Metrocity Shopping Mall opened on 30 April 2003 as one of Istanbul’s early modern shopping centers, built directly above the Levent metro station on Büyükdere Avenue. The mall houses around 140 shops selling Turkish and international brands, plus a strong food court, cinema and entertainment venues across four floors.
The metrocity shopping mall distinguishes itself through its innovative architecture: a roof made of Teflon-coated fiberglass allows natural daylight to flood the interior, a rare feature in covered shopping centers. The complex sits within a mixed-use development that also includes office and residential towers, making it part of Istanbul’s financial and business quarter.
Quick Facts
| Turkish name | Metrocity |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 2003 |
| Architect(s) | Doğan Tekeli |
| Address | Büyükdere Cad. No: 171, 34394 Şişli, Istanbul Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps |
| District | Şişli |
| Metro | Levent (M2, Direct connection from station) |
| Admission | free |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings (10:00–12:00) and mid-afternoons (14:00–17:00) are quieter than evenings and weekends. Summer months (June–August) bring more tourists and office-worker crowds during lunch. Winter (December–February) sees holiday shopping crowds in November and early December. The mall's climate control makes it equally comfortable year-round, but arriving before 11:00 offers the most relaxed browsing experience. |
| Website | metrocity.com.tr |
What Is (and Isn't) Part of a Visit to Metrocity Shopping Mall?
| Part | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shopping floors with retail stores | Included in the standard ticket | Four floors of retail space with around 140 shops; entry is free and open to all. |
| Food court | Included in the standard ticket | Casual Turkish and international dining; prices paid separately at individual vendors. |
| Cinema complex | Separate ticket or institution | Film tickets purchased separately at the cinema counter; prices vary by film and time. |
| Migros supermarket | Included in the standard ticket | Grocery shopping included; items purchased and paid at the store's checkout. |
| Parking garage | Separate ticket or institution | Parking is paid; capacity 2,500 vehicles. Free for up to 2 hours with mall purchase receipt at some venues. |
| Office and residential towers above mall | Outside / not part of it | The three towers (one office, two residential) are separate private spaces; not open to mall visitors. |
Why Visit Metrocity Shopping Mall?
Metrocity offers convenient access to major Turkish and international fashion brands in a single location. Anchor stores such as Boyner, Marks & Spencer and Zara cover a range of price points, while the Migros supermarket serves everyday needs. The light-filled covered environment makes shopping comfortable year-round without exposure to Istanbul’s extremes. Its position at a metro hub near business offices and hotels makes it a natural stop for business travelers and commuters. The food court and restaurants mean you can spend several hours browsing and dining without leaving the center.
How Metrocity Shopping Mall Is Laid Out
The shopping mall occupies four floors of integrated retail and dining space. The Levent metro station connects directly to the main entry, making pedestrian arrival straightforward. Migros supermarket anchors the complex alongside department store Boyner and major fashion retailers like Zara and Marks & Spencer, typically positioned at entry points to draw foot traffic. A strong food court occupies dedicated space, as does a cinema. The distinctive Teflon roof creates an open, bright atrium effect across all floors, so navigation feels less maze-like than in traditional enclosed malls. Parking for 2,500 vehicles sits beneath and around the structure, accessed from street level.
Highlights of Metrocity Shopping Mall
The Teflon-Roofed Atrium
The mall's defining architectural feature is its Teflon-coated fiberglass roof. When it opened in 2003, this was the first shopping mall to use this technology at this scale worldwide. The material remains translucent, allowing daylight to flood the interior throughout the day, creating a sense of openness unusual in covered malls. The effect is most striking on the upper floors, where the brightness contrasts with typical enclosed shopping centers. Look for the distinctive fabric ceiling from any floor.
Tip: Visit mid-morning or early afternoon to see the roof's daylight effect at its best; afternoon light streams differently depending on the season.
Boyner Department Store
Boyner is Turkey's oldest and most established department store chain, present here as a primary anchor tenant. The store occupies significant floor space and carries Turkish and international fashion, accessories and home goods across multiple sections. For visitors unfamiliar with Turkish retail, Boyner provides a controlled introduction to mid-range Turkish brands alongside familiar international names. The store's layout is logical and staff generally speak English in tourist-facing areas.
Tip: Boyner has an in-store café where you can rest while shopping; look for the ground-floor entrance for quickest access.
Migros Supermarket
The Migros supermarket branch here is one of Turkey's leading grocery chains and a useful stop for visitors who want to assemble a picnic or buy local snacks. The store stocks Turkish candies, dried fruits, cheeses and ready-made meze, alongside standard groceries. This is a practical place to source items for a day trip or to fill a hotel room kitchenette. Prices are clearly marked and the store layout is modern and easy to navigate.
Tip: Migros has self-checkout and credit-card-only payment options; do not expect Turkish lira cash-only stands here.
Food Court
The mall's food court occupies dedicated space and includes both Turkish casual restaurants and international chains. Turkish options typically feature kebab, manti, wraps and pide, while international chains offer pizza, burgers and Asian food. The court operates during the mall's full hours and is busier during lunch (12:00–14:00) and dinner (18:00–21:00) peaks. Table seating is shared and abundant. Prices are moderate, typical for a mall food court rather than street-level Istanbul.
Tip: Arrive between 11:00 and 11:45 or after 14:00 to avoid peak crowds; the court gets congested during standard lunch hours.
Cinema Complex
The mall houses a multiplex cinema showing current releases, typically with Turkish dubbing and some screenings in English with Turkish subtitles. Sessions align with standard Turkish cinema times (afternoon and evening slots). The cinema is a place to rest during a long mall visit, especially on hot summer days. Ticket prices are moderate to low compared to European standards.
Tip: Check the movie schedule online or at the ticket counter before you enter the mall if timing a film around other activities.
Direct Metro Connection
The Levent metro station (M2 line) connects directly to the mall interior, making arrival and departure straightforward without outdoor exposure. The station sits one floor below the main shopping level, with escalators leading up to the entrance. This is a rare feature in Istanbul—most malls require walking through parking areas or outdoor plazas to reach the entrance. The M2 line connects northbound toward İTÜ, southbound toward Yenikapı.
Tip: Exit the metro following signs for 'Metrocity' (written in English); do not follow 'Levent' street-level exits if you only want the mall.
Atmosphere
Metrocity has the polished, climate-controlled feel of a modern commercial mall rather than a traditional Istanbul bazaar. The daylit atrium and smooth floors create an airy, contemporary atmosphere. The crowd is mixed: office workers on lunch breaks, business travelers, local shoppers and tourists, giving it a purpose-driven energy rather than a leisure shopping vibe. Weekday afternoons are quieter; weekends and evenings bring denser crowds. Turkish pop music or international hits typically play at low volume. The mall’s size and retail mix make it functional rather than atmospheric—it is a place to accomplish shopping tasks efficiently, not to linger or explore.
History of Metrocity Shopping Mall
Metrocity Shopping Mall was conceived in the mid-1990s as part of a larger urban development in Istanbul’s emerging Levent business district. Project drawings began in 1995, with construction following during the late 1990s economic expansion. The mall opened on 30 April 2003 under developer Metrosite, at a time when modern covered shopping was still new to Istanbul.
The opening of Metrocity coincided with Istanbul’s transformation into a global financial hub. The Levent district, across the Golden Horn from the historic center, had been zoned for office and commercial development, and Metrocity became one of the district’s anchoring retail destinations. Its architectural innovation—the Teflon roof allowing natural light—was a world-first at the scale and set the mall apart from earlier enclosed American-style designs.
Metrocity’s location above the Levent metro station was no accident. Planning for the Istanbul Metro’s M2 line was underway simultaneously, and the mall was integrated into metro development, creating a direct underground connection. This made Metrocity one of Istanbul’s first transit-oriented retail projects, a model later copied by other mall developments.
Since opening, Metrocity has remained a stable mid-market shopping center in Istanbul. Unlike some larger malls that chased ultra-luxury positioning, Metrocity maintained its role as a practical destination for office workers, tourists and everyday shoppers. The mall’s tenant mix has evolved with economic shifts, but its core function—accessible urban shopping with strong anchor tenants and transport connections—has remained constant for two decades.
Tickets and Booking for Metrocity Shopping Mall
Entry to Metrocity Shopping Mall is free. You do not need a ticket or reservation to walk the shopping floors, browse stores or use the food court. Individual shops and restaurants set their own opening hours within the mall’s hours; most open at 10:00 and close between 21:00 and 22:00. Some restaurants and the food court may have slightly earlier or later hours. The cinema operates on a separate schedule; check at the ticket counter for current showtimes. Parking is paid separately if you drive; metro access via the Levent station incurs only a standard metro fare.
Suggested itineraries Metrocity Shopping Mall
1.5 hours
Enter via Levent metro, head to Boyner department store for a quick overview of Turkish brands, then browse 1–2 specialty stores matching your interests (fashion, accessories, electronics). Grab a snack from the food court and leave. This works for a transit stop between other activities.
2.5–3 hours
Arrive at the mall, explore the four floors methodically starting from the entrance level. Visit Migros if you need supplies. Spend time in Zara, Marks & Spencer and other anchor stores. Eat lunch or an afternoon snack at the food court, then browse specialty stores for gifts or personal items. Leave time to revisit any store before departing.
Half day (4 hours)
Begin with breakfast at a café in the mall or nearby before arriving. Spend 2 hours shopping, covering multiple stores across all floors. Take a longer lunch at one of the food court restaurants. Use remaining time for more focused shopping or rest before an evening activity or flight.
How to Get to Metrocity Shopping Mall
By Metro: Take the M2 line to Levent station. Follow signs inside the station for ‘Metrocity’ or ‘AVM’—the mall entrance is directly accessible from the station hall via escalators and stairs. No outdoor walk needed.
By Taxi or car: Direct taxis to ‘Metrocity’ or the address Büyükdere Cad. No: 171. A large entrance plaza on Büyükdere Avenue marks the main entrance; additional entries are on side streets. Parking is available in the underground garage (paid).
By Bus: Several bus routes serve Büyükdere Avenue near the mall. Confirm the stop with your hotel or a local map app. It is not as direct as the metro, and bus routes can be complex for visitors.
Accessibility
The mall has step-free access from Levent metro station directly into the main shopping area. Elevators and escalators connect all four floors. Accessible restrooms are present. Paved, level floors throughout make wheelchair navigation straightforward. The Migros supermarket is accessible. The food court has table seating suitable for wheelchair users. Some individual shops may have narrow aisles; this depends on current store layouts.
Food Nearby
Inside the mall, the food court and individual restaurants serve Turkish and international options. For dining outside the mall, Büyükdere Avenue and side streets near Levent have many cafés, casual restaurants and kebab vendors, though these cater primarily to office workers. Restaurant quality and tourist-orientation varies. For a fuller dining experience, walk south toward Taksim or Nişantaşı, which are 10–15 minutes away and have more diverse restaurant options.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes for browsing multiple floors. The mall is climate-controlled and bright, so sunglasses are unnecessary indoors. A reusable bag or small backpack for purchases is useful; the mall does not provide large shopping bags as standard. In summer, bring a light layer for air-conditioning. No special security items needed; bags are not X-rayed at the entrance.
Best Views and Photo Spots of Metrocity Shopping Mall
Central atrium looking upward
Stand on any floor and shoot upward toward the Teflon roof. The translucent fabric roof and open atrium structure create geometric layers of light and shadow, especially striking from the third or fourth floor where the roof structure is most visible. Daylight floods through, creating bright, airy compositions that contrast with typical mall interiors.
Best time: Mid-morning (10:00–12:00) when sunlight streams through the roof at a favorable angle; overcast days work too, reducing harsh shadows.
Levent metro station entrance
Photograph the escalators and interior of the metro station as you enter, showing the transition from metro to mall. The modern, clean aesthetic of the metro connection illustrates Istanbul's transport-mall integration. Stand at the top of the escalators for the best perspective.
Best time: Early morning or mid-afternoon when the space is less crowded and lighting is even.
Boyner department store exterior
The Boyner storefront is a good reference photo for understanding Turkish retail branding and interior display. The scale and lighting illustrate contemporary Turkish department-store design. The store's layout is visible from the mall floor, providing context for visitor orientation.
Best time: Any time of day; the interior lighting is consistent.
Food court seating area
The food court shows Istanbul's contemporary casual dining culture. Tables, vendor stalls and the mix of Turkish and international cuisine signs make a good documentary photo of contemporary urban eating patterns. Photograph people casually dining to capture the social atmosphere.
Best time: During meal peaks (12:00–13:30 or 18:00–20:00) to capture lively activity; mid-afternoon for a quieter, less crowded view.
Photography Rules
Photography is permitted throughout the shopping floors for personal use. Commercial photography, tripods and drone photography require permission from mall management. Flash photography is allowed but may disturb other shoppers. Do not photograph store staff or other shoppers without consent.
Family Suitability
Metrocity is family-friendly. Strollers navigate the smooth, level floors easily. The food court accommodates families and provides space for children to eat casually. Some anchor stores like Maxi Toys and children's clothing retailers offer activities to keep children engaged. The mall's bright, climate-controlled environment is safe for children. Restrooms are present throughout. Crowds are heaviest on weekend afternoons; quieter on weekday mornings. The cinema can be a diversion for older children on rainy days. No specific children's play areas or entertainment beyond retail are evident, so plan primarily as a shopping and dining visit rather than an all-day family activity center.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- Use the Levent metro station entrance rather than street-level parking entries if you arrive by car or taxi. The metro connection is direct and avoids navigating the parking garage as a first-time visitor.
- Visit Migros first if you plan to carry perishable groceries; completing your shopping afterward keeps them cool longer.
- The mall's food court seats fill quickly during lunch (12:00–14:00). If eating during peak times, place your order first at a vendor, then search for seating rather than competing for a table beforehand.
- Store closing times vary; shops on lower floors often stay open until 21:30–22:00, but upper floors may close by 21:00. If hunting for specific shops, check hours at the information desk or online before 20:00.
- The upward-looking atrium and light-filled design can be disorienting on first visit. Use clear landmarks (Boyner, Migros, cinema entrance) to navigate; staff at store counters can point you to specific retailers.
- Payment in Turkish lira is standard. While some shops accept foreign cards, currency exchange and ATMs are more convenient than searching for card readers. An ATM is typically present in or near the mall.
Explore Nearby Metrocity Shopping Mall
Sights near Metrocity Shopping Mall
Kanyon Shopping Mall – about 300 m away (~5 min walk) · typical visit: 2–3 hours13 min on foot from 4. Levent metro, Open daily 10:00–22:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Zorlu Center – about 950 m away (~15 min walk) · typical visit: 2–4 hours6 min on foot from Gayrettepe metro, Open daily 10:00–22:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Istanbul Sapphire Tower – about 1.1 km away (~19 min walk) · typical visit: 1.5–2 hours2 min on foot from 4. Levent metro, Open daily 10:00–22:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Sapphire Observation Deck – about 1.1 km away (~19 min walk) · typical visit: 1–1.5 hours2 min on foot from 4. Levent metro, Open daily 10:00–22:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Akmerkez Shopping Mall – about 1.2 km away (~19 min walk) · typical visit: 2–4 hours4 min on foot from Nispetiye metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Cevahir Shopping Mall – about 2.2 km away · typical visit: 2–3 hours3 min on foot from Şişli-Mecidiyeköy metro, Open daily 10:00–22:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: Metrocity Shopping Mall
Is entry to Metrocity free?
Yes, walking the shopping floors is completely free. You only pay when you buy items from individual shops, eat at restaurants or watch a film at the cinema. There is no admission fee or mandatory purchase to enter and browse.
How do I get to Metrocity by public transport?
Take the Istanbul Metro M2 line directly to Levent station. The mall entrance is connected directly to the station via escalators—no outdoor walk needed. This is the easiest and cheapest option for most visitors.
What brands are in Metrocity?
The mall has around 140 shops including Turkish chains like LC Waikiki, Koton and Flo, plus international brands such as Zara, Marks & Spencer, Benetton and Levi's. There is also a Migros supermarket, Boyner department store and Decathlon sports store. A food court and cinema round out the entertainment options.
Can I eat at Metrocity?
Yes. The food court has Turkish kebab, manti and pide vendors, plus international chains like Starbucks and pizza. Individual restaurants operate throughout the mall. Prices are moderate to low, typical for a mall food court. No table reservations are required at the food court.
Is there parking?
Yes, a 2,500-vehicle underground garage is available (paid). If you arrive by car or taxi, follow street-level signs for 'Metrocity' or the main entrance on Büyükdere Avenue. Parking rates are standard for Istanbul commercial zones. Some retailers offer discounted or free parking with purchase receipts—ask at the information desk.
Is Metrocity worth visiting as a tourist, or only for shopping?
If you need to shop for Turkish brands, modern international retailers or gifts, Metrocity is a convenient single location. The unique Teflon roof and light-filled design are worth seeing architecturally. However, if you want traditional Istanbul bazaar atmosphere or cultural experience, head instead to the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar. Metrocity is modern and functional rather than culturally distinctive.
How long should I spend at Metrocity?
Plan 1.5–2.5 hours for a typical shopping visit, depending on your pace and specific interests. Add time if you want to eat a full meal. If browsing without a shopping goal, 1–2 hours is sufficient to see the space and grab refreshment.
Are there toilets and rest areas?
Yes, restrooms are distributed throughout the mall. The food court has abundant seating where you can rest. Boyner department store includes a café. The bright, air-conditioned environment makes it a comfortable place to rest during a hot day in Istanbul.
Istanbul Vibes is a one-person project. A coffee keeps it going
Hotels near Metrocity Shopping Mall
- Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent (100 m) Check prices (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
- Hyatt Centric Levent İstanbul (200 m) Check prices (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
- Febor Park İstanbul Levent Hotel (600 m) Check prices (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
- Avantgarde Hotel (600 m) Check prices (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Affiliate link (opens the booking site): we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Restaurants near Metrocity Shopping Mall
- HD İskender (100 m) Google Maps
- Bilakis (100 m) Google Maps
- Şirvan Kebap (150 m) Google Maps
- Konak Restaurant (150 m) Google Maps
Distances are straight-line, from OpenStreetMap data.
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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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