Shopping malls in Istanbul date back to the late 1980's and once they started appearing, they gained popularity like wildfire. Now almost every neighborhood has at least one, with the biggest and fanciest malls situated close to the Taksim area.
Istanbul's shopping malls are very easy to reach by public transportation, taxi, or on foot, depending where you are located. They are usually open between 10 am and 10 pm, making it easy to spend dedicated time taking advantage of all they have to offer.
Here is a short list of some of our favorite shopping malls in Istanbul:
1. Akmerkez
Located in in Etiler in the Beşiktaş district, this mall is one of the most favored by Istanbul's elite. Akmerkez opened in 1993 and in 1995 was chosen as the best shopping center in Europe. In 1996 it was named the best in the world and subsequently it received the International Design and Development Award. Then in 2010, the mall was awarded the prize for best interior design by European Commercial Property Awards.
Close to the bustling business areas of Levent and Maslak, Akmerkez is a four story building with 250 stores covering 180,000 square meters. Filled with exceptional merchandise, the mall offers free transportation service from close neighborhoods and hotels, making it convenient to do all the shopping you need while in Istanbul.
2. Istinye Park
In the Istinye neighborhood, this mall encompasses 242,000 square meters that includes a huge variety of outdoor and glass-roofed indoor areas, along with a green park, a special “Fashion District,” side street shopping, kids entertainment center, sports and leisure club, bazaar, and 12 movie halls, including an IMAX 3D theater. Built using eco-friendly and service-oriented principles, there are three waste collecting centers, as well as wheelchairs, lockers for valuables, free baby buggies, and immediate tax refunds, among other conveniences.
3. Kanyon
A four story mall in the financial district of Levent, Kanyon covers 37,500 square meters and includes 160 stores. Here you will find a wonderful selection of brands, gourmet restaurants, a cafe, a health and sports club, and a cinema. Awarded with the Cityscape Architectural Review Award in the Commercial Built category in 2006, the mall is extremely popular with locals and tourists a like.
4. City's
A center of fashion, City's is easily found in the Şişli district, very close to Taksim Square. Described as a “lifestyle center,” this mall boasts a variety of excellent stores, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a much coveted parking garage that is open 24 hours a day. If you are short on time during your leisure or business travel in Istanbul, this is just the place for easy shopping.
Stay with Hotel Büyük Keban
Our concierge is always on hand to help you figure out the best places to shop while you’re in Istanbul. And after a day of shopping, you’re going to want to come back to a comfortable room where you can rest your tired feet. You can even take a Turkish style bath in our traditional hammam to completely rejuvenate yourself! Contact us today learn more about our accommodations and amenities!