Istanbul Shopping Tips by H-TownJourneyman

Kanyon: Open-Air Modern Shopping Complex

Kanyon, which opened in 2006, is a huge shopping mall, office building, and residential apartment complex, situated in the financial district of Levent. The 4 story mall has a fabulous futuristic design, and is open-air. At night, the blue and purple lighting gives it an even more unique and fashionable appearance. Among the 160 stores located here, there are several cafes and restaurants, department and clothing stores, a car dealership, a grocery store, a fitness center, and a cinema. When I was here, on the first floor there was even a jazz concert being put on. In addition to the mall, there is a 26 story office building, and 179 residential apartments available for rent. Quite an incredible structure, and Istanbul's newest shopping experience!

Address: Büyükdere Caddesi No:185

Directions: Located in Levent

Phone: +90 212 353 53 00

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.kanyon.com.tr/

Metrocity Shopping Mall: Levent Shopping Mall

If you are looking for a modern shopping complex while in Istanbul, this is the place for you! Metrocity Shopping Mall is located in the business & financial district of Levent, an area not frequented by tourists as much as other parts of the city. The mall has over 150 retail stores, selling everything from clothes to electronics. There are also several restaurants located within the food court. The mall is illuminated naturally during the day by the transparent panels that serve as a roof, whic is actually quite nice.
Not a very touristy place to visit, this mall is more of a place for locals to do their shopping, just as in most major cities. But if you are missing that favorite mall from back where you are from, you might just feel right at home here!

Address: Büyükdere Caddesi No:171

Directions: Located in Levent - Take the metro to the Levent stop

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.metrocity.com.tr/

Istiklal Caddesi: Dining, Nightlife, & Shopping!

Istiklal Caddesi is one of the most popular streets in all of Istanbul, known for it's many stores & shops, restaurants, and nightlife spots. The area around Istiklal Caddesi is commonly referred to as "Taksim" by locals, due to it's proximity to Taksim Square. The avenue itself is closed to vehicles, and you can easily see why when you pass down it, as there are thousands of people throughout much of the day and night here walking the street. During the 19th century, the avenue was named "Caddesi Kebir", or "Grand Avenue", and the area was popular amongst foreigners as well as an area more "westernized" than many other parts of Istanbul. After the formation of the Turkish Republic in the 1920's, it's name was changed to "Istiklal", or "Independence". Along with it's noted shopping, dining, and nightlife, it is also a great place to relax on a bench and do some people watching, or take a ride on the nostalgic 19th century tram that runs down the avenue.

Directions: Located in Taksim, Istiklal Caddesi runs directly into Taksim Square

Theme: Other