Istanbul is a shopper's paradise, with a wide range of shopping options that cater to all tastes and budgets. In recent years, shopping malls have become increasingly popular in Istanbul, offering a one-stop-shop for everything from luxury fashion brands to fast-food restaurants. These malls are not only popular with locals but also with tourists looking for a modern, air-conditioned shopping experience. Some of the best shopping malls in Istanbul include the Istinye Park, the Kanyon, and the Zorlu Center, which boast a wide range of shops, restaurants, cinemas, and entertainment options. With their modern architecture, high-end brands, and diverse offerings, these malls offer a glimpse into Istanbul's cosmopolitan and modern side, making them a must-visit destination for anyone interested in shopping or urban culture.
If you plan a trip to Istanbul and don’t visit its malls, you are going to lose a lot of entertainment, fun and experience. With a significant number of malls in Istanbul, any tourist would be confused about which one to visit. So, for everyone who wants to visit the magical city and wants to check out its malls, we have created a list of the 20 best shopping malls in Istanbul.
Top 20 Best Shopping Malls in Istanbul, Turkey:
01. Mall of Istanbul:
If you ask a local person in Istanbul about the best mall of the city, he will name the Mall of Istanbul without missing a beat. And why not? Afterall, the Mall of Istanbul, other than being a great place for entertainment and shopping, also promotes art and culture. The mall features 350 stores, 16 theaters, and a large indoor amusement park. Among the eating and drinking facilities in the mall you will find some big names like KFC, Midpoint, Cinnabon etc. Entertainment option in the mall isn;t limited to the indoor amusement park.
There are some other entertainment options as well, like Flyzone, Atlantis Bowling, Anatolian Fire Dance Show, and Smart Play. The indoor amusement park, namely MOI Park, is the largest indoor amusement park in Europe. Besides these, the Mall of Istanbul is home to a luxurious hotel with 300 rooms and all the top-notch facilities.
- Famous for: MOI Park, luxurious hotel, cinema halls
- Location: Ziya Gökalp, Süleyman Demirel Blv No:7, Istanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday | 10:00 am to 08:00 pm. Closed on Sundays:
How to get to Mall of İstanbul:
You can go to the Mall of Istanbul by metro. You can take a M1B metro and then the M3 metro to stop at Ikitelli Sanayi Station. From there you can walk to the mall.
02. Kanyon Mall:
Spanning over an area of 36,500 square meters, Kanyon Mall is a must visit for every tourist. If you want to fulfill your shopping, dining and entertainment needs under one roof, this mall located in Levent is the place for you. The mall is divided into 4 levels offering a unique curving valley design.
For its architectural grandeur it received the Cityscape Architectural Review Award in 2006. There are 160 stores in the mall, featuring some popular brands like Marks & Spencer, Sephora, Kiehl’s, Miniso, and many more. There’s also a cinema at the mall called Cinemaximum Canyon featuring all of the latest movies. You will find Starbucks Coffee, Nespresso, Stash and many other famous outlets in the mall to satiate your hunger and thirst.
- Famous for: Cinemaximum Canyon
- Location: Levent, Büyükdere Cd. No:185, 34394 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
How to get to Kanyon Mall:
To reach Kayon Mall, you can get on a metro from Taksim-4 and get down at the last station. From there you can take a taxi to reach Kanyon Mall. You can also choose to walk to the mall.
03. Venezia Mall:
If you want to get the feel of being in Venice while being in Istanbul, head to the Venezia Mall. The architecture of the mall is such that you will be mesmerized with its enchanting ambience and a feeling of Venice. You can shop in the 180 shops in the mall and eat in the food court with well-known restaurants. Starbucks, Burger King, Arby’s, Popeyes, and Mado are the available restaurant outlets at Venezia Mall.
Another highlight of the mall is the Carsi Pazar Bazaar where you can buy scarves, Turkish chocolates, stationary, gifts, etc. When you visit the Venezia Mall, you will be surprised by seeing the Venetian canal themed decoration.
- Famous for: Carsi Pazar Bazaar, Venetian architecture
- Location: Küçükköy, Karadeniz Mahallesi Eski Edirne Asfaltı, Metris Kavşağı No:408, 34250 Gaziosmanpaşa/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
How to get to Venezia Mall:
To reach Venezia Mall, you have to get on a M7 metro. It will stop at Karadeniz Mahallesi. You have to walk for 3 minutes from that stop to reach the mall. You can also get on 336, 336E, or 336M bus and get down at Kiptaş Venezia. From there, walk for a few minutes.
04. Istanbul Cevahir:
Standing over an area of 672,000 square feet with around 300 stores, Istanbul Cevahir is one of the biggest malls in Istanbul. There’s also a large parking space in the mall with an accommodation capacity of 2500 vehicles. The notable brands found in the mall are Marks & Spencer, Jack & Jones, Mango, Aldo, etc. You can watch movies at the Cinemaximum Cevahir and for a great cinematic experience.
For an unlimited fun experience, have a visit to the Funlab. Istanbul Cevahir is a haven for shopping from big brands, tasting yummy food, and trying out some amazing entertainment options.
- Famous for: Cinemaximum Cevahir, Funlab
- Location: 19 Mayıs, Büyükdere Cd. No:22, 34360 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday | 10:00 am to 08:00 pm. Closed on Sundays
How to get to Istanbul Cevahir:
Get on a BN1 or EM1 bus. These buses stop at Sarayburnu - Yenikapi Yönü which is at a 15-minutes of walking distance from the mall. You can take a taxi or even walk to the mall.
05. Forum Istanbul:
If you want to have a fun-filled day out in Istanbul, Forum Istanbul will fulfill your desire. If you want to buy fashionable outfits from some of the most renowned brands, shopping here is a must. In Forum Istanbul, you will find Adidas, Bambi, Bosch, Colin’s and many other famous brands.
Also you can satisfy your taste buds at the food court that has outlets of Burger King, Corn in Cup, KFC, Green Salads, Starbucks, etc. For children's entertainment, the mall offers Sea Life Istanbul and Legoland Discovery Center.
- Famous for: Sea Life Istanbul, Legoland Discovery Center
- Location: Kocatepe, Paşa Cd, 34045 Bayrampaşa/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday | 10:00 am to 08:00 pm. Closed on Sundays
How to get to Forum Istanbul:
Any one of the three bus services 32 Cevatpaşa – Eminönü, 32A Cevatpaşa – Beyazıt, 32T Cevatpaşa - Mecidiyeköy will get you down at Kartaltepe which is the nearest bus station to Forum Istanbul. It is the easiest way to reach Forum Istanbul.
06. Akasya Mall:
If you want to enjoy a pleasant shopping experience, Akasya Mall will welcome you with world-class brands and social activities. The mall is one-of-a-kind in terms of architecture. Famous clothing brands like Pink Collection, Max & Co, Hogan etc are available at the mall.
Children can have fun at KidZania Istanbul. You can also enjoy a movie in one of the many cinema halls at Akasya Mall. Also, don’t forget to click some pictures of this architectural masterpiece.
- Famous for: KidZania Istanbul, World-class brands, fun activities
- Location: Acıbadem, Çeçen Sok. No:25, 34660 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
How to get to Akasya Mall:
You can go to Akasya Mall by bus, train or metro. There are four bus services-18K, 34AS, 34G, and 8 available that will take you to Akasya Mall. The nearest bus stop is İncirlibostan - Valievleri Yönü at a 4 minutes walking distance from the mall. You can also get on the M4 metro and get down at Ünalan.
07. Istinye Park:
Istinye Park is the finest & most visited malls in Istanbul spanning over an area of 2,70,000 square meters. It is renowned not only for the branded stores and dining options but also for entertainment. There is a large 3500 square meters sports complex in the mall.
The mall houses 12 big screens to give the best cinematic experience to visitors. It has been designed with beautiful glass ceilings and green spaces for architectural perfection.
- Famous for: Sports complex, Architecture
- Location: Pınar, Katar Cd No:73, 34460 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday | 10:00 am to 08:00 pm, Closed on Sundays
How to get to Istinye Park:
To reach Istinye Park, you have to get on a 29S, 40B or 41C bus. The bus will drop you off at Borsa İstanbul / Levent Yönü. From there you have to walk for 6 minutes to reach the mall.
07. Atakoy Galleria AVM:
Starting in the year 1988, Atakoy Galleria AVM is one of the finest shopping malls of the country. You can access the mall from any part of the city. It is one of the oldest shopping complexes in Istanbul housing a wide range of modern outlets. Other than popular fashion brands, you will also find affordable clothing in this mall.
The mall also consists of a large parking space, a cinema hall, food court, arcade, ice skating rink and a bowling alley. In 1989, Atakoy Galleria AVM won an award for its marvelous architecture. The mall is highly appreciated by locals and tourists alike.
- Famous for: Popular fashion brands, architecture
- Location: Ataköy 1., Kennedy Cd., 34158 Bakırköy/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
How to get to Atakoy Galleria AVM:
Many bus services are available that will take you to Atakoy Galleria AVM. The most notable ones are- 72T, BN1 and MR20. You can get down at Ziraat Odasi - Bakirköy Yönü, Bakirköy İdo İskelesi - Yesilköy Yönü, or Ataköy 2.Kisim - Bakirköy Yönü bus stop. Three of these stops are at a 5-10 minutes walking distance from Atakoy Galleria AVM.
08. Zorlu Shopping Centre:
Home to over 205 local and international brands, Zorlu Shopping Centre is the perfect place for entertainment and shopping. The mall is best known for offering the best entertainment through its 8 cinema halls, a high-end 5-star Raffles Hotel, and the country’s largest performing arts center. It is the only mall of the country to contain stores of Balgari and Tiffany & Co.
The food outlets available at the mall are Nespresso, Caffe Nero, Lavina, Parle and others. As the mall is located in a prominent location of Sisli District you can easily access it via metro or a bus.
- Famous for: 5-star Raffles Hotel, Cinema halls
- Location: Levazım, Koru Sokağı No:2, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
How to get to Zorlu Shopping Centre:
From Taksim square, you have to take the M2 metro to Levent Bogazici University station. From the station, you have to walk for 20 minutes. You can also take a taxi from there. Alternatively, you can get on Yenikapı - HacıOsman metro and depart at Gayrettepe Station. There you will find a tunnel walking through which you will reach the mall within 10 minutes.
09. Akmerkez:
Spread over an area of 180,000 square meters, Akmerkez is the country’s third shopping mall. The four-storey shopping area of the mall features around 246 stores. From clothing to footwear, the mall will meet all your shopping needs. The other two towers of the complex have been dedicated to offices and residential areas.
With around 1.5 million visitors per month and 14 million visitors per year, the mall is quite successful in attracting locals and tourists alike. It has also won a few notable awards from the International Council of Shopping Center.
- Famous for: Office space, residential area, cinema halls, branded stores
- Location: Kültür, Nispetiye Cd No:56, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
How to get to Akmerkez:
You can reach the Akmerkez mall by metro. Take the M6 Metro that will drop you off at Nispetiye, the nearest metro station from the mall. From there, you have to walk for around 4 minutes to reach the Akmerkez Mall.
10. Viaport Asia Outlet Shopping Center:
With 250 stores and a parking area with a capacity of holding 4000 vehicles, Viaport Asia Outlet Shopping Center will fulfill all your shopping and entertainment needs. Located near the Gokcen Airport, it is now one of the most visited shopping malls in Turkey. The mall offers the best quality products at affordable prices.
Unlike other shopping malls, you can also enjoy nature while eating at the lakeside food court of Viaport Asia. There is also a variety of entertainment options at the mall, namely Amusement Center, the Pony Club, a cinema hall and a bowling alley. The street-style design and architecture of the mall is worth checking out.
- Famous for: Lakeside food court, entertainment options, cinema hall, bowling alley, architecture
- Location: Yenişehir, Dedepaşa Cd No:19, 34912 Pendik/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
How to get to Viaport Asia Outlet Shopping Center:
There are some minibus lines that will drop you off at Viaport. They are- Pendik Kurtköy, Pendik, Kartal, Dudullu, and Çekmeköy. From Viaport, you have to walk or take a taxi to the mall. Also, KM27, UM73 buses stop at a station near the shopping mall.
11. Capitol AVM:
The six storeyed Capitol AVM spans an area of 73,000 square meters and consists of 157 stores. The mall also houses a department store, a supermarket, 8 cinema halls, an entertainment center, a bowling alley and many cafeterias and restaurants. There is open air and covered parking in the mall.
Many cafes of Capitol Shopping Center are located around a huge central spring fountain.The mall also houses one of the biggest cinema halls in Istanbul.
- Famous for: Supermarket, bowling alley, huge central spring fountain, cinema hall
- Location: Altunizade, Mahir İz Cd., 34662 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
How to get to Capitol AVM:
Take M4 or M5 metro and get down at Bağlarbaşı. It is a 2-minute walk from the mall. You can also take any one of 13, 14R, 14Y, 34AS, 34G buses to reach the mall. And then get down at the nearest bus station.
12. Emaar Square Mall:
Emaar Square Mall is the perfect combination of unique architectural design and collections of world-renowned brands. It started in the year 2017, yet it is no less popular than the other shopping malls in this list. It houses around 491 brands of clothing, accessories and appliances.
Like the other shopping malls in Istanbul, Emaar Square also offers several entertainment options to offer you a fine experience. The restaurants and cafes at the mall serve local and international cuisines. Also, the terrace restaurants at the mall are perfect for an outdoor eating experience.
- Famous for: Entertainment options, terrace restaurants
- Location: Ünalan, Libadiye Cd. No:88, 34700 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
How to get to Emaar Square Mall:
If you want to reach Emaar Square Mall, you can do that via bus, train or metro. No matter which method of transportation you choose, you have to get off at Göztepe Station. It is the nearest station to the mall.
13. Optimum Outlet Mall:
Located in Kadıköy, the heart of the Anatolian side of Istanbul, Optimum Outlet Mall was opened in 2008. The mall features a suitable mix of foreign and domestic brands, unique architecture, events and activities. There is a large food court that can accommodate 2500 people. There is also a real ice rink of 541 square meters and a few outdoor terraces. The mall also offers a free parking area for 1500 vehicles.
Another significance of the Optimum Outlet Mall is that it hosts several activities and development workshops for children. In 2010, it won the “Europe's Best Outlet” award at the European Conference of ICSC (International Association of Shopping Centers).
- Famous for: Ice rink, Outdoor terraces, activities for children
- Location: Yenisahra, Demokrasi Cd. 2/B, 34746 Ataşehir/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
How to get to Optimum Outlet Mall:
Take a E-10 or E-11 bus. These buses stop at Yenisahra - Kartal Yönü. It is the nearest bus stop to Optimum Outlet Mall. If you walk for a few minutes from the bus stop you will reach the mall.
14. Atirus Shopping Center:
Opened in the year 2005, Atirus Shopping Center has three floors and an area of 56,000 square meters. It is home to 80 stores, a supermarket, a departmental store, and a food court with several restaurants. There is also a parking lot that can accommodate around 700 vehicles. It is an all-in-one shopping destination located on a busy highway.
If you are looking for a less crowded yet a vibrant shopping mall to visit, you must visit this mall. Another notable thing about Atirus Shopping Center is that it is an earthquake proof building that cost $40 million.
- Famous for: Supermarket, renowned brands, food court
- Location: Fatih, Rıza Küçükoğlupaşa Cd., 34522 Büyükçekmece/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
How to get to Atirus Shopping Center:
Bus and minibus services are available from different parts of the city to the mall. Get on a 142B, 300, 303A, 401, or 448 bus. These buses stop at Büyükçekmece / Avcılar Yönü or some other stations near the mall. However, you should get on a 300 bus to get down at Büyükçekmece / Avcılar Yönü, the nearest bus stop to the mall. You can also get on a minibus that will drop you off at the same station.
15. Aqua Florya Shopping and Life Center:
Aqua Florya Shopping and Life Center is home to the world’s largest thematic Aquarium, the Istanbul Aquarium. The aquarium is the major attraction of the mall. However, the 160 retail stores, 1,500 vehicles capacity parking lot, 11 cinema halls, an amphitheater with 900 seats, exhibition-cultural spaces, are no less important.
The 52,000 square meters of landscape and walking zones and open marketplace are also worth checking out. You can savor some of the best cuisines at one of the many cafes and restaurants while enjoying the views of the sea.
- Famous for: Istanbul Aquarium, amphitheater, exhibition-cultural spaces
- Location: Şenlikköy, Yeşilköy Halkalı Cd. 93-93/1, 34153 Bakırköy/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
How to get to Aqua Florya Shopping and Life Center:
Get on a MARMARAY (HALKALI - GEBZE) train and get down at Florya Akvaryum train station. It is a 3-minute walking distance from the mall. Alternatively, you can take a 73B or BN1 bus and get down at Adakale - Florya Yönü or Belediye.Tesisleri - Florya Yönü bus stop. These are the nearest bus stops to the mall.
16. Carousel Shopping Center:
Standing in an area of 76,500 square meters featuring 117 stores, fast food restaurants, cafes, entertainment center and cinema halls, Carousel Shopping Center promises customers a fine shopping experience.
There is also a free parking area in the mall with 750 vehicle holding capacity. Around 1.5 million people visit the mall monthly. The mall also holds discussion panels, book-signing sessions, special weeks, exhibitions etc.
- Famous for: Activities and events
- Location: Zeytinlik, Fişekhane Cd. No:5, 34140 Bakırköy/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
How to get to Carousel Shopping Center: Take a MARMARAY (ATAKÖY - PENDIK) or a MARMARAY (HALKALI - GEBZE) train and get down at Bakırköy. From there, walk for 2 minutes to reach the mall. You can also get on a 72T, 94Y, 98H, or BN1 bus and get off at any of the bus stops near the mall. MİNİBÜS: A-04, MİNİBÜS: A-31 will drop you off at Gençler Caddesi, a 4-minute walk from the Carousel Shopping Center.
17. MetroCity AVM:
The unique architecture and weekly events are two notable reasons to visit MetroCity AVM. The complex consists of a shopping mall, a 27-storey office tower, and two 31-storeyed residential towers. The five floors of the shopping mall comprises 175 stores. There is also a car parking lot with 1200 vehicle capacity.
You will also find Starbucks and many other restaurants at MetroCity AVM. The mall holds several events for kids on a weekly basis. So, MetroCity AVM is a great place to visit with your family.
- Famous for: Office and residential towers, events for kids
- Location: Levent, Büyükdere Cd. No:171, 34330 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
How to get to MetroCity AVM:
To reach MetroCity AVM, get on MİNİBÜS: B-33 or MİNİBÜS: SRY-16. These mini buses stop at Kanyon, a 4-minute walk from the mall. Many bus services are also available that will take you to the mall. Among them, the most notable ones are 121A, 121B, 121BS, 29D, 29E, 36L, 522B, and 522ST. They stop at different bus stations near the mall. However, you should get on a bus that stops at Levent - Fsm Köprüsü Yönü or Fabrikalar - Zincirlikuyu Yönü, nearest bus stations from MetroCity AVM.
18. Palladium AVM:
Set in an area of around 40,000 square meters consisting of 190 stores, Palladium AVM has been the fashion base of Istanbul since 2018. The shops are spread across five floors of the mall. Palladium AVM also facilitates a 2.500-car parking lot and other services.
Also, there is a variety of food options to choose from. The unique design and modern architecture is another notable reason to visit the mall.
- Famous for: Fashion brands, Modern architecture
- Location: Barbaros, Halk Cd. No:8 D:B, 34746 Ataşehir/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
How to get to Palladium AVM:
Take MİNİBÜS: C-70 that will drop you off at Gümrük Bölge Müdürlü, 346 meters away from the mall. Or, you can take a KM46 bus and get off at Taç Spor - Kadiköy Yönü. From there, walk for 6 minutes to reach your destination.
19. Tepe Nautilus:
Like Aqua Florya Shopping and Life Center, Tepe Nautilus is another thematic shopping mall in Istanbul. The name, decoration and architecture of the mall is associated with the sea and navigation. Spanning an area of 170,000 square meters, the mall consists of 3 floors featuring 116 outlets.
There is also a departmental store and a supermarket. In the food court of Tepe Nautilus, you will find 20 restaurants and cafes. To provide pleasant moments to its customers, it has cinema halls, a sports center and entertainment areas.
- Famous for: Sea and Navigation theme, supermarket
- Location: Acıbadem, Fatih Sk. No:1, 34718 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
How to get to Tepe Nautilus:
Take the Intercity SPR train. Get off at Eindhoven Centraal. From there, walk for 15-20 minutes or take a taxi. Or, get on a 401, 402, or 403 bus and get off at Eindhoven, Bredalaan, a 9-minute walk from Tepe Nautilus.
The best shopping malls in Istanbul are great places to visit. Whether you want to buy clothing from famous brands or want to enjoy a good time with family, you must visit these malls. The malls offer numerous options and facilities to choose from. There are many other malls in Istanbul, but the 20 malls mentioned in this list are undoubtedly the best. From enjoying a fine cup of coffee at Starbucks to shopping from Sephora, you can do everything in these malls. So, when are you visiting the best shopping malls in Istanbul?
20. Istanbul's Grand Bazaar:
Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, also known as Kapalıçarşı in Turkish, is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Located in the heart of Istanbul's historic Old City, the Grand Bazaar has been a major trading hub for over 500 years, attracting merchants and shoppers from all over the world.
Today, the Grand Bazaar is home to over 4,000 shops selling a wide range of products, including jewelry, textiles, carpets, ceramics, spices, and souvenirs. With its vibrant colors, intricate designs, and bustling atmosphere, the Grand Bazaar is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in shopping, history, or culture.
- Famous for: The Grand Bazaar is famous for its rich history, vibrant atmosphere, and diverse array of products for sale. Some of the most popular items to buy at the Grand Bazaar include handmade carpets, Turkish ceramics, traditional textiles, spices, and jewelry.
- Location: The Grand Bazaar is located in Istanbul's historic Old City, in the district of Fatih. The market is easily accessible by public transportation, with several metro, tram, and bus stops nearby.
- Opening Hours: The Grand Bazaar is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. The market is closed on Sundays and on certain public holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. However, some individual shops may have different opening hours, so it's always a good idea to check in advance if there's a specific shop you want to visit.
6 Tips for Exploring Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar Shops:
- Get there early: The Grand Bazaar can get very crowded, especially in the afternoon and on weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds and have a more relaxed shopping experience, it's best to get there early in the morning when the market first opens.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The Grand Bazaar is a huge, sprawling market with over 4,000 shops, so wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in for hours. The market is also covered, so you don't need to worry about the weather.
- Explore the side streets: The Grand Bazaar has many smaller side streets and alleys that are worth exploring, as they often have more unique and interesting items for sale. Some of the most interesting areas to explore include the Cebeci Han, the Old Bedesten, and the Antique Market.
- Don't be afraid to haggle: Bargaining is a common practice in the Grand Bazaar, and vendors will often start with a higher price than they're willing to sell for. Don't be afraid to negotiate the price and try to get a better deal. A good rule of thumb is to start with a price that's about half of what the vendor is asking and work your way up from there.
- Look out for scams: Unfortunately, there are some scams and fake products in the Grand Bazaar. Be wary of vendors who try to pressure you into buying something or who offer a deal that seems too good to be true. Also, be cautious when buying high-value items like jewelry or carpets, as it's easy to get ripped off if you're not careful. Do some research beforehand to get an idea of what the item should cost and what to look for in terms of quality.
- Take a break: With so much to see and do, it's easy to get overwhelmed in the Grand Bazaar. Take a break and grab a cup of Turkish tea or coffee at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the market to recharge and plan your next move. Some of the most popular places to eat and drink in the Grand Bazaar include the historic Pudding Shop, the Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi coffeehouse, and the Kofteci Ramiz restaurant.
Things You Should Consider Buying in Istanbul:
- Luxury Shopping: Istanbul is home to a number of high-end luxury brands and designer stores, such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior. If you're looking for luxury shopping, head to the upmarket Nisantasi district.
- Bridal Shopping: Istanbul has a reputation as a hub for bridal shopping. The Osmanbey neighborhood is particularly famous for its bridal shops, with a wide range of styles and prices.
- Outlet Shopping: For bargain hunters, Istanbul has several outlet shopping centers, such as the Olivium Outlet Center and the Viaport Outlet Center, where you can find discounts on a range of international and local brands.
- Jewellery & Gold: Turkey is known for its high-quality gold and silver jewelry, and Istanbul has a number of shops and markets selling these items, particularly in the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar.
- Carpets and Fabrics: Istanbul is famous for its handmade carpets, kilims, and fabrics, which you can find in markets such as the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar.
- Antique Items: Istanbul is a treasure trove of antique shops and markets, with everything from Ottoman-era furniture to vintage jewelry and textiles. The Çukurcuma neighborhood is particularly famous for its antique shops.
- Leather Accessories and Clothing: Turkey is known for its high-quality leather goods, and Istanbul has a number of shops selling leather bags, shoes, and jackets. The Taksim and Beyoglu areas are good places to start.
- Souvenirs: Istanbul has plenty of souvenir shops selling items such as Turkish delight, spices, ceramics, and traditional textiles. The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar are good places to shop for souvenirs.
Istanbul offers a fantastic selection of shopping malls where you can enjoy shopping, dining, and fun activities all in one place. From the luxurious Zorlu Center to the historic Grand Bazaar, each mall has its own charm and attractions. Whether you're into high-end brands or traditional Turkish goods, there's something for everyone. Don't miss the lively atmosphere, delicious food, and exciting things to do at these top 20 malls. Explore and indulge in the beauty of Istanbul's shopping scene for an unforgettable experience in this vibrant city.
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