Shopping is not the only activity you can do in a mall. Food courts, restaurants, architecture, environment, the crowds, and many other factors make them a popular destination. Especially in Istanbul! The fact that you can find malls in almost every district amazes me every time I pass by one of them. There is an incredible abundance and Istanbul is a paradise for people who enjoy malls.
Of course, there are some special malls which have gained a seat in my heart and I look forward to visiting them all the time. So, let’s jump into my personal favorites…
10 Best Malls in Istanbul
1) Zorlu Center
With its architecture and location, Zorlu Center is one of the best malls in Istanbul. The mall is easy to access since it is located at the end of the tunnel that connects the metro and metro bus in Mecidiyeköy. The food courts and restaurants are extremely great, and the mall incorporates the biggest cultural and art center in Istanbul, Zorlu PSM. On the other hand, the weak point of the mall is there are not that many brands if you are not looking for something extra luxurious. Also, the architecture of the mall might be confusing and complex from time to time. You may need time to get used to it before wandering around.
Levazım, Koru Sokağı No:2, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
2) Kanyon AVM
When the mall first opened, it came in with a bang thanks to its outdoor concept. The name of the mall stems from “canyon”, and the shape of the building looks exactly like one. There are lots of plazas and workplaces next to the mall so you might encounter lots of people carrying their briefcases. The same vibe thus extends to Kanyon, where there are not lots of brands you can shop at, aside from the distinguished ones. However, the food courts, cafes, restaurants, and atmosphere are worth visiting!
Esentepe, 34394 Şişli/İstanbul
3 – Aqua Florya AVM
Located on the European side of Istanbul, Aqua Florya is one of the best malls due to its location right next to the sea and the aquarium inside of it. The brands are various and it has a big bowling saloon on the top floor. Besides this, you can enjoy your food while looking at an amazing sea view. However, the mall is always crowded. Since it is close to public transportation and has the recreational facility of Florya, almost everyone visits Aqua Florya whenever they happen to be near there.
Şenlikköy, Yeşilköy Halkalı Cd. 93-93/1, 34153 Bakırköy/İstanbul
4 – Akasya AVM
Being the biggest AVM on the Asian side, Akasya includes almost every brand inside. The location is in Acıbadem and it is pretty easy to access the mall. Just like Zorlu Center, Akasya AVM also has its own culture and arts center, which means you can enjoy your cup of coffee after watching your favorite theatre! During the Winter, they usually build up a retro fun fair inside the mall. If you are looking for something fun to do for the next two weeks, you might want to check the mall’s social media accounts from time to time!
Acıbadem, Çeçen Sok. No:25, 34660 Üsküdar/İstanbul
5 – Vadistanbul AVM
Located right next to Galatasaray’s stadium NEF, Vadistanbul is a neighbor of Sarıyer’s forest. Including an outdoor concert venue, various types of restaurants, and a big bowling saloon, Vadistanbul is the right place for you to fill your day with fun! However, try to avoid visiting Vadistanbul on match days since both the mall and public transportation become fantastically crowded and busy.
Ayazağa, Azerbaycan Cd. No: 3/C, 34396 Sarıyer/İstanbul
6 – Galataport
The recent and most popular mall in Istanbul is definitely Galataport! Located in Karaköy, it is a real port. You may encounter big cruise ships as you are looking at the beautiful views there. Did you know they sometimes stop by just to visit the mall? Irreplaceable gourmet food restaurants, luxurious brands, and lovely cafes are other things that can be found within the mall. However, do not forget to wear thick clothes if you are planning on visiting during Winter days! Since it is located right next to the sea and it is an outdoor mall, it is easy to get cold.
Kılıçali Paşa Mah. Meclis-i Mebusan Cad. No: 8 İç Kapı No: 102, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
7 – City’s Nişantaşı
The apple of Nişantaşı’s eye, City’s is one of the most in demand malls in Istanbul. The mall introduced a new concept a few years ago, called “neighborhood floor”. The floor includes lots of gourmet restaurants and food places. If you are into tasting different flavors like me, then City’s is the right place for you! The cinema saloons are also great. They have a huge cinema area. Another advantage is the mall is within walking distance from the metro, and you can easily access it. While taking in the air of Nişantaşı, you can get things done in City’s.
Teşvikiye, Teşvikiye Cd. No:12, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul
8 – Venezia Mega Outlet
The mall is different from other malls in Istanbul because of its concept. Venezia Mega Outlet is based on Venezia as can be understood from its name. The characteristic structure of the mall attracts exceptionally good attention. You can percolate through the canals with gondolas and go boating. However, it is not that close to public transportation, so you may need to check the bus hours before visiting Venezia Mega Outlet.
Küçükköy, Karadeniz Mahallesi Eski Edirne Asfaltı, Metris Kavşağı No:408, 34250 Gaziosmanpaşa/İstanbul
9 – İstinye Park
Along with the marketplace and various stores, İstinye Park is one of the traditional malls in Istanbul. Located in Sarıyer, you have options to go there by metro, minibus, and bus. It is also a mall frequented by students since it is close to some of the universities. The only problem is that it’s a bit crowded on weekends, but isn’t that always a problem in Istanbul anyway?
Pınar, Katar Cd No:11, 34460 Sarıyer/İstanbul
10 – Emaar Square
Just like Akasya, Emaar Square is also located on the Asian side of Istanbul. The mall, which has both inside and outdoor areas, has been in demand for a long time with its architecture and stores. There are both luxury and affordable brands, suitable for people from all strata. At the same time, the mall includes the only aquarium and 4DX cinema of the Asian side. It may be a burden for people who live on the European side to visit there because of its location and distance to public transport, however, it is worth trying if you find the time.
Ünalan, Libadiye Cd. No:88, 34700 Üsküdar/İstanbul
Do you have any other favorite malls? Let’s meet in the comments!
