Shopping Malls in Istanbul

Shopping Malls

There are several excellent shopping malls with cinemas, restaurants and shops on both sides of Istanbul. You will find a range of European and American brands in these malls like Gap, Banana Republic, Body Shop, Marks and Spencer, etc. However due to import duties, branded goods here are more expensive than their US/European counterparts, so try and keep the bulk of your shopping either for your trips home or for the sales.

Each year winter and summer sales take place and one can find some really excellent bargains so don’t miss these. There are also some well-priced Turkish brands, like Oxxo, that offer stylish and well-made basics.
 

• Akmerkez – located in Etiler. The oldest mall. Has a cinema, several shops and a food court. Has a Marks and Spencer as well.
• Metrocity – located in Levent, on the Metro. Claire’s Accessories and Marks and Spencer here too.
• Kanyon- next to Metrocity, also on the Metro. Has an unusual architectural design. Excellent shops and cafés here, including Harvey Nichols. Also has a cinema. One of the nicest malls in Istanbul along with Istinye Park (below).
• Cevahir – the largest mall in Europe. In the centre of a rather traffic filled area of Istanbul. On the Metro, so that is probably the best way to access the mall. Has a Debenhams store.
• Istinye Park – the newest mall on the European side of Istanbul and probably the best. Has a large book and music shop, a multiplex including an IMAX theatre, several restaurants and shops to suit every budget. Also has a whole separate section for designer shops such as Burberry, Coach, Gucci etc. Prices are high due to import duties, but watch out for the sales.
• IKEA – there are two large IKEAs in Istanbul – one on the European and one on the Asian side. These IKEAs are part of a larger complex of shops, restaurants and supermarkets.
• Nisantasi /Tesvikiye – this is not a mall, but a district on the European side. Has very fashionable areas with several designer boutiques and a mall called City. Also has several cafés. Worth taking a stroll around the area just for the feel – a very pleasant way to spend half a day.
• Palladium – good mall on the Asian side. Distinguishable by its large glass dome.
• The Grand Bazaar – Also called the covered bazaar, it is on every tourist map. The precursor to the modern mall, this is a mini township in the old part of the city. It is a massive building, containing a maze of streets which house an extensive variety of shops including high end jewellery (particularly gold), leather goods, designer handbag copies, ceramic shops, carpet shops, kitsch souvenirs and several cafés. A fascinating place and worth several visits.

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets