Mall of Istanbul

The basics

Home to more than 350 stores, the Mall of Istanbul has everything from international brands like Zara, H&M, and Mango to traditional Turkish shops, luxury designers, toy stores, and technology stores. A visit to the mall is also included on several Istanbul sightseeing and shopping tours, and its location—en route to the airport—makes it a popular choice of layover tours.

Things to know before you go

• The Mall of Istanbul is a great place to entertain kids of all ages, with its theme park, cinema, and a variety of toy stores and food outlets.

• Architecture enthusiasts will also want to check out the mall—its gleaming high-rise towers and futuristic interiors are inspired by Istanbul’s most memorable monuments.

• There are restrooms, prayer rooms, ATMs, and a huge food court on-site, plus plenty of free covered parking and a taxi stand.

• The mall is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

The Mall of Istanbul is located in the Basaksehir district, about 12 miles (20 kilometers) northwest of downtown. By car or bus, it’s about a 45-minute drive along the TEM highway. You can also take the subway from the city—the mall is at the Masko stop on the M9 (yellow) line.

When to get there

The mall is open daily from morning to night; the MOI park opens at midday. It’s busiest on the weekends and during school holidays, so go on a weekday if you want to avoid the crowds.

Shopping in Istanbul

While the Mall of Istanbul provides an international shopping experience, the city is best known for its Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, where you can find everything from traditional Turkish handicrafts and souvenirs to an array of herbs, spices, nuts, and Turkish sweets. Other shopping hubs include the bustling Istiklal Street; the Galata neighborhood, where you’ll find many small independent boutiques; and the Balat district, known for its many antique shops, vintage stores, and markets.