Turkey Conference Tour 3: Shopping
Turkey is a great place for shopping; here you can kill two birds with one stone, from attending CIKD’s conferences to doing shopping tours at antique shops and chic boutiques, malls, historical bazaars, and local markets.
Istanbul is one of the tourist destinations of Turkey which in recent years has become one of the most popular tourist destinations among the people. The city is a popular destination for all tastes because of its unique tourist attractions and shopping malls.
What to Do Before Shopping?
Before you begin your shopping tour in Istanbul, please note the following points that are necessary for the proper shopping:
- If you are not familiar with the brands in Turkey, we recommend that you study the famous Turkish brands first.
- If you are going to Istanbul for the first time, do not make your purchase from the first shopping mall you see.
- Shopping malls that are closer to popular hotels have more expensive goods.
- Use your tour guide recommendations.
- If you are looking for a specific item, find the proper store to buy it before travel.
- Restaurants in large shopping malls are more expensive.
- Don’t buy from stores that sell their products in dollars or euros because it won’t be profitable.
- Visit local markets.
- Don’t shop near popular tourist attractions because their prices are higher.
- Bargain before buying.
With all these points in mind, here we will introduce you the shopping malls and centers in Istanbul that have good quality and are affordable for middle-class tourists:
Grand Bazaar
Called Kapalı Çarşı in Turkish, meaning Covered Market, Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest indoor bazaars in the world which is very popular and attracts many tourists every year.
Located inside the Walled city of Istanbul, in the district of Fatih, the Grand Bazaar was built in the 15th century (1461) under the command of Fatih Sultan Mehmet (Mehmed the Conqueror); its aesthetic design resembles a giant maze.
Having about 4,000 different shops covered with roofs and domes, Grand Bazaar has become the largest shopping spot in Istanbul. Although the number of new luxury shops and commercial complexes being built is steadily increasing due to the interest of tourists in Turkey’s historic cities, especially Istanbul, many tourists continue to prefer traditional and historical markets for shopping. People in Istanbul also love the old bazaars and markets more than luxury megamalls.
In Grand Bazaar, you can find a variety of goods for shopping, including antiques, jewelry, carpet, rugs, textiles, ornaments, various kinds of spices, teas, coffees, …, colorful crafts, clothes, shoes, and etc.
If you are looking to buy traditional Istanbul souvenirs for your family and friends, this place is a good choice if you certainly bargain over price!
All shops in the Grand Bazaar open from Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 19:00. It is closed on Sundays. By the way, you should check opening times before visiting on national holidays.
Olivium Outlet Center
Turkish people always suggest Olivium Outlet Center as far as affordable shopping in Istanbul is concerned. A variety of goods are sold in this 4-story commercial complex and in many cases, stores offer products on sale. Opened in 2000, it currently has 118 stores and 19 cafes and restaurants. Olivium has 9 cinemas, 1 theater, a children’s playground, a bowling salon, and a parking lot which places 1,200 cars. This center is located in the working-class district of Zeytinburnu in Istanbul, Turkey.
Mall of Istanbul
Mall of Istanbul is one of the most famous, amazing yet affordable shopping centers in Istanbul. This mall has the largest and the most complex cinema in Istanbul, the largest indoor amusement park and the most distinctive artistic stage.
Optimum Outlet
Optimum Outlet has branches in Ankara and Istanbul. This shopping center is located in the Atashihir area, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Istanbul. Note that the Optimum Outlet is a more affordable place for shopping than the other shopping malls in this neighborhood.
Istanbul Cevahir
Located on the European side of Istanbul in Şişli, one of Istanbul’s most popular neighborhoods, Cevahir shopping center is the largest mall in Europe and the second-largest shopping mall in the world. It opened in 2005 and has about 350 shops.
Viaport Asia Outlet
Viaport Asia Outlet is also on Istanbul’s list of affordable shopping malls. This complex opened in 2008 and is known as Istanbul’s most visited lifestyle shopping mall. There are about 250 shops in Viaport. The design of the mall is such that some parts of the shops are outdoor so you can sit in the cafés and restaurants and enjoy your day.
Starcity Outlet Center
The variety of products and reasonable prices are positive features of Starcity Outlet Center and have made it into the list of affordable shopping malls in Istanbul. Starcity Outlet is close to Istanbul Atatürk Airport. The mall has already attracted Turkish and foreign tourists. It opened in 2016 and is now one of Istanbul’s most popular shopping malls. You can find all types of Turkish brands here.
Kanyon Shopping Center
Kanyon is located in one of Istanbul’s most famous neighborhoods, Şişli. It opened in 2006, so it’s not a modern business complex. The Canyon Mal is part of a 30-story tower with about 160 shops. Canyon Mal is one of the most popular places to visit in Istanbul because it has 9 theaters which are open to the public every day.
Zorlu Center
Zorlu Center is one of the most luxurious shopping centers in Istanbul. This 5-story shopping center is a building with attractive architecture and a gathering place for best world brands. It also hosts the largest art center. The mall, which has become a hangout place for shopping fans in recent years, has four different floors and is also known as the center for the performance arts.
Forum İstanbul
One of the biggest shopping malls in Istanbul that can easily take a day to visit is Forum İstanbul. All top brands in the world have branches in this mall, which is to say, not only in Turkey but in Europe, it is a very popular shopping center. You will find three of the best Istanbul amusement parks in Forum İstanbul.
Palladium AVM
This shopping center is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and is home to Turkish and international brands. Palladium has five floors and is a massive place and one of the most iconic sites in the city. As one of the most luxurious and diverse centers in Istanbul, Palladium has 190 stores, its in-built theatre, cafes and a large fitness center and more than 20 restaurants.
Istinye Park
Istinye Park shopping center is a large shopping site in Sarıyer district of Istanbul and has at least 300 stores, featuring the best Turkish and international brands, unique cafes and restaurants. If you’re into film and theater, IMAX 3D Co. has launched its first movie theater in Turkey in Istanbul, which is spectacular.
Tag:cikd, Commercial Places, conference, Istanbul, Shopping, Turkey