The modern city, located on two continents, continues to attract tourists with completely different, sometimes very exotic tastes. Constantinople was a very important point of the Great Silk Road, and now Istanbul is rightfully considered one of the main cities for good shopping.
The choice of unique products starts from the Grand Bazaar itself, crosses the Golden Horn, rushing in different directions from the Galata Tower, from fashion boutiques of Istanbul designers to huge shopping complexes.
Since many travelers want to devote part of their time in the former capital of the Byzantine Empire to global shopping, with the help of the recommendations of the famous Turkish newspaper Hurriyet ("Hurriyet"), the online magazine Mymerhaba ("Maymerhaba") and the tips collected on the shopping forums, you can make a list of the five largest and most popular shopping centers in the city of Istanbul.
The oldest shopping center Akmerkez ("Akmerkez")
Akmerkez opened in 1993. It is the oldest shopping center in the city, in 1995 it was awarded a prestigious award asthe best shopping center in Europe, and in 1996 was named the best shopping center in the world.
The mall consists of four floors, which are conveniently located 246 shops. One of the best shopping centers in Istanbul is located in the prestigious Etiler district. In addition to boutiques with the usual textiles and household appliances, you can even find hairdressers here. For lovers of Italian cuisine, the famous Paper Moon restaurant is open.
The mall is located at: Istanbul, Nispetiye Cad. Etiler, Beşiktaş.
You can get there by metro or bus:
- Levent metro station, 15 minutes walk from it.
- Bus routes from Kabatas area - 58A, 58N, 43R.
- Taksim bus route - 559C.
Istanbul's largest shopping center - Cevahir ("Jevahir")
The second name of Istanbul's Cevahir shopping center is Şişli Kültür ve Ticaret Merkezi. Year of construction - 2005. Six floors of the largest shopping center include more than three hundred stores, about ten fast food restaurants.
In "Jevahir" you can find such famous brands as River Island, Benetton, Mothercare, La Senza, Zara, Vero Moda, Topshop, Jack&Jones, Peacocks, Dorothy Perkins, Levi's, Adidas, Lotto, Guess World, Topman, Miss Selfridge, Bata, Esprit, Massimo Dutti, Dockers and many other global brands.
"Jevahir" also offers entertainment in the form of a centerAtlantis with Megaplex cinema.
You can find it at: Istanbul, Büyükdere Cad. No: 22/A, Şişli Merkez, Şişli.
You can get there by taxi or metro: metro station - Şişli Mecediyeköy ("Sisli Mecediyeköy").
Olivium ("Olivium") - an outlet in the historical part of Istanbul
Olivium is located in the heart of Istanbul - Sultanahmet district, 11 kilometers from Ataturk Airport.
The glass roof and tower fit well into the prestigious part of the Zeytinburnu historical site. An unusual shopping center was built in 2000. It is the largest outlet. Much to the delight of many parents, Istanbul's Olivium Mall is home to Kiddyland, a large playground for children.
The outlet offers not only global brands, but also popular Turkish manufacturers of textiles, footwear and children's goods. Stores are represented by brands such as Adidas. Kappa, Nine West, Tommy Hilfiger, Pierre Cardin, Mudo Outlet, Cacharel, Diesel, Mango (the largest in Europe), Polo Garage (the only discount store in Istanbul is located here).
Discounts are valid for women's clothing and footwear, men's clothing and footwear, children's accessories in the amount of 40-60%.
One of the important advantages of this outlet is the presence of a Tax Free point, tourists can immediately return the amountlocal tax on purchases prior to departure.
Information about current discounts should be found on the official website of this shopping center.
Olivium is located at: Istanbul, Gökalp Mahallesi, Prof. Dr. Muammer Aksoy Cad. No:30, Zeytinburnu.
Better to get on the subway: metro station - Zeytinburnu ("Zeytinburnu"), train T1.
Modern complex center İstinye Park ("Istinye Park")
This mall in Istanbul was the first to launch an IMAX cinema. Its main difference from a conventional cinema is the optimization for 3D movies and the larger screen size for a better view of the picture.
The world-famous cafe was opened in the center of "Istinye Park" and the very first in Turkey - Rainforest Cafe.
The complex includes more than three hundred brand stores, for example: Dior, Prada, Dolche&Gabbana, Zara, Boyner, M. A. C., Sephora, Celine, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Mango, Fendi, Debenhams.
Address: İstanbul, Pınar mahalles, İstinye Bayırı Cad., İstinye, Sarıyer.
To get there, you can use the subway or bus:
- Metro - Atatürk Oto Sanayi (Ataturk Oto Sanai), walk a couple of minutes.
- Bus routes from the Besiktas area - Beşiktaş/Tarabya (Besiktas/Tarabya), 40B.
- Bus routes from the metro station "4. Levent" (4. Levent) - 42, 29P, 29B.
- Bus route from Şişli metro station -29Ş.
The amazing Kanyon complex ("Canyon")
The grandiose complex "Canyon" is located near the metro station "Levent" (Levent). There is a convenient transition between them, which is a plus for visitors in case of bad weather.
The "Canyon" complex consists of a thirty-story tower. Four floors are underground, there are offices, twenty-two floors are residential premises, and four levels are a shopping center.
This complex was honored at City Scape (Dubai 2006) and nominated for Commercial Built.
The total number of stores is 160, but inside there are unique places that are not available in other best shopping centers in Istanbul. For example, the restaurant Konyalı ("Konyaly") is located on floor K1, and its main office is located in the Topkapı Palace (Topkapı).
Film fans will be pleasantly surprised by the large Mars Cinema, designed for 1600 people and 9 screening rooms.
Address of the "Canyon" complex: İstanbul, Büyükdere Cad. No:185, Levent, Beşiktaş.
You can get there by metro: Levent metro station.
Shopping is part of your life? Bonus to the best shopping malls in Istanbul
Those who can't get enough of Istanbul's top malls may be interested in learning about others.
Carousel ("Carousel")
The carousel built inside is a symbolmall.
The complex is filled with one hundred and three stores, four cinemas and four bank branches. The annual number of visitors reaches 18 million.
Various performances are often organized inside the center, exhibitions of artists are held, here you can buy tickets for various events of the city on the Bosphorus.
Address: Istanbul, Halit Ziya Usakligil Caddesi No:1, Bakirkoy.
Forum İstanbul ("Forum Istanbul")
Located on the European part of the city, Bayrampaşa district (Bayrampasha). Visitors are offered 265 stores with foreign and Turkish brands.
The main attraction of the Forum Istanbul center is the fairly large Turkuazoo Aquarium. Here you can also find an ice museum, a bowling alley and an ice skating rink.
Comfort for visitors is also provided by a room for mother and child, a medical center, left-luggage offices, a Tax free point.
Address: İstanbul, Kocatepe Mahallesi, Paşa Caddesi 34045 Bayrampaşa.
Atrium ("Atrium")
Atakoy district, located in the western part of the city, is famous for the Atrium shopping center. About two hundred brand stores open their doors to meet the sophisticated customer.
You can find it at: İstanbul, Ataköy, 9-10 mahalle.
