9 Best Shopping Centers in Istanbul
Istanbul’s shopping malls stand out as magnificent structures that reflect the city’s bustling and colorful lifestyle and offer a unique shopping experience to local and international visitors. These centers, which have spread rapidly since the late 1980s, stand out as meeting points for shopping, entertainment and cultural events in every corner of Istanbul, blending historical and modern architecture. From Akmerkez to İstinye Park, from Kanyon to Nişantaşı, each of them reflects the vibrant spirit of the city with its unique characteristics and extraordinary experiences. This guide will provide you with a unique roadmap to discover Istanbul’s most popular shopping centers.
Shopping centers in Turkey emerged in the late 1980s. Then they spread rapidly. Now every city has at least a few shopping malls. Here we share with you some of the best and most preferred shopping centers in Istanbul.
Istanbul’s Favorite Shopping Spaces
Shopping malls in Istanbul are mostly close to the Taksim area, so they are very easy to reach by bus, metro or taxi. As a general rule, they are open from 10 am to 10 pm.
1- Akmerkez
Akmerkez is located in Etiler in Beşiktaş district. It is also close to Levent and Maslak business centers.
This four-story shopping center with around 250 stores covers an area of 180,000 square meters. It is easily accessible to tourists and locals alike, with free transportation to nearby neighborhoods and hotels. It opened its doors in December 1993 and is open daily from 10:00 to 22:00.
Akmerkez was named the best shopping center in Europe by ICSC in 1995. In 1996, it was named the best shopping center in the world and also received the International Design and Development Award. Akmerkez is a unique shopping center because no other shopping center in the world has both of these characteristics. In 2010, Akmerkez was awarded the best interior design award by the European Commercial Property Awards.
2- Istinye Park
Located in the Istinye neighborhood of the Sarıyer district, Istinye Park has added a new dimension to Istanbul’s shopping concept. Spread over an area of 270,000 m2, the shopping center offers a variety of open and glass-roofed indoor sections. The Bazaar, with a design inspired by historic Turkish architecture, and 12 movie theaters, one of which is IMAX 3D.
Green, environmentally friendly, humane, and attentive to detail, Istinye Park may be the best in Istanbul. There are three waste collection centers and a waste oil collector. Wheelchairs, lockers where you can leave your valuables, and free baby strollers are just some of the attentive services offered.
3- Canyon
It is a 37,500 m2, a four-story shopping center located in the financial district of Levent. It features 160 stores including Turkey’s and the world’s most exclusive brands, gourmet restaurants, cafes, a health and fitness club, and movie theaters.
Kanyon received the 2006 Cityscape Architectural Review Award in the “Commercial Buildings” category.
4- City’s Nişantaşı
If you like being in the center of fashion, let alone shopping, you should visit City’s, located in Nişantaşı in Şişli district and very close to Taksim. City’s is a shopping center that integrates with the historical texture of the region.
City’s concept is described as a Lifestyle Center. Considering the variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, and the 24-hour six-story parking service it provides to the crowded area, it certainly deserves this elegant title.
5- Forum Istanbul
Whatever you need, you can almost bet you will find it in Forum Istanbul. Unveiled in 2009, the shopping center is built on a massive 495,000 m2 area. Around 8,000 m2 of it is occupied by Sea Life, Turkey’s first gigantic aquarium, and Magic Ice, the first ice museum.
The remaining space is shared between department stores such as IKEA, sports store Decathlon, Praktiker, various technology stores, 62 domestic and international clothing and shoe stores, 15 cafes, 34 restaurants, and 10 movie theaters.
6- Galleria Mall
Arriving in Istanbul, you have just left the airport and have some time to sightsee. Tell your taxi driver to take the coastal road because your destination is the Galleria, Istanbul’s first shopping center.
In the 80s, Turkey faced many social changes. Located by the sea in the suburb of Ataköy, Galleria was built on a 77,000 m2 covered area.
It has several exclusive shops, restaurants, a movie theater, a bowling alley, and an ice skating rink. In 1990, the Galleria was recognized by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) as the world’s most outstanding shopping center for its sophisticated plan design, rapid construction, and unique structural features.
7- Metrocity
A four-story shopping center with 140 stores located in the financial district of Levent. Teflon- coated fiberglass fabric was used in the roof construction, adding color to the shopping experience.
Metrocity is directly connected to the M2 metro line.
8- Zorlu Center
Zorlu is the newest addition to Istanbul’s shopping center scene. It is built on a 105,000 m² plot, including a 10,000 m² main courtyard. There is also the second courtyard of 12,000 m² and 70,000 m² of leasable area, home to around 180 stores.
Zorlu Shopping Center, which includes stores and restaurants such as Eataly, Jamie Oliver’s Italian, Tom’s Kitchen, and Morini, as well as local restaurants such as Köşebaşı, Günaydın, Far East, and Welldone, focused on foodies.
To make the most of the valuable land, the most recently built shopping centers are combined with at least two towers for residential and/or office purposes. Therefore, most of them have this imposing appearance.
9- Vialand AVM
Located in the Eyüp district of Istanbul, Vialand Shopping Center draws attention as a huge complex that offers shopping and entertainment together. Opened in 2013, this shopping center has become a popular destination for both local and foreign visitors. In addition to a wide selection of shops, Vialand also has a theme park designed for children and adults. This theme park is full of exciting games and activities. Vialand also stands out with its modern movie theaters, spacious food and beverage areas and large venues for various events. This colorful and dynamic shopping center of Istanbul promises to offer visitors an unforgettable experience.
