For most people that come to visit Istanbul, the city is synonymous with shopping, and who can blame them? After all, Istanbul is home to the oldest and biggest closed market in the world, the famous Grand Bazaar. However, some people’s idea of shopping tends to extend beyond souvenirs like a box of Turkish delight or an authentic rug. For those, a trip to Istanbul can be as exciting as shopping on NYC’s Fifth Avenue or the Champs Elyse in Paris. Turkey has always been a textile and fashion hot spot and for the avid shopper with a yearning to discover local and foreign brands at reasonable prices, there are also the mega malls and outlets of recent years. These are 21^st century versions of the historical Grand Bazaar and thousands flock everyday into these centers for some serious shopping. Most of these outlets are located outside the city center, close to the newly developing investment properties of the rapidly expanding city. Yet, most of them have free shuttle service and they are totally worth the trip.  Without further ado, here’s our guide to the best outlet shopping in town.

Airport Outlet

Located in Ataköy, very close to Istanbul Atatürk Airport and boasting over 100 different stores, this outlet includes name brands such as Armani, Versace, Fred Perry, Vakko, Sarar, İpekyol, Fabrika, Mudo, İGS and Beymen Business. It also houses an ice skating rink and cinemas. Ataköy is also home to some of the city’s first and largest housing projects and includes some of the best luxury apartments for sale in Istanbul.

212 Power Outlet

Located between industrial zones Bağcılar and İkitelli, this asymmetrical architectural wonder is comprised of over 100 shops. Cacharel, Damat, Herry, Mudo and Stefanel among other brands await shopping enthusiasts with discounts up to 80%. There is also a bowling alley to take the edge of after some hardcore shopping. Recently there has been a steep increase in prices of flats and apartments for sale in Istanbul in general and this area is no different, thanks to the newly extended subway line. Free shuttle service gets you there easily, but there is also a planned subway station right underneath currently in the works.

Istanbul Outlet Park

This newly opened outlet center is situated between Avcılar, Büyük Çekmece and Beylikdüzü, three major residential areas that have become the rising stars of property investment in Istanbul. Over 100 shops within this giant complex include both adult brands like YKM, Calvin Klein, Puma, Sarar, Morgan, Elle, Shoe&Me, Camel and kids brands like Disney, Joy's Polo, B&G Kids, Rodi Kids.

Olivium Mall

This is the oldest and biggest outlet center in Istanbul, conveniently located in Zeytinburnu, halfway between Atatürk Airport, Taksim and Yenikapı Ferry Terminal. This award-winning outlet is home to brands such as Mudo, Desa, Hotiç, Mango, Park Bravo, Cacharel and Damat among many others. With discounts up to 90% on off-season items, this place is a must for anyone, who truly wants to go on a shopping spree. The great location of Zeytinburnu also makes it an ideal spot for real estate investment in Istanbul. Recently, a gigantic city park opened in the area, attracting the attention of even more people, who are interested in apartments and flats for sale in Istanbul.

Viaport

Located in Pendik on the Asian side, (compared to the above outlets, all of which are located on the European side) this place is close to Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Again easily reachable by shuttle service, Viaport rocks close to 200 shops including brands such as Vakko, Beymen, Samsonite, Hotiç and Network.