Shopping in Istanbul which is a city that has a cosmopolitan history of thousands of years is riveting. The multicultural structure from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods shows itself even in the shopping culture. Amazing streets and the best shopping center in Istanbul.
Going to an outlet shopping center in Istanbul and walking around a historical bazaar or street are very different experiences. Istanbul residents, most of whom work in closed offices, do not want to spend their free time indoors. Thus, even shopping malls are designed as open-air bazaars. The products in Istanbul are affordable and it is a favorite center for shopping as well as its proximity to the property in Istanbul.
1. Spice Bazaar
Silk fabrics from China and spices from India were carried to Egypt by caravans for many years. And they were brought to Istanbul by ships from Egypt. These precious trade goods were exported to Europe by the Venetians and Genoese living in Istanbul.
Some of these important trade commodities were presented to the public in the Spice Bazaar which is also known as (Misir Carsisi in Turkish). In the heart of the Eminonu district, the Spice Bazaar is still a frequent destination for local and foreign tourists today. The bazaar welcomes its buyers with herbalists, sellers of dried fruit, nuts, spices, souvenirs, and dress shops.
2. Istiklal Avenue
Istiklal Avenue is still one of the most important avenues for shopping in Istanbul. Beyoglu (formerly Pera), which made a great breakthrough in the 19th century, the last century of the Ottoman Empire, was in a position to compete with the European cities of the period.
The embassy buildings, banks, and hotels opened in Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, drew all the attention to this region. The wealthy non-Muslim citizens of the city competed with each other to build beautiful buildings in this area. Beyoglu still bears the traces of those days. The passages of Istiklal Avenue were likewise built in the second half of the 19th century. With the relocation of the Ottoman Sultan Sultan Abdulmecid to Dolmabahce Palace, the liveliness of life in Beyoglu began to overshadow the Historic Peninsula.
3. Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar is a traditional shopping center that emerged over the centuries with the coming together of many independent bazaars. The Grand Bazaar, which is divided into many covered bazaars, has 67 streets and more than 3000 shops. For those who go to the bazaar for the first time, it is possible to lose their way. However, the pleasure of visiting the Grand Bazaar does not go away without getting lost in it.
The Grand Bazaar has many entrances and exits. Nuruosmaniye Gate on the side of Nuruosmaniye Street is considered the number 1 Main Entrance Gate. Beyazit Gate, which is gate number 7, is one of the most used gates. Besides, the name of the street stretching between these two gates is Kalpakcilarbasi Street, and is considered the main street. To find your way easily in the Grand Bazaar, we recommend that you keep the direction of this street in your mind like a compass.
4. Bagdad Avenue
Bagdad Avenue was one of the most popular shopping streets in Istanbul until 3-4 years ago. In recent years, the avenue has remained far from its former glory due to the closure of various shops because of urban transformation.
However, despite all the negativities, Baghdad Avenue is still a center of attraction just like Istiklal Avenue. Baghdad Street, where luxury brands are located, deserves the title of Istanbul’s biggest shopping street with its 7 km length. Baghdad Street starts from Bostanci and extends into Kadıkoy. So, it welcomes you with beautiful shops, cafes, and parks, especially in Saskinbakkal, Caddebostan, Goztepe, and Selamicesme locations. On the upper floors of the apartments on the street, there are wedding dresses, evening dresses, and pilates studios.
5. Nisantasi District
Abdi Ipekci Street and Mim Kemal Oke Street stand out as the most popular streets of Nisantasi, which host boutiques where you can find special design products as well as luxury stores. Particularly if you are looking for nightdresses, you can visit the side streets of Nisantasi. You can also visit the boutiques because you will be able to buy stylish dresses there. Abdi Ipekci Street, which stretches from Macka to Nisantasi and contains more than 60 luxury stores, is like an open-air shopping center.
What Are the Famous Modern Shopping Centers in Istanbul?
‘No, I can’t walk around the streets. I want everything to be within arm’s reach If you think so, there is an excellent alternative that Istanbul offers you. Shopping centers and malls of course. In recent years, the shopping centers, which have been increasing in number on both the European and Asian sides of our beautiful city, Istanbul, impress with their size and elegance. Here is the list of these axis businesses and shopping centers in Istanbul.
- Forum Istanbul
- Istinye Park
- Istanbul Cevahir Shopping Mall
- Zorlu Center
- Mall of Istanbul
- Kanyon
- Vadi Istanbul
- Torium Shopping Mall
- Marmara Forum
- Cities
1. Forum Istanbul
Forum Istanbul is one of the biggest shopping center projects in Turkey. It has also made a great impression with the advertisements and events since its opening. It is the biggest project of Multi Development Turkiye. Transportation is very easy due to the metro connection. You can also reach Forum Istanbul easily by bus, Metrobus, or Marmaray. The variety of stores is quite large. There are also big stores such as IKEA and Kostas, LEGO Museum, and Sea Life Aquarium close to this shopping center.
Address Info: Kocatepe Mahallesi, Pasa Caddesi 34045 Bayrampasa/Istanbul
2. Istinye Park
In addition to the 5-story, 147 clothing stores, and 41 new brands that entered the Turkish market for the first time, Istinye Park offers a spacious environment with its glass dome and open green areas. The shopping center which hosts luxurious brands as well is also located in Pazar Yeri, which carries the spirit of old neighborhoods. The architecture of IstinyePark, which won the “Best Shopping Mall of the Year” for offering health, sports, taste, entertainment, and shopping together, is also quite remarkable.
Address Info: Pinar, Katar Caddesi No:73 34460 Sariyer/Istanbul
3. Istanbul Cevahir Shopping Mall
Istanbul Cevahir Shopping Mall provides comfort to shopping enthusiasts with its nearly 300 stores on 6 floors and a parking garage with a capacity of 2,500 vehicles. Cinema halls, cafes and restaurants, indoor themed playground area FunLab, with its unlimited entertainment, a pleasant shopping environment awaits visitors with all their family members. Cevahir is also among the top shopping center in Istanbul!
Address Info: 19 Mayis, Buyukdere Caddesi No:22 34360 Sisli/Istanbul
4. Zorlu Center
Zorlu Shopping Mall has a total construction area of 105,000 square meters, with approximately 205 stores in a leasable area of 73,000 square meters, the main square of 10,000 square meters, and a park of 12,000 square meters. The project, whose construction was completed in 2013, includes a residence, office, hotel, shopping center, and Zorlu PSM which is an arts center. As fashion pioneers such as Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton; fashion brands such as H&M, Beymen, Zara, Beymen Club, GAP, Pinko, Tommy Hilfiger, Gant, Network, Ipekyol, Mango, Hakimi, and Lacoste have also taken their place in Zorlu Center.
Address Info: Levazim Mahallesi, Koru Sokak No: 2 34340 Besiktas/Istanbul
5. Mall of Istanbul
Mall of Istanbul is located in Basaksehir, one of the developing districts in Istanbul. It was opened in 2014 with the slogan of Turkey’s largest shopping, entertainment, and living center. While having offices, residences, and hotels, it was designed with the architectural details of Sultanahmet, Taksim, and Yildiz Park. In addition to MOI Sahne and MOI Art, which offer a culture and art experience besides shopping, you can experience tastes of world cuisine at Gusto MOI.
Address Info: Ziya Gokalp, Suleyman Demirel Bulvari No:734490 Basaksehir/Istanbul
6. Kanyon
Kanyon Shopping Mall is the pioneer of open space shopping malls. The shopping center which has 121 stores and 44 food and beverage outlets, is located in Levent, the busiest district of Istanbul. So, you are likely to meet more business people here. There are also special services for disabled visitors and baby visitors. In addition to these, prayer rooms, parking lot, valet, taxi, ambulance, and tax-free services are also provided.
Address Info: Buyukdere Caddesi No:185 34394 Levent/Istanbul
7. Vadi Istanbul
Vadistanbul, which is integrated with Istanbul’s busiest metro line, allowing the European Side to reach the first Havaray line, was opened in 2017. Appearing with the concept of shopping and living, it is one of the largest shopping centers in Turkey with a leasable area of 103 thousand m² in total. Vadistanbul is wide and spacious, close to the central points of Istanbul, adjacent to the forest, and has modern architecture. Movie theaters also draw attention.
Address Info: Ayazaga Mahallesi Azerbaycan Caddesi (Eski Cendere Cad.) No: 3/C Sariyer/Istanbul
8. Torium Shopping Mall
Torium Shopping Mall was opened in 2011. Istanbul’s third-biggest shopping center Torium, has 180 stores, including many Turkish and internationally famous brands. Differentiating because of its concept that integrates shopping and entertainment, Torium Shopping Mall also hosts Turkey’s first snowpark. Torium, with a leasable area of 95,000 square meters, hosts the leading brands of the world and Turkey.
Address Info: Turgut Ozal Mahallesi E-5 Uzeri Haramidere Yolu 34903 Esenyurt/Istanbul.
9. Marmara Forum
Marmara Forum, located in Bakirkoy, at the intersection of Zeytinburnu, Gungoren, Bahcelievler, and Bakirkoy districts, is the second biggest project of Multi Development Turkiye in Istanbul after Forum Istanbul. The office part of the project, consists of two main buildings joined by a parking lot in the middle and transferred to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality as an additional building. There are large concept stores such as Media Markt, Bauhaus, and Decathlon. It is located on one of the main arteries of transportation, it has a large parking lot.
Address Info: Osmaniye, Cobancesme Kosuyolu Caddesi No:3 34100 Bakirkoy/Istanbul.
10. City’s Nisantasi
City’s Nisantasi which is right in the heart of Nisantasi is among the most elegant shopping malls in Istanbul. City’s Nisantasi does not forget the gourmets with its “neighborhood floor” concept, which has become fashionable in shopping malls in recent years. The shopping center, which welcomes national and international brands, integrates with the historical atmosphere of Nisantasi.
City’s Nisantasi which also creates a living space with its cinema and sports halls has attracted the attention of local and foreign tourists with its location and stores since the day it opened.
Address Info: Tesvikiye, Tesvikiye Caddesi No:12 34365 Sisli/Istanbul.
What is the Biggest Shopping Mall in Istanbul?
The Mall of Istanbul is the biggest shopping mall in Istanbul, and a well-known tourist destination and retail mall with both domestic and foreign brands. It mimics the city itself with its 350 stores and 7 skyscrapers. Since its launch in 2014, it has introduced a novel idea in travel and leisure to the area.
It invites everyone to spend their time since it has 16 cinemas totaling more than 3000 seats, including the biggest movie theater. Istanbul’s Mall is a great place to buy as well as sample cuisine from renowned local and international eateries.
What Time do the Malls Close in Istanbul?
The typical operating hours of retail centers are from 10:00 to 22:00 every day across the nation. 10:00 a.m. is the mall opening time, and 22:00 is the mall closing time. In other words, stores in shopping complexes open at 10:00 and shut at 22:00.
Which Malls Have Outlet Stores in Istanbul?
You’re in Istanbul now and want to go shopping. You might be wondering, though, where the stores are in Istanbul. Because they offer a more affordable option for many high-end items, outlet malls are well-liked. In this article, we’ll examine the best outlet shopping centers in Istanbul.
Istanbul is among the best cities in the world for fashion and shopping, along with New York, London, Paris, Milan, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. Istanbul, which is developing into a major fashion hub, has a huge selection of outlet malls. One weekend, you might want to go outlet shopping since you’ll feel as like you’ve made some money by the time the day is through.
Here are some recommendations for shopping at Istanbul outlet malls: One alternative is to visit one of the sizable outlet malls, where one may find several different brands in one place. The most well-known outlet malls, where you can find a variety of brands, both big and little are the Optimum Shopping Mall in Atasehir, Olivium Shopping Mall in Zeytinburnu, Starcity Outlet in Yenibosna, and ViaPort in Kurtkoy.
OZDILEK MALL IN ISTANBUL
Istanbul satisfies the requirement for a retail mall in the Levent district that would appeal to all demographics. Istanbul is located on a sizable parcel of land between Istanbul’s skyscrapers and the city’s major commercial sector, Buyukdere Street. The shopping center, which has a vertical architecture, has drawn a lot of tourists since it opened. The most convenient transit options to the shopping complex are the “Levent” station of the M2 Yenikap-Hacosman Meter and the M6 Levent-Bogazici University metro station. You may also access any of the bus routes that pass through Levent. One of Istanbul’s most popular shopping destinations is Ozdilek Outlet.
ISTANBUL OLIVIUM OUTLET
It treats visitors with dignity despite being one of Istanbul’s oldest business complexes. The retail center, which attracts plenty of Arab visitors, is interested in the outlet product chain. The “Olivium” stop on the 93T Harbiye-Taksim-Zeytinburnu, 93M Mecidiyeköy-Zeytinburnu, 93 Eminönü-Zeytinburnu, and 93C Beyazit-Zeytinburnu buses will take you to the shopping center. The “Aksemsettin” station on the T1 Bagclar-Zeytinburnu-Kabatas Tramway is an additional practical choice.
VENEZIA OUTLET MALL
Venice, the most exquisite example of Italian architecture, served as its inspiration. The outlet opens outlet stores for well-known brands on Istanbul’s European side. Gondola shopping is available at the Venezia Mega Outlet, which is surrounded by St. Mark’s Square’s famed restaurants and shops.
Venetian waterways encircle Venezia Outlet, which also provides gondola rides. The shops give their customers the pleasure of shopping beneath a distinctive sky-inspired ceiling design. It is now possible to ride the metro to Venice. There will be a stop on the metro line that travels from Ataturk Airport (formerly Istanbul Airport) to Venezia Outlet Mall. For your convenience, the Venezia Mega Outlet is open every day of the year, 365 days a year, in Venice.
Istanbul is one of the top shopping and fashion destinations in the globe, drawing throngs of tourists who want to get their favorite products at competitive prices. Everywhere you walk in Istanbul; there are a ton of stores offering fantastic deals. The city has a lot to offer in addition to the numerous attractions.
One of the most major and well-known shopping destinations in the world, Istanbul welcomes visitors from many different countries all year long. Istanbul malls receive tourists from a variety of tourist destinations, such as Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace.
212 Outlet
212 Outlet Mall, with its wide store portfolio, is among the big shopping centers in the Outlet category. 212 Istanbul Outlet is a center of attraction that meets the shopping and entertainment needs of individuals and families from every income level and social status.
Deposite OUTLET
Deposite Outlet is one of the most striking shopping centers in Istanbul and Basaksehir, with its extraordinary architecture and original style bearing traces of Turkish architectural elements, and many distinguished brands. With its ideal brand mix, cafes, and restaurants, Deposite Outlet, which is situated in the center of Ikitelli, provides its customers with a delightful shopping experience.