Best Istanbul Shopping Malls And Where To Find Them 

The most well-liked option for shopping in Istanbul is a mall.

It is also one of the most fantastic places for reunions and entertainment. Additionally, Istanbul is home to more than 200 modern malls. And some of them are among the most fabulous shopping malls in all of Europe, being rather large. You can have a great time  while visiting Istanbul if you take advantage of these multipurpose retail malls.

This blog will introduce you to some of the best Istanbul shopping malls, where you can find almost all the brands  in the world and enjoy shopping.

What Are The Best Shopping Malls In Istanbul?

In addition to serving its primary purpose, Istanbul Malls draw visitors and are ready to provide them with a far broader experience than some may think.

A tourist destination on the scale of Istanbul is required to provide a warm atmosphere and specific recreational amenities that are exclusive to each business complex and leave a lasting impression on it.

You will find yourself smack dab in the heart of expensive lounges, surrounded by opulent decorations in cheery hues that psychologically comfort you and enable you to enter a dreamlike environment you have never known.

The following are some of the best Istanbul shopping malls: 

1. Mall Of Istanbul

The Basaksehir neighborhood, one of Istanbul's fastest-growing urban development zones, is home to one of the city's most well-known malls and Turkey's largest retail, entertainment, and leisure complex.

With more than 350 stores and dozens of national and worldwide brands, the Mall of Istanbul elevates the idea of shopping at the Turkish national scale, particularly the European Istanbul Malls. It brings together retail, culture, and the arts with entertainment under one roof.

Through its expansive halls and glass ceilings, which the sunlight flows through to provide as much suitable natural lighting as possible, the Mall of Istanbul provides tourists with a pleasant ambiance.

Additionally, it contains MOIPARK, the biggest indoor theme park in Europe, where there are no restrictions on fun and excitement, and you can enjoy giant hammocks, fast shuttles, amusing tunnels, and a unique fantasy hotel in Turkey that incites dread and explodes with ghosts and horror games!

2. Istinye Park Mall

Istinye Park, one of the best Istanbul shopping malls, is situated in the Sarıyer region and has well-known local and international brands.

More than 300 stores at Istinye Park sell items, including apparel, shoes, jewelry, and accessories. There are also cinemas, places where kids can play, and several restaurants and cafés. The opulent structure stands out for having a movable glass roof that opens and shuts according to the season (winter and summer)! The villas of Istinye Kent, which combine the definitions of beauty, modernism, the grandeur of the location, and the allure of the Bosphorus view simultaneously, are located not far from the shopping center.

3. Venice Mall In Istanbul Gazi Osman Pasha

Venice Mall, which includes more than 180 stores, is situated in the Othman Ghazi Pasha district in Istanbul's European part. You will be amazed when you wander through a replica of the Italian city of Venice, which features a grand courtyard with a tower surrounded by restaurants from all over the world and Italy. Venice Mall stores are situated on the banks of lovely canals, where magnificent boats evoke memories of the legendary city of Venice. 

4. Vadi Istanbul Mall

With a total area of 103,000 square meters and one of Istanbul's finest and most prestigious malls, the enormous commercial complex is situated in the Vadi Istanbul district. Vadi Istanbul Mall is one of the country's largest shopping centers. It has more than 270 stores with top-tier international brands for clothing and fashion.

One of the most significant residential developments in the area, the mall is part of the Istanbul Valley complex. It provides a direct view of Belgrade's substantial forested area. Additionally, several cafés, restaurants, and family-friendly entertainment venues within Vadi Istanbul Mall. One of the world's most cutting-edge motion picture technology cinemas is at this mall.

5. Cevahir Mall In Sisli Istanbul

Cevahir center is known as the Arabs mall and is situated in the historic Sisli region. A giant clock is installed on the glass center ceiling of the Istanbul Cevahir Mall. A theater with a hydraulic system in the center, encircled by a pool, and utilized for displays is also present. The Cevahir Mall is a large shopping center with 290 stores, three movie theaters, a kid's indoor theme park, and a wide variety of hotels nearby.

6. Zorlu Shopping Center

Zorlu Retail Center, one of Istanbul's top luxury shopping centers and the best Istanbul shopping malls, is situated in the vibrant Sisli District at a prime location with easy access to the Gayrettepe Metro Station and excellent bus connections.

It consists of a sizable complex with high-end shops from almost 200 brands, including well-known luxury brands, a five-star Raffles Hotel, the biggest performing arts venue in Turkey, a Cinemaximum megaplex, high-end restaurants, classy cafes, residences, and offices, all of which are complemented by unique designs and atmospherics.

7. Kanyon Shopping Center

Kanyon, which debuted in 2006 and is situated on Buyukdere Avenue in Istanbul's Levent Region, has a unique curving valley design. One of the shopping centers in Istanbul, close to Taksim Square, is readily accessible from the Levent metro stop. It offers more than 100 stores with prominent brands, some debuting on the Turkish market.

The Kanyon Shopping Facility also offers fine dining establishments, classy cafés, a big movie theater, a fitness center, and occasionally outdoor entertainment. A 30-floor office and 22-floor residential tower are also part of the property. In 2023, Kanyon will continue to rank among Istanbul's top shopping centers.

8. Akmerkez

One of Istanbul's oldest shopping centers, Akmerkez is situated in the city's chic Etiler District and has both more expensive and accessible brands. Despite being somewhat outside the city center, Nispetiye Metro Station and various transit links make it simple to get there.

On the four floors of the shopping center, there are numerous businesses and eateries, including well-known names like Boss, Gap, Marks & Spencer, Zara, Mango, Nike, Samsung, and more. In addition, the complex has many restaurants, seven movie theaters, and three enormous buildings with commercial and residential space. 

Even though it is small, Akmerkez is one of Istanbul's oldest shopping malls. However, the region where it is situated in a highly affluent one. The most outstanding restaurants in Istanbul, including Nusr-et, Ulus 29, and Sunset Grill & Bar, are also near this retail mall.

9. Forum Istanbul

The largest outlet mall in Istanbul and all of Turkey, Forum Istanbul is a complex location that combines a fun entertainment facility with a great place to shop. Visitors may need help navigating the area since it resembles a miniature town. It is situated in the Bayrampasa District, about 10 kilometers from the Old Town region, and in the middle of two major highways.

Access to the Kocatepe Metro Station is available. In addition to about 300 stores from all the leading brands, more than 50 restaurants and cafés, a Legoland center, a bowling hall, a Cinemaxium complex, and other amenities, The Forum Istanbul is spread out across a vast area.

10. Historia Shopping Center

Historia is one of the retail centers in Istanbul close to Sultanahmet and is situated in the Fatih region, not far from the Aksaray Metro Station. It is a modest mall with around 80 businesses—still, tourists like it since it is conveniently located near a Tax-Free Port. Along with several excellent restaurants, Historia Fatih also offers additional services.

Large shopping malls are not found in Istanbul's Old City. Historia Shopping Mall, however small, can nonetheless accommodate demands. Taking the Tram T1 from Sultanahmet can get you to this mall in a short amount of time.

11. Palladium Shopping Mall

Palladium, one of Istanbul's top shopping centers, is situated in the modern Atasehir region in the Asian side of Istanbul and offers easy access by bus and minibus. The Palladium Shopping Mall has close to 200 stores from the most well-known brands in Turkey and internationally, including C&A, Marks & Spencer, Michael Kors, Nike, Adidas, and more. It also has a large food court, a Cinemaxium with 10 movie theaters, a built-in theater, a 32-story residential tower, and other amenities.

Palladium is conveniently adjacent to the E-5 highway, making it simple to get there. It also features glitzy stores and high-end brands since Atasehir and other areas with affluent populations visit it.

12. Akasya Shopping Mall

Akasya, one of Istanbul's most excellent outlet shopping centers, is situated in Kadikoy's Acibadem district on the city's Asian side. Offering roughly 270 businesses, a massive 360-degree food court, a giant children's playground area, 15 movie theaters, an event plaza, and a green space area with canals, it has a beautiful design with meandering lanes and natural light.

The Metrobus line that connects the Asian and European sides of the city also passes by Akasya Mall. Akasya is one of the most accessible shopping centers on Istanbul's Asian side since it is situated where Metro M4 and Metrobus intersect. This shopping mall will be among Istanbul's top retail centers in 2023.

13. Emaar Square Mall

Emaar Square Mall, another retail center in Istanbul's Asian Side, is situated in the Uskudar neighborhood and offers quick access to the city's public transit. With over 400 stores and numerous other noteworthy amenities, such as a breath-taking aquarium and underwater zoo, a wide variety of Turkish and international restaurants, a health center, an ice rink, a massive movie theatre, and much more, it is anticipated to become the largest shopping mall in the country. It was created by the same business that built the renowned Dubai Mall.

14. Piazza Shopping Center

One of the famous shopping centers is Piazza, which is situated in Maltepe. The Piazza is chic, with cutting-edge architecture and lots of open space. Piazza, which includes two sizable shopping malls, is also close to Maltepe Park. Therefore, you have many options when purchasing apparel, home items, and technology equipment. The food court at the top of the shopping complex is the Piazza's most recognizable feature. This location is vast and boasts a wide variety of fashionable restaurants since it is constructed like a square in an open space.

15. Viaport Asia

Viaport Asia, one of the largest outlet malls in the nation, is the biggest retail center on Istanbul's Asian Side and provides an all-inclusive shopping and leisure experience. It is situated in Istanbul's Pendik area, close to the city and near Sabiha Gokcen Airport.

It has a sister shopping center named Viaport Marina, situated near Tuzla and offers a fantastic beach ambiance. The enormous Viaport Asia Mall has over 250 stores from well-known brands spread out over a wide area, a mini Grand Bazaar, several excellent restaurants and cafés, a multi-hall movie theater, a bowling alley, a children's pony club, go-karting, and more.

Viaport Asia stands out among Istanbul's budget shopping centers because it contains many outlet retailers selling out-of-season items. This mall near the airport is the perfect location if you want to buy inexpensive clothing before departing Istanbul. 

Bottom Line

Since the history of shopping malls in Turkey only dates back to the late 1980s, they may be considered a relatively recent phenomenon. The Turks, however, loved malls once they entered the retail landscape. Nearly every district has at least one.

In this post, we concentrated on the best Istanbul shopping malls on both its European and Asian sides. Of course, people who wish to go shopping in Istanbul have a variety of other alternatives.