ stores, and a tram that travels through its streets. This mall is designed to provide families with children in Istanbul with a great time.
Yeşilpınar, Şht. Metin Kaya Sk. No: 11, 34065 Eyüpsultan/İstanbul, https://vialand.com/magazalar
7. City’s Nişantaşı
City’s Nişantaşı, right in the heart of Nişantaşı, is one of Istanbul’s most fancy malls. It’s all about the “neighborhood floor” concept, popular in malls nowadays, offering a gourmet experience. This mall features a mix of local and international brands, harmonizing perfectly with Nişantaşı’s historic charm.
Beyond shopping, the City’s Nişantaşı has entertainment covered with cinemas and sports facilities. Since it opened, it’s been a hit with both locals and tourists, thanks to its prime location and diverse stores.
Teşvikiye, Teşvikiye Cd. No:12, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul, https://citysnisantasi.com/?lang=en
8. Akmerkez
Akmerkez, which opened its doors in Etiler back in 1993, stands as one of Istanbul’s earliest malls, boasting around 40 prestigious awards. One unique feature is Frozenland, an ice rink perched on Akmerkez’s rooftop, offering a cool twist to the shopping experience. Not just a shopping destination, Akmerkez is a multifunctional hub with business spaces and residences. It also garners attention for hosting cultural and artistic events, including opera performances like Macbeth and Madame Butterfly.
Kültür, Nisbetiye Cd No:56, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, https://www.akmerkez.com.tr/en
9. Mall of Istanbul
The Mall of Istanbul, located in the growing area of Başakşehir, is more than just a shopping center. It includes offices, residences, and a hotel. It opened in 2014 with the claim of being Turkey’s largest shopping, entertainment, and lifestyle hub, featuring 350 stores.
The mall’s design draws inspiration from Istanbul’s “7 Hills” concept and incorporates architectural elements from iconic places like Sultanahmet, Taksim, and Yıldız Park.
Besides shopping, the Mall of Istanbul offers cultural and artistic experiences with places like Gusto MOİ, serving global cuisines, MOİ Sahne, hosting theater performances and concerts, and MOİ Sanat, displaying international exhibitions.
You can also enjoy Europe’s biggest indoor amusement park, MOİPark, and Cinetech, which houses movie theaters.
Ziya Gökalp, Süleyman Demirel Blv No:7, 34490 İkitelli Osb/Başakşehir/İstanbul, https://www.mallofistanbul.com.tr/en
10. Forum Istanbul
Forum Istanbul is a shopping destination that combines top global brands with unique attractions like the Istanbul Sea Life Aquarium. It’s also a place where you can find home decor items, DIY markets, and sports stores.
One of its standout features is the Istanbul Sea Life Aquarium, home to the largest shark family in Europe. Additionally, Forum Istanbul proudly houses Turkey’s first Legoland Discovery Center.
For family fun, there are activities like the Octopus Entertainment Center and the Flyride Helicopter Tour Simulation playground. If you’re looking for places to visit with children in Istanbul, Forum Istanbul is a great choice.
Kocatepe, Paşa Cd, 34045 Bayrampaşa/İstanbul, https://www.forumistanbul.com.tr/en
11. Historia AVM
Historia is a medium-sized shopping mall nestled in the heart of the Historical Peninsula in Istanbul. Despite its modest size, Historia is well-equipped to cater to the shopping needs of visitors.
What sets Historia apart is its central location within the Historical Peninsula. Many local and foreign tourists prefer to stay in areas with boutique hotels like Sirkeci, Sultanahmet, Beyazıt, and Laleli.
Large shopping malls like Cevahir, Kanyon, and IstinyePark are a bit farther from the Historical Peninsula (Fatih District). This is why Historia is a popular choice among tourists, as it’s easily accessible by tram from Sultanahmet.
To reach Historia, you can hop on tram T1 from any district within the Historical Peninsula and disembark at Haseki Tram Stop. The shopping center is within walking distance from the tram stop.
Adnan Menderes Bulvarı No:2 FATİH/İSTANBUL, https://www.historia.com.tr/EN/shops
12. Aqua Florya
Aqua Florya is more than just a shopping mall; it’s home to the Istanbul Aquarium, one of the world’s largest thematic aquariums. What makes it special is its proximity to the old Atatürk Airport and easy access via the metro.
While many visitors come to Aqua Florya to marvel at the giant aquarium and its sea creatures, the mall goes beyond with entertainment, shopping, fantastic restaurants, cafes, over 150 brand-name shops, and a Cinemaximum cinema for movie enjoyment.
Şenlikköy, Yeşilköy Halkalı Cd. 93-93/1, 34153 Bakırköy/İstanbul, https://www.aquaflorya.com/en
13. Palladium AVM
@palladiumatasehir
Palladium AVM is situated across from the Palladium Tower business complex, sharing its name. It boasts a business-like atmosphere with its open design and office spaces. While it’s located in West Ataşehir, its prominent position makes it visible from various points on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul.
While the dining area is centralized, there are cafes scattered throughout the shopping center to enhance visitors’ enjoyment. Palladium is considered one of the top shopping malls in Kadıköy, featuring numerous luxury brands.
Barbaros, Halk Cd. No:8 D:B, 34746 Ataşehir/İstanbul, https://www.palladiumatasehir.com.tr/
14. Optimum Outlet
Optimum Outlet, situated along the E5 Highway in Yenisahra, offers a wide range of shopping options, from technology to household essentials. What sets Optimum apart is its various activities, including a spacious ice rink spanning over 500 square meters.
True to its name, Optimum places emphasis on outlet shopping, offering discounted end-of-season goods while also combining entertainment and shopping. With a food and beverage area catering to 2,500 people, Optimum provides indoor and outdoor spaces for you to enjoy a pleasant time.
İstiklal Caddesi No.2/B Yenisahra/Ataşehir Istanbul, https://optimumistanbul.com/en/stores
15. Emaar Square Mall
Emaar Square Mall, named after the Dubai-based real estate group Emaar, combines indoor and outdoor shopping areas within a spacious location.
Situated in Ünalan, near Çamlıca Hill, Emaar Square Mall has a unique architectural concept. Serving as a luxury shopping destination, Emaar features high-end stores from renowned global brands for Istanbul residents.
The mall also includes its own concert venue and a cinema complex with 15 theaters, accommodating a total of 2,400 seats. Inside Emaar Square Mall, you can find a food court offering a fusion of modern and traditional cuisines.
Ünalan, Libadiye Cd. No:88, 34700 Üsküdar/İstanbul, https://www.emaarsquaremall.com/en/
16. Akasya
Akasya, situated on an extensive property, is a prominent shopping center and residential complex located at the intersection of the E5 and Tem Ring Road. Offering numerous activities for both adults and children, Akasya Mall received an award in landscape architecture from Italy for its “Akasya Park” area.
The mall, which has been hosting cultural and artistic events under the brand name “Akasya Culture and Art” since 2016, also won the Direklerini Seyirci Awards 2017 for Best New Venue. Akasya Mall stands out as the largest and central shopping destination on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul.
Acıbadem, Çeçen Sok. No:25, 34660 Üsküdar/İstanbul, https://www.ak-asya.com.tr/en/
17. Hilltown
Hilltown is situated in Maltepe, one of the most populous neighborhoods on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul. This shopping center is conveniently located along the D100 (formerly E-5) highway and is very close to the M4 (Kadıköy-Tavşantepe) metro line.
Hilltown is among the newer shopping malls on the Anatolian Side and boasts an impressive design. With its commanding position overlooking the Marmara Sea and the Islands, Hilltown resembles a grand castle perched atop the city.
One of Hilltown’s standout features is its high ceilings, creating an open and airy atmosphere that doesn’t feel confined. This is a great choice for those who prefer not to spend their time in enclosed spaces.
Additionally, Hilltown boasts a spacious courtyard where visitors can take a break from shopping and enjoy open-air restaurants and cafes.
Aydınevler, Siteler Yolu No:28, 34854 Maltepe/İstanbul, https://hilltownavm.com/en/hilltown-kucukyali
18. Maltepe Piazza Mall
Maltepe Piazza Mall is the primary shopping center in Maltepe, offering an extensive range of shopping options. It’s conveniently located next to Maltepe Park, the oldest shopping center in Maltepe. Having these two malls side by side makes it easier to find everything you need.
One standout feature of Piazza is its modern design as a new-generation shopping center. It’s designed to provide ample natural light with high ceilings. Even for those, like me, who might get a bit restless spending too long in malls, Piazza is a comfortable place to explore for an extended period.
The layout inside Piazza is thoughtfully arranged, making it easy to navigate and find what you’re looking for. But the highlight of Piazza, true to its name (which means “square” in Italian), is the large open space on the upper floor. The restaurants and cafes here are designed for visitors to enjoy sunny days while taking a break from shopping.
Cevizli, Tugay Yolu Cd. 69-C, 34846 Maltepe/İstanbul, https://maltepepiazzaavm.com/en
19. Anatolium
Anatolium is a shopping center located in Kartal. What makes Anatolium unique compared to other malls is its proximity to IKEA. Shoppers looking for home decor often visit IKEA and then explore the electronics stores in Anatolium.
The presence of both IKEA and Anatolium in Kartal, just like the combination of IKEA and Buyaka AVM in Ümraniye, offers significant advantages to visitors. You’ll find a wide range of dining and refreshment options in both IKEA and Anatolium, making it a convenient shopping and dining destination.
Demirtaş Dumlupınar, İstanbul Cd No:487, 16245 Demirtaş Dumlupınar Osb/Osmangazi/Bursa, https://www.anatolium-bursa.com/en
20. Viaport Asia Outlet
Viaport Outlet, Turkey’s largest shopping mall with an outlet concept, has been a prominent attraction since 2008 due to its vast structure on the Anatolian Side, along the road to Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
Viaport stays true to its open-air design, featuring olive trees, seasonal flowers, ponds, and squares. The expansive entertainment center, offering 24 distinct sections at the front of the mall, captures the interest of both adults and children alike. It stands as a significant residential and luxury housing project on the Anatolian Side.
Yenişehir, Dedepaşa Cd No:19, 34912 Pendik/İstanbul, https://www.viaport.com.tr/en/
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