Forum Istanbul
Kocatepe, Paşa Cd, Bayrampaşa/İstanbul, Turkey, 34045
Forum Istanbul is one of the city’s premier locations for shoppers seeking everything from designer shoes to the latest in electronics. Beyond its many retail stores, you’ll find a range of entertainment activities, including a bowling alley, arcade, and aquarium, making it an ideal destination for the entire family.
The basics
While exploring Forum Istanbul's extensive retail options, you can benefit from tax-free shopping, with refunds ranging from 8-18 percent on select purchases: Simply look for stores with Global Blue or Tax-Free Shopping signs. Beyond retail therapy, the complex offers a range of attractions, such as Sea Life Aquarium, Jurassic Land, and LEGOLAND Discovery Center, alongside a diverse culinary scene, ranging from fast-food chains to authentic Turkish eateries.
Things to know before you go
Istanbul Forum is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Free Wi-Fi is available through the Istanbul Forum network.
If you plan to visit LEGOLAND Discovery Center or Sea Life Aquarium, save time by making ticket purchases online in advance.
How to get there
Located in the heart of the Bayrampasa district, Istanbul Forum is easily accessible by public transportation. The most efficient route is the M1 metro from Yenikapi to Kocatepe station. From there, you can walk a few minutes to the shopping center. Taxi services are also readily available.
When to get there
Forum Istanbul is typically open from 10am to 10pm daily. If possible, visit the mall on weekday mornings, when you can expect fewer people. As the entire center is indoors, it’s a refuge in colder months and cool relief in the summer.
How to get the best deals at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
While the costs are clearly marked at the Forum Istanbul, prices are very much up for debate at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. If you want the best deals on Ottoman rugs, Turkish ceramics, and other souvenirs, you have to be prepared to barter. While this may be a fun challenge for many, it’s a skill that takes some practice. If you want to learn from the best, take a local guide along with you.
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