Book Hotel in Istanbul | Cheap Flights to Istanbul
Discover the best shopping spots in Istanbul, from bustling bazaars to luxury malls, offering everything from handmade crafts to high-end fashion. Shopping in Istanbul is a delightful experience, not just because of the affordable prices but also due to the charm of wandering through historical sites alongside modern shopping venues. When you think of shopping in Istanbul, Turkey, images of carpet sellers offering you elma çayı (apple tea) in a cozy, nargile (hookah) smoke-filled ambiance often come to mind. This picturesque scene is a quintessential part of the old-town Istanbul experience. Iconic spots like the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) and the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) are must-visit destinations that perfectly blend tradition and commerce, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Istanbul is home to two iconic historical shopping destinations. These locations perfectly capture the charm and timeless allure of the city, offering an atmosphere where it feels like time stands still. Even Martha Stewart is a big fan—her hour-long feature on the Hallmark Channel showcased Istanbul in its most beautiful light. She was deeply impressed by the vibrant markets, the rich variety of spices (known as baharat at the Mısır Çarşısı, or Egyptian Bazaar), and the array of unique goods on display. These markets are a true testament to Istanbul’s cultural and historical richness.
What’s truly captivating about Istanbul is its seamless blend of the old and the new, transitioning effortlessly between them as if in the blink of an eye. Just minutes from the historic Sultanahmet region and the Golden Horn, you’ll find the bold, contemporary face of modern design and style. Istanbul has evolved gracefully, with nothing feeling forced—everything is naturally unique. Cutting-edge shopping destinations like Kanyon, İstinye Park, Akmerkez, and the towering Sapphire (Istanbul’s and Europe’s tallest building) showcase this transformation. These luxury malls cater to Turkey’s affluent shoppers, and you’ll find plenty of them enjoying Istanbul’s thriving shopping scene.
Kanyon, one of Istanbul’s newest shopping malls, is a modern architectural marvel. Akmerkez, located in the upscale neighborhood of Etiler, is undergoing a much-needed renovation to keep up with its impressive competitors. While it previously won the title of “Best Shopping Mall in Europe” from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) in 1995 and the “International Design and Development Award” in 1996, Akmerkez continues to attract visitors with its anchor stores like Beymen, Mado, Vakko, and Zara, alongside 240 other shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Sapphire, the tallest building in Istanbul and Europe, offers more than just luxury shopping. Its observation deck provides breathtaking, 360-degree panoramic views of Istanbul, making it well worth a visit. Never before has the city been seen from such heights, allowing visitors to soak in its grandeur. After taking in the sights, you can explore three levels of high-end shops and diverse dining options.
For an even more enjoyable experience, try a glass of Turkish wine paired with a plate of kaşar cheese (peynir). If you’re unfamiliar with Turkish wines (şarap), this is a great opportunity to indulge. Many locations also offer happy hour (İstanbul saati) every evening, making it the perfect chance to enjoy a drink and sample meze from local delis (şarküteri) before heading out for a night on the town.
In Istanbul, the fusion of tradition and modernity creates an unmatched shopping experience that is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself.
Shopping in Istanbul, Shopping Malls:
Historical bazaars
Grand Bazaar (1461), Fatih
Egyptian Bazaar (1660), Fatih
Modern Shopping Malls in Istanbul
Airport Outlet Center (2008), Bakırköy
Akbatı Shopping and Life Center (2011), Esenyurt
Akmerkez (1993), Etiler, Beşiktaş
Akvaryum Shopping Mall, Bayrampaşa
Aqua Florya Shopping Mall (2012), Bakırköy
Arena Park Shopping Center (2011), Küçükçekmece
ArmoniPark Outlet Center (2008), Küçükçekmece
Astoria Shopping Mall (2008), Esentepe
Ataköy Plus (2010), Bakırköy
Atirus Shopping Center (2005), Büyükçekmece
Atrium Shopping Center (1989), Bakırköy
Axis Mall (2013), Kağıthane
Aymerkez (2002), Mimarsinan, Büyükçekmece
Bahçepark CarrefourSA Shopping Center (2009), Bahçelievler
Beylicium (2005), Beylikdüzü
Beylikdüzü Migros Shopping Center (1997), Beylikdüzü
Blackout Şişli (2009), Şişli
Bomonti Park (2006/7), Bomonti, Şişli
Brandium Shopping Center (2013), Ataşehir
Buyaka Shopping Mall (2012), Ümraniye
Capitol Shopping Center (1993), Üsküdar
Carousel Shopping Center (1995), Bakırköy
Capacity Shopping Mall (2007), Bakırköy
CarrefourSA Maltepe Park (2005), Maltepe
Cevahir Mall (2005), Şişli
City’s Nişantaşı (2008), Nişantaşı, Şişli
Çarşı-Pazar Levent (2011), Levent, Beşiktaş
Demirören İstiklal (2011), Beyoğlu
Deposite Outlet Mall (2008), Başakşehir
DünyAVM-İstanbul World Trade Center (1998), Yeşilköy, Bakırköy
Doğuş Center Maslak (2006), Maslak, Sarıyer
Emaar Square Mall (2017), Üsküdar
Eskule (2010), Esenyurt
Flat Ofis Çarşı (2009), Eyüp
Flyinn (2004), Florya, Bakırköy
Forum İstanbul (2009), Bayrampaşa
Forum Marmara (2011), Bakırköy
Galleria Ataköy (1987), Bakırköy
G-Mall (2003), Dolmabahçe, Beşiktaş
Grandhouse (1997), Maltepe
Güneşli Park Shopping Center (2012), Güneşli, Bağcılar
Historia (2008), Fatih
İstinye Park (2007), İstinye, Sarıyer
Kadir Has Çocuk Dünyası (2003), Bahçelievler
Kale Outlet Center (2007), Güngören
Kanyon (2006), Levent, Beşiktaş
Kardiyum (2010), Çekmeköy
Kozzy (2010), Kadıköy
Kule Çarşı (2001), Levent, Beşiktaş
Mall Of Istanbul (2014), Basaksehir
Marmara Park (2012), Beylikdüzü
Mayadrom Akatlar (1998), Akatlar, Beşiktaş
Maxi City (2003), Çengelköy
Maxi City (1998), Silivri
Merkez Kayaşehir (2012), Küçükçekmece
MetroCity AVM (2003), Levent, Beşiktaş
Metropol IStanbul Sopping Center (2019), Ataşehir
Metroport Shopping Center (2007), Bahçelievler
Meydan Shopping Center (2007), Ümraniye
Meydan Shopping Center (2009), Güngören
Mkm Shopping Mall (2005), Beşiktaş
M1 Merkez (2000), Kartal
Neomarin (2009), Pendik
Novada Ataşehir (2013), Ataşehir
Olivium Outlet Center (2000), Zeytinburnu
Olimpa (2010), Başakşehir
Optimum Outlet (2008), Yenisahra, Ataşehir
Ora Outlet, (2011), Bayrampaşa
Ömür Plaza (2006), Bahçelievler
Palladium Shopping Center (2008), Ataşehir
Passage Markiz (2003), Beyoğlu
Pelican Mall (2010), Avcılar
Pendorya (2009), Pendik
Perla Vista (2010), Beylikdüzü
Platform Merter – Fashion Park (2013), Merter, Güngören
Plato Shopping Mall (2012), Sultanbeyli
Prestige Mall (2007), Başakşehir
Profilo Shopping Center (1998), Mecidiyeköy, Şişli
Sapphire Çarşı, Sapphire of Istanbul (2011), Levent, Beşiktaş
StarCity (2010), Yenibosna, Bahçelievler
Tepe Nautilus (2002), Acıbadem, Kadıköy
Torium (2010), Avcılar
Town Center (2003), Bakırköy
Trump Towers Shopping Center (2012), Şişli
Veneris Shopping Center (2010), Esenyurt
Vialand (2013), Eyüp
Viaport (2008), Pendik
White Corner (2012), Beylikdüzü
White Hill Shopping Center (2011), Eyüp
World Atlantis (2009), Pendik
212 İstanbul Power Outlet (2009), Bağcılar
Zorlu Center (2013), Beşiktaş
Maybe there are e a few malls that we forget to add to the list of Shopping in Istanbul topic. Please comment about your best “Shopping in Istanbul” points.
Book Hotel in Istanbul | Cheap Flights to Istanbul
