Zorlu Center

Zorlu Center is one of the most stylish and modern malls in Istanbul. The architecture is beautiful, the open-air areas feel lively, and the whole place has a premium vibe. The shopping options are great — from luxury brands to everyday stores — and everything is very clean and well-organized. The food court and restaurants are excellent, offering many choices from quick bites to fine dining. It’s also one of the best places in the city for coffee and desserts. The atmosphere is safe and family-friendly, and the outdoor terraces are perfect for relaxing. Transportation is easy with the metro connection, and parking is huge but sometimes crowded on weekends. Overall, it’s a great spot for shopping, dining, or just walking around. One of my favorite malls in Istanbul.

Zorlu Center in November and December is absolutely magical. The whole place transforms into a cozy winter escape with beautiful Christmas decorations, sparkling lights, and festive New Year vibes that instantly lift your mood. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the cold season, walk around with a warm drink, and socialize with friends. Whether you’re shopping, relaxing in the cafes, or just soaking in the holiday atmosphere, Zorlu feels lively, welcoming, and full of winter charm. Highly recommended if you want to enjoy Istanbul’s festive season at its best.

Disappointing experience Zorlu Center is undeniably beautiful — spacious, filled with high-end boutiques, and a wide variety of restaurants. The staff I interacted with were kind, polite, and helpful, which made a good impression. These are definitely the positive aspects. However, the navigation system in the mall is extremely confusing. The maps are poorly designed — it’s almost impossible to understand where you are at any given moment or how one floor connects to another. The printed guide only shows isolated floor plans without any clear relation between the levels, and the electronic directories don’t provide orientation either. Moving from one area to another is a real challenge. The most unpleasant part, though, is the pervasive smoking. It’s beyond comprehension how smoking can be allowed in a place that brands itself as luxurious and world-class. People smoke everywhere — inside and outside, on the terraces between luxury boutiques like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton, in restaurants, near the taxi area, even close to the parking and bookstores. The air is constantly filled with heavy cigarette smoke, making it impossible to enjoy food or shopping. This completely ruins the atmosphere and reflects a lack of culture and social etiquette. You can call a place as luxurious as you want, but if it reeks of smoke from three kilometers away, it simply cannot be considered a luxury destination. Truly disappointing and unworthy of the image it tries to project.

Did not expect a place like this in Istanbul. Amazing is all I can say LV, Gucci, Apple, food court just some of the venues at this location. I went there to visit an eye surgeon on the 43rd floor, so imagine my delight to feel as if I was back home in the states. Wow is all I can say, there is security to get in, but once there your eyes will feast on store back home. Fun to see this in Istanbul, who knew, not me

Nice shopping center with many shops, cafes and restaurants. It is not that big but has many big brands and has a small outdoor area. It is also connected to the metro station through the tunnel.

Step into this store and suddenly feel like you should be sipping espresso in Milan — even if you just came in for a new shirt. The layout is elegant, the lighting is flattering (to both clothes and wallets), and the mannequins are dressed better than I am at weddings. Staff here are polite and stylish, but don’t expect them to hover — they’re more the “I’m here if you need me” type, which honestly fits the vibe. Prices? Let’s say you’re paying for the feeling of sophistication. A white shirt here costs more than my monthly internet bill, but hey — it’s a very refined white shirt. Sizes can be hit or miss (either too Spanish-slim or mysteriously oversized), and trying to find the fitting room sometimes feels like a side quest. Still, for timeless, clean-cut pieces, this is a go-to. Would I buy a whole wardrobe here? No. Would I come back to “accidentally” buy one expensive sweater and pretend it was on sale? Absolutely.

The center is a four-tower, five-function structure group, including a public square, residential development, hotel, and office space. The design is stated to be "shaped by a modern understanding of architecture", based on the concept of a historical town square, incorporating "bold geometric lines that frame the sky, as well as large expanses of greenery".

I had the chance to visit Zorlu Performans Sanatları Merkezi (Zorlu PSM) and it was an outstanding experience. This is one of the most modern and impressive cultural centers in Istanbul, hosting everything from Broadway musicals and international concerts to local theater, opera, and art events. The venue itself is stunning—designed with state-of-the-art acoustics, comfortable seating, and excellent visibility from almost every angle. The sound and lighting systems are world-class, which makes every performance feel truly immersive. The architecture and design of the building also add to the atmosphere, giving it a very modern yet welcoming feel. It’s located inside Zorlu Center, so it’s very convenient with direct metro access, plenty of dining options, and easy parking. The staff is well-organized and professional, making entry and seating smooth even during big shows. Whether you’re into music, theater, or cultural performances, Zorlu PSM is a must-visit for anyone living in or visiting Istanbul. It really brings the city’s arts and culture scene to an international level.