What this place is: Forum Istanbul is one of Europe's largest shopping malls, spanning multiple floors with over 200 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It combines mainstream Turkish brands (LC Waikiki, Defacto) with international chains (H&M, Zara, Decathlon), plus integrated attractions: the SEA LIFE Aquarium, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and a large food court. Adjacent to the mall are IKEA and Carrefour hypermarket, making it a comprehensive retail and leisure destination.
What visitors consistently praise: Reviewers highlight the mall's enormous size and variety—most report finding everything they need in one location. Families particularly appreciate the children's attractions (aquarium, LEGOLAND, play areas) and the mix of budget-friendly and mid-range brands. The food court receives consistent praise for variety and reasonable prices, with IKEA's cafeteria singled out for value. The mall's cleanliness, security presence, and modern design are frequently mentioned positives. Visitors also note that Turkish brands offer excellent value compared to European prices.
Common visitor concerns: Multiple reviewers report the mall is extremely crowded on weekends and Friday evenings—arriving on a weekday is strongly recommended. Several mention that some facilities show age: washrooms need attention, floors are worn in places, and the cinema is described as outdated. A few isolated reports mention theft incidents and slow security response, though these are rare. Some visitors note staff in certain shops can be unhelpful to non-Turkish speakers. Parking is described as difficult, though accessible spaces are available. The mall's distance from central Istanbul (Sultanahmet, Taksim) is a drawback for those without transport.
Practical advice from visitor experience: Plan for a full day if you want to explore thoroughly—reviewers report needing 4+ hours to see a fraction of the mall. Arrive on a weekday morning to avoid crowds; weekends are described as "super crowded" and uncomfortably hot. Bring comfortable shoes, as the mall is vast and easy to get lost in (the map is reportedly not very helpful). If you have children, budget time for the aquarium (noted as pricey but worthwhile) and LEGOLAND. The food court on the upper floor is your best bet for dining—prices are reasonable and options are plentiful. Most shops close by 22:00, so plan accordingly. If you spend over 120 Turkish Lira, ask for a tax-free invoice to claim a refund at the airport. Money exchange is available on the first floor. Bring a small bag or use lockers if available, as the mall can be crowded and a few theft incidents have been reported.
Getting there: The mall is directly adjacent to Kocatepe Metro Station on the M2 line, making it the easiest access point—just a 1–2 minute walk from the station. If coming from central areas like Taksim or Sultanahmet, take the metro; reviewers confirm this is faster and cheaper than taxi. The tram (M1A/M1B lines) also stops nearby. By car, parking is available but reviewers warn it can be difficult to find a spot, especially on weekends. Uber/Bitaksi from central Istanbul costs around 35–40 Turkish Lira and takes 25–30 minutes depending on traffic. Public transport is strongly recommended over driving.
Mitigating common complaints: To avoid the worst of the crowds, visit on a Tuesday–Thursday morning. If you're concerned about security, keep valuables close and avoid leaving bags unattended. The mall's size can be disorienting—download a map or ask staff at the information desk. If you find the cinema's Turkish-only audio frustrating, check showtimes in advance or skip it in favor of other activities. For families, the Jurassic Land theme park has reportedly closed permanently, so focus on the aquarium and LEGOLAND instead.