Shopping in Istanbul, Turkey. Best Malls European vs Asian side

Shopping in Istanbul, Turkey is not only souvenirs, Turkish delight and spices from a bazaar. You can buy clothes and accessories much cheaper in Istanbul – and not only local brands, but European too! You will be surprised by prices in Turkey.

Big Shopping Malls, small local shops, outlets with discounts on branded goods, cheap markets – there is something for everyone who wants to to shopping in Istanbul, Turkey. Doesn’t matter if you stay on European or Asian side of Istanbul, you will find luxury malls and cheap outlets everywhere.

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Best Shopping Malls in Istanbul, Turkey: European, Asian Side and Old City

My advice if you want to do some serious shopping (not just souvenirs) – make time for some big Shopping Malls in Istanbul. You will find both Luxury Malls and Outlets, indoor and outdoor shopping possibilities.

Shopping Malls in Istanbul, Turkey are modern, they have all the popular brands (Turkish and International), cafes, restaurants, food courts, cinemas and are easily accessible by metro with IstanbulKart.

And if you’re not only visiting Istanbul, but also going for some beach time to Antalya – you will find big shopping malls there too!

The Most famous Shopping Street in Istanbul, Turkey (European Side)

If you are a tourist in Istanbul, Turkey you’ll probably stay near Istiklal street on the European side. It’s a walking street overcrowded with tourists day and night. Restaurants, bars and clubs, all kinds of shops – all are there. No luxury shopping, but everything from souvenirs to shoes and cheap clothes.

There is a small street market in a side alley, and a shopping mall (Demirören Istiklal). Local Turkish brands (Mavi, Flo, LC Waikiki, Koton) and big three storey shops of European brands (ZARA, Mango, HM).

Read More: Prices for clothes and food in Turkey 2023. Updated, in Turkish Lira and USD/EUR

When you go from Istiklal street (Şişhane metro) down to Galata tower you will also see lots of small shops with souvenirs, inexpensive clothes and accessories.

Mall of Istanbul: Biggest Shopping Mall near Old City

Get ready to discover the coolest mall in Istanbul, Turkey – Mall of Istanbul! This mall is huge, so don’t forget to wear your walking shoes.

Mall of Istanbul has a lot of stores to offer. We’re talking about over 350 stores! From cheap local brands to high-end luxury stores, you’ll find everything you’re looking for. Oh, and did we mention the food court? Trust me when I say that you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to food. From traditional Turkish food to international cuisine, the food court has it all.

But wait, there’s more! This mall is perfect for families with children. There’s an indoor amusement park, an ice-skating rink, a bowling alley, and a 12-screen cinema complex to keep your little ones entertained. And if that’s not enough, there are also several play areas and a kid’s club.

Now, let’s talk about the brands. Mall of Istanbul has a wide variety of brands to satisfy all your shopping needs. You can find everything from Zara, H&M, Mango, and other popular chains to luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. But let’s be honest, folks, we’re all here for the sales. You’ll find great discounts on items from your favorite brands here!

To sum it up, Mall of Istanbul is the ultimate destination for shopping, eating, and entertainment. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and bring your wallet because you won’t be leaving empty-handed. So come on down to the coolest mall in Istanbul and have a blast!

Mall of Istanbul is a bit far from tourist attractions, so I recommend dedicating a full day of shopping to visit this mall. Or you can visit other shopping malls on European/Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey. Scroll down to find out which ones I recommend!

Mall of Istanbul Address: Mahmutbey Mahallesi, Taşocağı Cd. No:5, 34217 Bağcılar/İstanbul, Turkey. Basaksehir district, right next to Istanbul’s Ataturk airport. You can reach it by metro, bus, or taxi.

Mall of Istanbul Opening Hours: every day from 10am to 10pm

Venezia Mega Outlet Shopping Mall in Istanbul

Venezia Mega Outlet is another one of Istanbul’s best shopping malls, located in the district of Buyukcekmece.

This mall is not your average mall. It’s designed to look like a beautiful Italian city, complete with gondolas and bridges. Yes, you read that right – gondolas and bridges inside the mall! You can take a relaxing ride on a gondola and enjoy the views of the mall’s beautiful architecture.

Now, let’s talk about the shopping. Venezia Mega Outlet is an outlet mall, which means you’ll find great deals on items from your favorite brands. There are over 200 stores to choose from, offering everything from clothing and shoes to accessories and home goods. The best part? The prices are unbeatable!

Venezia Mega Outlet has a wide range of brands to choose from, offering everything from affordable fashion to high-end luxury items. You can find popular chains like Nike, Adidas, Levi’s, and Tommy Hilfiger, as well as international brands like Gucci, Prada, and Versace. And if you’re looking for local Turkish brands, you’ll find those too!

The best part about shopping at Venezia Mega Outlet is that you’ll get discounts on branded goods. Sales can go up to 70% off the original price, so you can shop guilt-free.

But wait, there’s more! This mall also has a food court, a cinema, and a play area for children. And did we mention the live entertainment? You might just catch a musical performance or a fashion show while you’re there.

Venezia Mega Outlet Address: Atirus Caddesi No:7, 34555 Yakuplu/Büyükçekmece/İstanbul, Turkey. The Outlet Mall is is located in Buyukcekmece, about an hour’s drive from central Istanbul.

Venezia Mega Outlet Opening Hours: every day from 10am to 10pm

To sum it up, Venezia Mega Outlet in Istanbul is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for great discounts and a unique shopping experience. So grab your wallet and hop on a gondola!

Venezia Mega Outlet is situated a little further away from the tourist hotspots, which is why I suggest setting aside a whole day to fully enjoy all the shopping this mall has to offer. Alternatively, you can check out other shopping centers located on either the European or Asian side of Istanbul – I’ve listed my top recommendations below, so keep scrolling!

European side of Istanbul: Best Shopping Malls

If you are a tourist in Istanbul, most likely you will stay in the European side of Istanbul. Many of the tourist attractions are here, as well as some of the best and biggest Shopping Malls of Istanbul, both cheap and luxury.

Zorlu Center Shopping Mall

Zorlu Center is one of the bigger malls on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey. It’s modern and fancy. Just 3 stations from Taksim which makes it convenient to visit if you are doing sightseeing in Istanbul.

Zorlu Center Shopping Mall in Istanbul has:

• shops – both cheap (HM, Zara, Mango, Nike, Mavi (Turkish brand), Sephora etc) and luxury (Bradbury, Balmain, Dior, D&G etc)
• Apple Store (the only one in Istanbul)
• movie theatre (cinema)
• food court, cafes & restaurants, both inexpensive and fancy
• gym (MACFit)
• luxury raffles arcade (items like jewellery and watches are sold there)

If you stay on the European side of Istanbul and have time only for one shopping mall – my advice is to go to Zorlu Center. Location is perfect (no need for a taxi), lots of shops and food options for every budget. Not many tourists and a lot of locals come for dining out, especially on the weekend.

Address: Levazım, Zorlu Center, Koru Sokağı No:2, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul

Kanyon Shopping Mall

Kanyon Shopping Mall is a trendy spot for shopping, dinner and cimema lovers. Located in the financial district (Levent metro station), Kanyon has a beautiful architecture with lots of plant on the inside. There is a beautiful dome in the centre of the mall, on the weekends you might see a live concert or a show there.

You will find both cheap and luxury brands at this mall on the European side of Istanbul, full shop list on official website.

Address: Levent, Büyükdere Cd. No:185, 34394 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey

Hours: 10AM-10PM

ÖzdilekPark Istanbul Shopping Mall

ÖzdilekPark is a big shopping mall next to Levent metro and Kanyon Shopping Mall. Cheap brands like HM, MANGO (+ Violeta by Mango, plus size line), Mavi, Koton etc you will find in this mall. As well as big foodcourt and a cinema. Not too many tourists, even though Levent is just several stations by metro from Taksim.

Address: Esentepe, Büyükdere Cd. No.181, 34394 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey

Hours: 10AM-10PM

Knock-off brands market and food shopping street on Asian Side of Istanbul, Turkey

In Kadikoy (Asian Side of Istanbul) go from ferry down the main road Söğütlü Çeşme Caddesi and turn right when you see the Mosque.

First you’ll see a small fakes/knock-offs market, mostly shoes for men and women.

Then when you go further there will be a big fresh produce market. Fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, spices etc.

Many Cafes, bars, restaurants and Lokanta (buffet) are also near the market.

If you go closer to the hip Moda district to General Asım Gündüz Cd. you will find a shopping street, clothes and shoes shops. Cheap Turkish brands like Koton, DeFacto, Adilisik and smaller local shops.

Asian Side of Istanbul, Turkey Big Shopping Malls

Asian Side is a hidden gem of Istanbul, Turkey! Not that many historical sights are here, but you can still enjoy lovely seaside, local restaurants, lower rent prices and of course visit one of the many big shopping malls and outlets of Istanbul.

Istanbul Optimum Outlet Shopping Mall

At Istanbul Optimum Outlet you will find cheap shops with discounts on branded goods. For the review of what brands are there – watch the viedeo below.

Optimum Outlet is located right next to Yenisahra metro. Perfect if you have a long layover at Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Take a Havabus shuttle bus that goes from the Airport to Kadikoy. It makes a stop at Yenisahra metro. Travel time is around 40 minutes one way, depending on traffic.

Istanbul Optimum Outlet has many food options (food court and restaurants), a grocery store and even a small skating ring.

Address: Yeni Sahra, Optimum Outlet AVM Otoparkı, 34746 Ataşehir/İstanbul.

Akasya AVM Shopping Mall in Istanbul

If you are in for some luxury shopping mall on the Asian side of Istanbul – this is the place to go.

Akasya is a modern Shopping Mall next to Unalan metro on the Asian side of Istanbul. It has a beautiful architecture, food court, cafes and restaurants, cinema, cheap and luxury clothing brands and an Apple Store.

Address: Acıbadem, Çeçen Sokağı No:25, 34660 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Turkey

Hours: 10AM-10PM

Istmarina AVM Shopping Mall in Istanbul (near Airport)

Istmarina Shopping Mall in Istanbul, Turkey is located next to Yunus Marmaray station at the bottom of modern residential complex (Istmarina). Not too far from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport in Istanbul.

Medium-sized mall with popular cheap brands and cafes/restaurants (including SushiCo, chain Asian food restaurant) and a gym. Visitors are mostly locals, since the location is quite far from the city centre.

Address: Kordonboyu, Ankara Cd. No:147/6, 34860 Kartal/İstanbul

FAQ: Best Malls in Istanbul, Turkey

What are the best malls to visit in Istanbul?

Some of the best shopping malls in Istanbul are Venezia Outlet, Kanyon, Zorlu Center, Akasya Acıbadem, İstinyePark, Hilltown and Mall of Istanbul.

Which brands can I find in Istanbul malls?

You can find a wide range of international and local brands in Istanbul malls, including Zara, Mango, H&M, Nike, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and more. Local Turkish brands are Mavi, Flo, LC Waikiki, Koton, DeFacto, Adilisik, Mudo and others.

Are there any family-friendly malls in Istanbul?

Yes, many malls in Istanbul are family-friendly and offer various activities for kids. Some examples are KidzMondo in Akasya Acıbadem, Jurassic Land in Forum Istanbul, and LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Istinye Park.

Where can I find cheap Turkish clothes in Istanbul malls?

You can find cheap clothes in many malls in Istanbul, including Istanbul Optimum Outlet, ÖzdilekPark, and Viaport Outlet. I recommend focusing on Turkish brands (see above), if you want the cheapest clothes and shoes.

Are there any luxury malls in Istanbul?

Yes, Istanbul has some of the most luxurious malls in the world, such as Istinye Park, Zorlu Center, and Emaar Square Mall.

What are the biggest malls in Istanbul?

The biggest malls in Istanbul are Mall of Istanbul, Cevahir Istanbul, Marmara Forum, Venezia Outlet Mall

What type of currency should I bring to Istanbul malls?

It is recommended to bring Turkish Lira to Istanbul malls. However, most of the stores and malls also accept credit cards and have currency exchanges available.

Are there any malls with outdoor areas in Istanbul?

Yes, some malls in Istanbul have outdoor areas, including Kanyon, Zorlu Center, Istinye Park, HillTown.

What other activities can I do in Istanbul malls besides shopping?

Many malls in Istanbul offer various activities besides shopping, such as cinemas, bowling alleys, ice-skating rinks, and indoor amusement parks.

Are there any malls in Istanbul with a sea view?

Yes, Zorlu Center and Akmerkez both have sea views and offer a beautiful shopping experience.

Guide to Shopping in Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey is a shopper’s paradise. You are never too far from a big Shopping Mall and I hope my guide will help you navigate the shopping in Istanbul. Whether you’re looking for cheap shopping in Istanbul or luxurious brands, good restaurants or food courts, going out for a fun date or spending time with children – you will not be disappointed.

To have the best time in Turkey, check out my Ultimate Guide:

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