Wanna go shopping but not sure where to start? Check out malls in Istanbul

If you’re someone who enjoys shopping, then Istanbul should be at the top of your travel list! Here, shopping isn’t just about buying things—it’s part of the whole travel experience. The city blends the old and the new in a way you won’t find anywhere else. One moment, you're wandering through historic bazaars filled with the scent of spices and handmade goods, and the next, you're stepping into a world of elegance inside some of the largest and most modern malls in Istanbul.

What makes malls in Istanbul special is that they’re not just shopping centers. They’re complete lifestyle destinations—with global and local brands, stylish cafés and restaurants, cinemas, kids’ play areas, and even seaside views! Nearly every neighborhood has its own mall with a unique vibe. Some feel like you're in Dubai, while others bring you right to the shores of the Bosphorus.

So if you're coming to Istanbul and don’t set aside a couple of days to explore its top malls, you’re seriously missing out. In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of some of the best-known malls in Istanbul—like Aqua Florya, Emaar Square, and Cevahir Mall—for a shopping experience like no other.

Aqua Florya – Shopping by the sea like never before

If you’re looking for a shopping experience that’s completely different from anything you've tried before, Aqua Florya is the place. Located in the upscale Florya district, right on the European coast of Istanbul near the former Atatürk Airport, it's super easy to get there by car or taxi from the city center.

What makes Aqua Florya stand out is its stunning location—the mall opens directly onto the Sea of Marmara, with a long terrace that stretches along the water. You’ll find people walking, sipping coffee, and taking pictures with the waves in the background.

The mall has 4 floors (2 underground and 2 above ground), with more than 140 shops covering all kinds of categories—from fashion and shoes to cosmetics, electronics, and kids’ products.

If you're a fan of upscale shopping surrounded by nature, don’t miss visiting Vadistanbul — a destination that brings together everything you love.

What stores will you find at Aqua Florya?

As one of the standout malls in Istanbul, Aqua Florya offers a great mix of international and local brands. You’ll find stylish clothing stores for men and women, as well as shoe shops, beauty stores, and electronics. You can shop at global names like Zara and Mango for your go-to casual looks, or check out Turkish favorites like Mavi and LC Waikiki for affordable fashion and variety. There’s also a kids' section with clothing and toy stores, making it a family-friendly spot.

What about food and cafés?

After shopping, you can take a break at one of the many cafés or restaurants inside the mall. Some offer direct sea views and serve Turkish and international cuisine. You’ll find places like BigChefs and Midpoint if you're looking for a nice sit-down meal, or grab a coffee at Starbucks or Mado while watching the waves.

And the surprise? The aquarium!

Right next to the mall is the Istanbul Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. It features over 17 themed areas representing marine environments from around the world. It’s an ideal stop for families with kids and includes interactive exhibits, cafés, and even restaurants inside.

Emaar Square – A taste of Dubai in the heart of Istanbul

If you're into luxury shopping and elegant vibes, then Emaar Square should be high on your list. Located in the Üsküdar district on Istanbul’s Asian side, the mall has a sleek, modern design inspired by Dubai-style malls—spacious, polished, and enjoyable to explore.

One of the best things about Emaar Square is that it’s more than just a mall—it’s a lifestyle destination. There’s a massive high-tech cinema, a boutique museum, a family-friendly aquarium, and even a hotel and residence complex connected to the mall itself.

What stores will you find at Emaar Square?

The mall features high-end global brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Cartier, alongside popular names like Zara, Massimo Dutti, and Victoria’s Secret. You’ll even find an Apple Store and plenty of other choices for clothing, accessories, fragrances, and gift shopping.

What about food and cafés?

Emaar Square has something for every taste. If you’re a fan of Turkish cuisine, try Gunaydin—famous for its grilled meats. For international options, there’s The House Cafe, Sushico for sushi lovers, Shake Shack for burgers, and Eataly for a refined Italian meal. And when you just want to chill with coffee, you can stop by Starbucks, Espressolab, or Kahve Dünyası, all offering cozy seating in the mall’s elegant atmosphere.

In short, Emaar Square is one of the most luxurious malls in Istanbul, perfect for those looking for a complete, upscale shopping and leisure experience away from the busy crowds.

Cevahir Mall – Istanbul’s classic shopping hub

If you’re looking for a mall that’s practical, central, and has everything you need, then Cevahir Mall is your go-to. Located in the lively Şişli district, one of the busiest areas in Istanbul, it’s super accessible by metro, bus, or even on foot from Taksim.

Cevahir Mall is one of the oldest and most iconic malls in Istanbul, and it’s still going strong despite the city’s newer additions, because it’s big, convenient, and simply gets the job done.

What stores will you find at Cevahir Mall?

There’s a wide range of both international and local stores. For clothing, check out Zara, Mango, and Pull & Bear. For budget-friendly Turkish options, there’s Koton and Defacto. You’ll also find toy stores, electronics shops, bookstores, and home goods.

What about food and entertainment?

The top floor of the mall is mostly dedicated to food, with options like Burger King, Popeyes, Sbarro, and Usta Dönerci for Turkish dishes. If you want something more relaxed, head to Starbucks or Mado for coffee and Turkish desserts.

For families, there’s an indoor kids’ play area and a large cinema showing the latest movies, making Cevahir a great all-day option.

Shopping in Istanbul isn’t just about modern malls — the city beautifully blends tradition and modernity in its markets. If you’d like to explore this side more, check out this article: Markets of Istanbul: From Traditional Bazaars to Modern Malls.

Conclusion

Istanbul never stops amazing us, and even shopping here feels like a special experience. Whether you're by the sea at Aqua Florya, enjoying luxury at Emaar Square, or keeping things simple at Cevahir Mall, one thing is guaranteed: you’ll have a great time.

Malls in Istanbul aren’t just for buying stuff. They’re for relaxing, eating, snapping photos, making memories, and enjoying every moment. So if you’re planning a trip to Istanbul soon, don’t forget to add these malls to your list—they’re truly worth it.