Istanbul Cevahir Shopping Mall – Tourist Guide

The Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre, locally known as Cevahir AVM, is not just a mall – it’s a city within a city. Opened in 2005, it remains one of the largest shopping centers in Europe, boasting over 340 stores, a massive 100,000+ m² retail area, and one of the world’s largest glass ceilings featuring a giant clock visible from every floor. Whether you’re looking to shop global brands, taste authentic Turkish cuisine, or unwind with entertainment, Cevahir offers a complete urban experience. Its strategic location in Şişli makes it a favorite among locals, expats, and tourists exploring Istanbul’s modern side.

Why Visit Cevahir?

• 📍 Centrally located in Şişli, accessible via metro, metrobus, and taxi.
• 🛒 Combines international brands, Turkish designers, and affordable local stores.
• 🎢 Features cinemas, bowling, and FunLab, an indoor amusement park for families.
• 💳 Offers on-site tax refund services, free Wi-Fi, and family-friendly amenities.
• ☔ Perfect for rainy or hot days thanks to its fully enclosed climate-controlled design.

---

Location & Getting There

Address: 🏠 Büyükdere Caddesi No: 22, 34360 Şişli, Istanbul (next to Şişli Mosque)

Metro Access – The Easiest Way

🚇 Cevahir connects directly to M2 Metro Line at Şişli/Mecidiyeköy Station. Take the Şişli exit, which opens right into the lower floor of the mall. This makes it one of the most accessible shopping destinations in the city.

Other Transport Options

• 🚌 Metrobus: Stop at Mecidiyeköy Station (on the E-5 line), then walk 5–7 minutes north toward Büyükdere Avenue.
• 🚐 Bus/Minibus: Any bus that stops at Şişli Merkez or Mecidiyeköy brings you within a block of the mall.
• 🚖 Taxi/Car: Ask for “Cevahir AVM, Şişli.” The mall offers 2,500+ parking spaces, valet services, and direct access to main roads. Expect traffic delays during rush hours.

💡 Travel Tip: Arrive by metro to skip traffic. You can spend the whole day indoors without stepping outside – ideal for Istanbul’s unpredictable weather.

---

Opening Hours

• ⏰ Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• 🎬 Cinemas and some restaurants: May stay open until midnight.

During Ramadan and public holidays, hours might vary slightly, so check the official website or Google Maps before visiting.

---

Floor-by-Floor Directory

Basement (-1):

• 🔄 Connected directly to M2 Metro Station.
• 👕 Tailors, 🧺 dry cleaning, 🔐 storage lockers, and 🚪 elevators.

Ground Floor (1):

• 🛍️ Supermarket: Migros hypermarket for groceries, snacks, and travel supplies.
• 💻 Electronics: Samsung, LG, Bosch, Siemens showrooms.
• 🏡 Home Decor: Koçtaş, English Home, and small décor boutiques.
• 💱 Services: Currency exchange, ATMs, info desk, and a few cafés.

Floor 2:

• 👗 Fashion & Lifestyle: Zara, H&M, Mango, LC Waikiki, and Koton.
• 🎞️ Entertainment: Cinema lobby for Paribu Cineverse.
• 📚 Bookstore: D&R, offering English titles, music, and souvenirs.
• ☕ Cafés: Starbucks and Simit Sarayı – ideal mid-shopping break spots.

Floor 3:

• 👠 Women’s fashion & accessories: Massimo Dutti, Stradivarius, Oysho, and İpekyol.
• 👧 Children’s fashion: LC Waikiki Kids, Panço.
• 💄 Cosmetics: Sephora, MAC, and Yves Rocher.

Floor 4:

• 👕 Youth and sportswear: Bershka, Pull&Bear, Adidas, Puma, Skechers.
• ⚙️ Tech & Gadgets: Teknosa (phones, laptops, accessories).
• 🏬 Department Stores: Boyner and Decathlon anchor this level.

Floor 5:

• 🍔 Food Court: Over 40 options from international chains (McDonald’s, Burger King, Arby’s) to Turkish favorites (Tavuk Dünyası, HD İskender, Pidem).
• 🎯 FunLab: Family-friendly amusement center, bowling lanes, and arcade.
• 🧸 Toy Stores: Toyzz Shop and Armağan Oyuncak.

Floor 6 (Terrace):

• 🍽️ Sit‑down Restaurants: Big Chefs, Happy Moon’s, SushiCo, Günaydın, Ziyafe Kayseri Mutfağı.
• ☕ Cafés: Mado, Kahve Dünyası, Starbucks Reserve.
• 🎥 Cinema Halls: Paribu Cineverse screens.
• 🎨 Event Area: Occasional art exhibits and seasonal shows.

🧭 Navigation Tip: The mall uses color-coded signs and interactive touch screens for quick orientation. Elevators and escalators are located at every corner.

---

Top Stores & Brands

Cevahir’s mix of global icons and local favorites ensures a complete shopping experience.

Fashion & Apparel

• 🌍 International: Zara, Mango, H&M, Stradivarius, Bershka, Pull&Bear, Marks & Spencer, Victoria’s Secret.
• 🇹🇷 Turkish: LC Waikiki, Mavi, DeFacto, İpekyol, Koton, Altınyıldız Classics, Vakko Boutique.
• 💎 Luxury Accessories: Swarovski, Pandora, Atasay, Altınbaş.

Electronics & Technology

• ⚡ Gadgets: Teknosa, Samsung, LG, Arçelik, Bosch, Siemens, Apple Resellers.
• 📱 Mobile Operators: Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom for tourist SIM cards.

Home, Gifts & Lifestyle

• 🏠 Home Stores: English Home, Madame Coco, Porland, Karaca, Tantitoni, Chakra – great for souvenirs or gifts.

Sports & Outdoor

• 👟 Sportswear: Adidas, Puma, Skechers, Reebok, Columbia.
• 🎽 Gear: Decathlon for camping, yoga, and fitness.

Beauty & Wellness

• 💋 Cosmetics: Sephora, MAC, The Body Shop, Yves Rocher.
• 🧴 Pharmacies & Beauty Stores: Watsons, Gratis, and local eczanes.

---

Dining, Cafés & Food Experiences

Cevahir’s dining scene mirrors Istanbul’s diversity. Whether you crave fast food or traditional Turkish cuisine, you’ll find hundreds of choices.

🍟 Fast Food & Quick Eats

• 🍔 McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, Arby’s, Carl’s Jr., Sbarro, Popeyes.
• 🥙 Turkish chains: Tavuk Dünyası, HD İskender, Kasap Döner, Köfteci Ramiz, Pidem.

🍽️ Sit‑Down Dining

• 🍝 Big Chefs, Happy Moon’s, SushiCo, Günaydın, Ziyafe Kayseri Mutfağı.
• 🥗 Ideal for families and relaxed dinners.

☕ Cafés & Desserts

• 🍨 Mado (ice cream & Turkish desserts), Kahve Dünyası (coffee & chocolate), multiple Starbucks.
• 🥐 Simit Sarayı for classic Turkish breakfast pastries.

🍵 Local Tip: Try a Turkish tea and “simit” combo at Simit Sarayı while watching shoppers from the balcony seating area.

---

Entertainment & Leisure

🎬 Paribu Cineverse (Cinema)

11-screen multiplex showing Hollywood hits (EN audio, TR subtitles) & Turkish films.

🎡 FunLab Entertainment World

• 🎮 Arcade games, 🧩 bumper cars, 🎢 mini roller coaster, 🎳 bowling.
• Perfect for families and couples.

🎭 Cevahir Stage – State Theatre

• Turkish-language dramas, musicals, and plays.

🎉 Seasonal Attractions

• 🎈 Kids’ workshops, 🎵 concerts, 🌟 New Year & Ramadan decorations.

---

Facilities & Services

Cevahir provides everything travelers might need for comfort and convenience:

• 🌐 Free Wi‑Fi: Connect to #FREEWIFICEVAHIR via SMS verification.
• 🙏 Prayer Rooms (Mescit): Separate male/female areas.
• 👶 Baby Care & Family Rooms: Private, clean changing and feeding areas.
• 🔐 Lockers: Secure bag storage.
• ♿ Accessibility: Elevators, ramps, and wheelchair rentals.
• 💸 Tax-Free Refund Desk: 3rd floor; get VAT refunds instantly.
• 💱 ATMs & Exchange: Ground/1st floors with major banks.
• 💇‍♂️ Other: Hair salon, tailor, dry cleaner, first-aid room, and security screening.

⚠️ Safety Note: Security checks at entrances are standard – bags are scanned and detectors used.

---

Suggested Half‑Day Itinerary

1. 🌅 Morning (10:00 – 12:00): Metro arrival → Breakfast at Kahve Dünyası → Explore floors 3–4 (fashion).
2. 🍴 Afternoon (12:30 – 15:00): Lunch at HD İskender → FunLab or cinema.
3. 🌇 Evening (16:00 – 19:00): Souvenir browsing → Dessert at Mado → Atrium people-watching.

---

Practical & Money-Saving Tips

• 🕒 Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays; weekends are busiest.
• 💳 Cash vs Card: Cards accepted; keep TRY for kiosks.
• 💰 VAT Refund: Process it on-site before the airport.
• 🕌 Nearby Attractions: Şişli Mosque, Trump Towers, Nişantaşı, Taksim.
• 📱 Mobile App: Download “CEVO” for navigation and offers.
• 📸 Photography: The glass dome atrium is Insta-worthy!

---

FAQ

🛍️ Is Cevahir worth visiting? Yes – it’s one of Istanbul’s largest, most complete malls.

⏳ How long to spend here? 2–3 hours (shopping) or 4–5 hours (with cinema/FunLab).

👶 Is it child-friendly? Very – strollers, play zones, and baby rooms available.

🎁 Souvenirs? D&R, English Home, and small kiosks sell authentic Turkish gifts.

🗣️ English spoken? Most staff and signage are bilingual.

---

Final Thoughts

Cevahir Mall is more than a shopping destination – it’s a snapshot of modern Istanbul life. Locals mingle with tourists, children play under the grand clock, and the scent of Turkish coffee fills the air. Whether you’re here for shopping, food, or leisure, Cevahir promises comfort, culture, and charm in equal measure.