Emaar Square Mall, located in the Ünalan district on Istanbul’s Asian side, opened in 2017 as part of a mixed-use development including residences, offices, and a hotel. The mall has been one of the parts of social life in Istanbul since April 28, 2017.
The mall spans 138,000 square meters across 6 floors and houses 415 stores, 52 restaurants, and parking for 4,200 vehicles. Within the shopping center area, you can reach shops that will appeal to all tastes, enjoy the entertainment areas for both yourself and your child while enjoying your meal and drinking your coffee.
Quick Facts
| Address | Ünalan Mh., Libadiye Cd. No: 88, 34700 Üsküdar, Istanbul Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps |
|---|---|
| District | Üsküdar |
| Metro | Göztepe (M4 (Kadıköy–Kartal), About 15–20 min walk or use dolmuş (minibus)) |
| Opening hours | Mon-Sun 10:00-22:00 |
| Admission | free |
| Best time to visit | Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather for the journey and moderate crowding. Summer (June–August) brings peak tourist season and heavier mall crowds, though air conditioning makes indoor shopping comfortable. Winter is quieter but weather can be wet. Weekday mornings and early afternoons (10:00–15:00) are the quietest times; avoid weekends and Friday evenings. Major Turkish holidays and school break periods (late July–early September, December) bring significantly higher crowds. |
| Recommended duration | 2–4 hours |
| Website | emaarsquaremall.com |
| Operating status confirmed | October 2026 |
What Is (and Isn't) Part of a Visit to Emaar Square Mall?
| Part | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shopping mall | Included in the standard ticket | All 415 stores and public areas are accessible with free mall entry. |
| Emaar Aquarium & Underwater Zoo | Separate ticket or institution | Located within Emaar Square but requires a separate admission ticket. |
| Cinema | Separate ticket or institution | Tickets purchased separately; films shown in multiple formats. |
| Museum of Illusions | Separate ticket or institution | Interactive museum requiring separate admission ticket. |
| Ice rink | Separate ticket or institution | Separate facility with its own operating hours and pricing. |
| The Address Hotel | Outside / not part of it | Part of the Emaar Square Complex but a separate five-star hotel; not part of the shopping mall. |
| Residential towers | Outside / not part of it | Residential apartments and offices in the complex are not open to the public. |
Why Visit Emaar Square Mall?
The tenant mix emphasizes luxury brands, international fashion retailers like Zara and Boyner, electronics outlets such as MediaMarkt, and diverse dining options ranging from fast food to Turkish cuisine. The mall offers various leisure options, such as entertainment centers, an ice rink, a large movie theater, and an underwater zoo.
The mall has indoor and outdoor stores, providing a sheltered area on one hand; on the other hand, it has an architecture that does not deprive its visitors of the free and spacious street air. The six-floor structure hosts 415 stores and 52 restaurants.
Highlights of Emaar Square Mall
Emaar Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
The aquarium holds 20,000 marine organisms. Located as a dedicated attraction within the mall, it offers an extensive walk-through underwater experience with viewing tanks and interactive areas. This is one of the major draws for families and a significant feature distinguishing Emaar Square from other shopping destinations in Istanbul.
Tip: Visit the aquarium either early in the morning or on weekday afternoons to avoid the heaviest crowds; tickets are purchased separately from mall entry.
Fashion and Luxury Shopping
The mall features the most luxurious global trademarks such as Galeries Lafayette, Gucci, Cartier, and Hermes, not to mention shops for selling home accessories, furniture, electronic gadgets, cosmetics, and children supply. These brands cluster across multiple floors, making fashion the strongest category in the mall.
Tip: Use the free mall directory on the official website to locate specific stores before your visit; the mall is large and easy to get turned around in.
Dining and Food Court
The mall has 52 restaurants offering a range of options. The dining areas include fast-food chains, Turkish cuisine, international restaurants, and cafes spread across dedicated food court floors and throughout the mall's six levels.
Tip: Lunch hours (12:00–14:00) and early dinner (18:00–19:30) are the busiest times in food areas; visit outside these hours for shorter waits.
Cinema and Entertainment
The mall features a large movie theater and entertainment centers. The cinema includes multiple screens showing mainstream and Turkish films with varying screen formats.
Tip: Check the official website or cinema website for current film schedules; English-language films often have Turkish subtitles rather than dubbed versions.
Ice Rink
An ice rink is available within the mall's leisure facilities. This seasonal or year-round ice skating venue serves families and individuals looking for active entertainment beyond shopping.
Tip: Ice rink hours and pricing differ from the mall's main hours; check the mall's website or contact the venue directly.
Museum of Illusions
Located within Emaar Square, this interactive museum features optical illusions and immersive displays designed to surprise and entertain visitors of all ages. It occupies a dedicated space within the larger complex.
Tip: This attraction requires a separate ticket beyond mall entry and typically takes 45–60 minutes to explore thoroughly.
Atmosphere
Emaar Square Mall feels spacious and relatively calm compared to Istanbul’s more crowded shopping destinations. The indoor and outdoor design provides a sheltered area while maintaining free and spacious street air. The architecture combines gleaming modern interiors with open-air elements that feel less claustrophobic than enclosed malls.
Weekday mornings and early afternoons are noticeably quieter, with families, students and office workers gradually filling the space during afternoons and evenings. Weekends bring heavy crowds, especially in the food court and entertainment areas. The mall’s sheer size means crowding is distributed across six floors, so one area may be full while others remain manageable.
The atmosphere is upmarket without feeling unwelcoming; shoppers range from locals buying everyday items to tourists seeking luxury brands. Evening hours after 18:00 draw social crowds and couples, making the mall a gathering place as much as a shopping destination.
History of Emaar Square Mall
Emaar Square Mall opened on April 28, 2017. It was developed as part of a mixed-use development including residences, offices, and a hotel.
The broader Emaar Square Complex is a mixed-use skyscraper complex located in Ünalan, on Libadiye Caddesi. Construction started in 2012 and was completed in 2020. The complex consists of seven towers, with the tallest one (the Emaar Square The Address Hotel & Residences) standing at 245 meters tall with 51 floors, which is the current 6th tallest building in Istanbul.
Emaar Square consists of more than 1,000 high-end residences and 40,000 square meters of office space, hosting approximately 5,000 professionals as well as the Emaar Square Shopping Mall. Emaar Square is Emaar’s second combined project in Turkey. The initial Tuscan Valley homes project has been completed and is now a flourishing neighborhood, including the Tuscan Shopping Arcade and the Dolce Vita Club.
The mall’s design drew inspiration from Emaar’s flagship property, the Dubai Mall, reflecting the developer’s ambition to create a world-class retail destination on Istanbul’s Asian side. The opening of the mall in 2017 redefined the retail landscape in Üsküdar, drawing shoppers away from the European side and establishing a new commercial hub.
Tickets and Booking for Emaar Square Mall
Entry to the shopping mall itself is free. Most international credit and debit cards are accepted at shops and restaurants; ATMs are located throughout the mall. Turkish lira is the standard currency, though some premium outlets may accept euros or dollars.
Minibus (dolmuş) service passes through the back entrance of the mall; the main Entrance Gate No. 1 is on Libadiye Street. Before 10:00 am, all visitors must use Entrance Gate No. 1. Taxis are available in front of the main entrance, and a taxi stop is specifically marked.
Bag checks are standard at the entrance; remove items from bags and expect brief security screening. Self-checkout options are available in many stores but not universal; ask store staff if unsure. For specific store information or mall amenities, consult the official website at emaarsquaremall.com.
Suggested itineraries Emaar Square Mall
2 hours
Enter via Gate 1 on Libadiye Street. Browse the ground and first-floor fashion and luxury brands (Zara, Gucci, Cartier area) for 45 minutes. Lunch or coffee in the food court (30 minutes). Quick visit to the Emaar Aquarium or Museum of Illusions (45 minutes; check which has shorter queues). Exit before 15:00 to avoid afternoon crowds.
3–4 hours
Arrive early and visit the Emaar Aquarium first (90 minutes) when crowds are lighter. Browse fashion floors (60 minutes). Lunch in the food court (45 minutes). Explore home goods and electronics on upper floors (45 minutes). Browse a few luxury stores or try the ice rink if time permits.
Half day (4–5 hours)
Visit the Emaar Aquarium and Museum of Illusions (2 hours combined). Explore all six shopping floors systematically, floor by floor (2–2.5 hours). Lunch or dinner in the food court or dedicated restaurants (45 minutes–1 hour). Evening browsing, cinema visit, or social gathering. Leave after 19:00 when crowds thin or stay into evening for dining and entertainment.
How to Get to Emaar Square Mall
By Metro: Take the M4 line (Kadıköy–Kartal) and get off at Göztepe Station. Walk east for about 15–20 minutes following signs to Emaar Square, or take a minibus (dolmuş) heading toward the mall from the bus stops near the station.
By Minibus (Dolmuş): Minibuses from the Göztepe area heading toward Bulgurlu pass through the mall’s back entrance. The Libadiye Street route is most direct.
By Taxi: A taxi from central Istanbul (Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu) takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic; the journey costs moderate to upscale fare. Taxis wait at the main entrance (Gate 1).
By Car: The mall has a 4,200-space multi-storey car park with clearly marked entrances. Parking is paid and relatively affordable for Istanbul standards.
Accessibility
No detailed accessibility information is published on the official website. The mall's modern design (opened 2017) suggests wheelchair access via main entrances, elevators on all six floors, and accessible restrooms are likely available, but specific details such as accessible parking spots, companion ticket policies, or accessible dining areas are not confirmed. Contact the mall directly at the phone number on the official website to confirm accessibility features before your visit.
Food Nearby
Fifty-two restaurants and cafes operate within the mall across six floors and dedicated food courts, offering everything from fast food to Turkish cuisine to international fine dining. Options range from local brands like Zula Restaurant and chains like McDonald's and KFC to upmarket venues. The food court is a primary gathering area; restaurants are scattered throughout for variety. No major dining venues are located outside the mall within immediate walking distance; plan to eat inside.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes for six floors of shopping. A water bottle—the mall is air-conditioned but large-scale exploration is tiring. Cash (Turkish lira) and at least one international credit or debit card. A light jacket even in summer, as air conditioning can be strong. Sunglasses and sunscreen if visiting during midday; the outdoor elements mean some sun exposure. Expect standard security screening at the entrance; clear bags or allow extra time for bag checks.
Photography Rules
Photography is generally permitted in shopping and dining areas for personal use. Tripod and professional equipment use requires permission from mall management; ask at the information desk. Flash is not restricted in most areas but refrain from using it in restaurants and public seating areas out of courtesy. Drone use is prohibited. Some stores may restrict photography of their window displays or interiors; respect individual store signs.
Family Suitability
Highly suitable for families. The Emaar Aquarium and Museum of Illusions cater to children ages 3–12. The ice rink and arcade gaming areas appeal to older kids and teenagers. The food court offers diverse, quick options for families with different tastes. Stroller access is good across all six floors via elevators and wide corridors. Some areas, especially crowded food courts and narrow clothing aisles on peak days, can be challenging with strollers. The mall's scale (138,000 square meters) may overwhelm small children; plan shorter visits or divide exploration over multiple trips.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- The mall's official website has a store directory searchable by brand name or category. Use it to locate specific shops before visiting, as the six-floor layout with 415 stores is easy to navigate inefficiently without a plan.
- Entrance Gate No. 1 on Libadiye Street is the main entrance and best starting point; avoid the back minibus entrance unless arriving by dolmuş, as signage from there is less clear.
- Midweek mornings before 12:00 pm offer the best shopping experience with minimal crowds. Friday evenings and all-day Saturday draw heavy crowds; if you dislike crowded malls, avoid these times entirely.
- The food court can reach capacity by 12:30–13:30. Either eat before noon, after 14:30, or visit one of the scattered restaurants on other floors, which have more seating but usually longer service times.
- The mall's size tempts visitors to explore endlessly, but aim to complete your visit within 3–4 hours maximum. After this, foot fatigue sets in and returns diminish; plan your priorities and stick to them.
- Parking is available but can be difficult during peak hours; if driving, arrive early or use public transport instead. The M4 metro is faster than fighting traffic on weekends.
Explore Nearby Emaar Square Mall
Sights near Emaar Square Mall
Maiden's Tower – about 6.0 km away · typical visit: 1–1.5 hoursOpen daily 09:00–18:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Camlica Mosqueabout 3.5 km away · typical visit: 2–3 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Camlica Hill – about 6.8 km away · typical visit: 1–2 hoursOpen daily 10:00–21:30Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Rumeli Fortress – about 9.1 km away · typical visit: 1–2 hours7 min on foot from Aşiyan metro, Open 09:00–17:00, closed MonMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Müze Gazhane – about 2.5 km away · typical visit: 1.5–2.5 hours9 min on foot from Acıbadem metro, Open 10:00–18:00, closed MonMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Camlica Tower – about 2.9 km away · typical visit: 1–2 hours2 min on foot from Altunizade metro, Open daily 10:00–22:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Metro stations near Emaar Square Mall
Göztepe – about 1.1 km away (~18 min walk)Open daily 06:00–00:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: Emaar Square Mall
Is there direct metro access to Emaar Square Mall?
Take the M4 metro line (Kadıköy–Kartal) and get off at Göztepe Station. From there, it is a 15–20 minute walk or a short dolmuş (minibus) ride to the mall's back entrance. No metro line goes directly into the mall itself.
How large is the mall and how long should I spend there?
The mall spans 138,000 square meters across 6 floors with 415 stores and 52 restaurants. Plan 2–4 hours depending on your shopping priorities. Many visitors underestimate the size and end up tired; break your visit into focused zones rather than trying to see everything.
Are the aquarium and other attractions included in mall entry?
No. Entry to the shopping mall is free, but the Emaar Aquarium, Museum of Illusions, cinema, and ice rink each require separate paid admission. Check the mall's website for current pricing and hours for these facilities.
Is Emaar Square Mall free to enter?
Yes, entry to the shopping mall itself is completely free. You pay only when you shop or visit separate attractions like the aquarium.
What payment methods are accepted?
Most international credit and debit cards are accepted at shops and restaurants. Turkish lira is the standard currency. ATMs are located throughout the mall for cash withdrawals.
Is the mall crowded on weekends?
Yes, significantly. Weekends (Saturday and Friday evenings) are the busiest times, especially between 12:00–19:00. Weekday mornings before 15:00 are much quieter and offer a better shopping experience.
Can I bring luggage or large bags?
Bags are subject to standard security screening at the entrance. Large luggage may make shopping impractical due to crowding and narrow store aisles. Plan accordingly or use a locker service if available (ask at the information desk).
Are there hotels nearby?
The Emaar Square complex itself contains The Address Hotel, a five-star property. Other hotels exist in the Üsküdar district nearby, but the mall itself is the primary draw; most visitors come as a day trip or from accommodations elsewhere in Istanbul.
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This guide is created with the help of AI and is based on official sources where available. Mistakes can still happen. Opening hours, prices, rules and other details are given to the best of our knowledge as of the date shown and can change without notice. It offers general recommendations only, not professional, legal or travel advice. Please confirm important details with the official source before you travel; you are responsible for your own plans and decisions.
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