Nestled in the vibrant Gaziosmanpaşa district of Istanbul, Venezia Mega Outlet offers a truly unique shopping experience that transports visitors to the romantic canals of Venice while delivering exceptional retail therapy. This Italian-inspired shopping destination combines architectural charm with impressive brand selections and entertainment options, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking quality products at attractive prices.
About Venezia Mega Outlet
Venezia Mega Outlet stands out among Istanbul’s shopping centers with its distinctive Venetian-themed architecture and ambiance. Opened in 2014, this shopping paradise spans over 65,000 square meters and houses more than 200 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The mall’s most striking feature is its authentic recreation of Venice’s iconic canals, complete with flowing water, arched bridges, and charming Italian-inspired facades.
What truly sets Venezia apart from other shopping destinations in Istanbul is its dual appeal as both a premium outlet center and an immersive themed experience. The mall successfully combines the practical appeal of discounted luxury and high-street brands with the aesthetic pleasure of strolling through a miniature Venice, creating a shopping adventure that engages all the senses.
Key Features:
- Over 200 local and international brand stores
- Authentic Venetian-inspired architecture with canals
- Year-round discounts of 30-70% on retail prices
- Gondola rides through indoor canals
- Multiple dining options and food court
- Cinema complex and entertainment facilities
- Spacious parking area with 2,500 spaces
How to Get to Venezia Mega Outlet
Located in the Gaziosmanpaşa district on the European side of Istanbul, Venezia Mega Outlet is easily accessible via multiple transportation options.
By Metro:
The most convenient public transportation option is the M7 metro line. Exit at Karadeniz Mahallesi station, which is just a 4-minute walk from the outlet. This direct connection makes Venezia one of the most accessible major shopping destinations in Istanbul.
By Bus:
Several municipal bus lines serve the area, including:
- 76E (Eminönü – Gaziosmanpaşa)
- 79T (Taksim – Gaziosmanpaşa)
- 89C (Beyazıt – Gaziosmanpaşa)
- HT18 (Halkalı – Gaziosmanpaşa)
By Car:
If you’re driving, Venezia Mega Outlet is conveniently located near the TEM (Trans-European Motorway) and E80 highways. The outlet offers ample parking with 2,500 spaces, including designated areas for disabled visitors and electric vehicle charging stations.
From Tourist Areas:
- From Sultanahmet/Old City: Take the T1 tram to Yenikapı, then transfer to the M1 metro to Yenikapi, and finally take the M7 metro to Karadeniz Mahallesi station.
- From Taksim: Take bus 79T directly to Gaziosmanpaşa or take the M2 metro to Yenikapı, then transfer to the M7 line to Karadeniz Mahallesi station.
- From Asian Side: Cross the Bosphorus via the Marmaray underwater rail line to Yenikapı, then take the M7 metro to Karadeniz Mahallesi station.
Address: Venezia Mega Outlet, 75. Yıl Mahallesi, Prof. Dr. Muharrem Karaşahin Cd. No:13, 34255 Gaziosmanpaşa/İstanbul, Turkey
Shopping Experience at Venezia Mega Outlet
Venezia Mega Outlet offers a diverse shopping experience with a carefully curated selection of both international and Turkish brands across various categories. The outlet mall is organized into distinct sections, making navigation intuitive for visitors.
Luxury and Designer Brands
The premium section houses renowned luxury and designer brands offering significant discounts on their collections:
- Armani
- Burberry
- Calvin Klein
- Dolce & Gabbana
- Ermenegildo Zegna
- Gucci
- Hugo Boss
- Michael Kors
- Tommy Hilfiger
- Lacoste
High Street and Casual Brands
For everyday fashion and casual wear, Venezia features popular high street brands including:
- Adidas
- Nike
- Puma
- Levi’s
- Mango
- LC Waikiki
- Koton
- DeFacto
- Mavi
- Colin’s
Home and Lifestyle
Beyond fashion, the outlet offers an excellent selection of home goods, accessories, and lifestyle products:
- Madame Coco
- English Home
- Karaca
- Paşabahçe
- Chakra
- Bernardo
Electronics and Technology
Technology enthusiasts can explore discounted electronics at stores like:
- Samsung
- Beko
- Arçelik
- Teknosa
Turkish Brands
Venezia Mega Outlet is also an excellent place to discover quality Turkish brands at competitive prices:
- Beymen
- Vakko
- İpekyol
- Derimod
- Desa
- Sarar
What makes shopping at Venezia particularly attractive is the year-round discounts, typically ranging from 30% to 70% off regular retail prices. These discounts increase during special sale periods, particularly during Turkish shopping festivals and seasonal transitions.
Dining Options at Venezia Mega Outlet
After a satisfying shopping spree, visitors can recharge at Venezia’s diverse dining venues, which range from quick bites to leisurely meals with canal views.
Food Court
The main food court offers a variety of fast-food options and casual dining choices, including:
- McDonald’s
- Burger King
- KFC
- Popeyes
- Sbarro
- Turkish kebab and pide stations
- Asian wok stations
- Traditional Turkish cuisine
Cafés and Dessert Shops
For coffee breaks and sweet treats, visitors can enjoy:
- Starbucks
- Gloria Jean’s Coffees
- Kahve Dünyası (Turkish coffee chain)
- Mado (famous for Turkish ice cream)
- Simit Sarayı (traditional Turkish pastries)
- Hafız Mustafa (authentic Turkish desserts)
Restaurants with Canal Views
For a more upscale dining experience with views of the Venetian canals:
- Big Chefs (international cuisine)
- Kitchenette (Mediterranean fusion)
- Midpoint (Turkish and international menu)
- Günaydın (premium Turkish steakhouse)
Many restaurants offer outdoor seating during warmer months, allowing diners to enjoy their meals alongside the picturesque canals, enhancing the Venetian atmosphere.
Entertainment and Attractions at Venezia Mega Outlet
Venezia Mega Outlet goes beyond shopping to offer a complete entertainment experience, making it an ideal destination for families and visitors of all ages.
Gondola Rides
The signature attraction at Venezia is undoubtedly the authentic gondola rides along the indoor canals. Skilled gondoliers dressed in traditional Venetian attire navigate these elegant boats through the mall’s waterways, offering a romantic and unique experience reminiscent of Venice itself. Each ride lasts approximately 15-20 minutes and provides excellent photo opportunities.
Gondola Ride Details:
- Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
- Price: 150-200 Turkish Lira per ride (varies by season)
- Capacity: Up to 4 passengers per gondola
Cinema Complex
The state-of-the-art cinema at Venezia Mega Outlet features multiple screens showing the latest Turkish and international films. The theater is equipped with comfortable seating and advanced sound systems for an immersive movie experience.
Children’s Entertainment
Families with children will appreciate the dedicated entertainment areas:
- Indoor playground with supervised activities
- Arcade and gaming zone
- Carousel and mini amusement rides
- Seasonal children’s workshops and events
Seasonal Events and Performances
Throughout the year, Venezia hosts various events and performances in its central plaza and along the canals:
- Live music performances on weekends
- Seasonal decorations and themed events
- Fashion shows featuring outlet brands
- Cultural celebrations during Turkish holidays
Services and Amenities at Venezia Mega Outlet
Venezia Mega Outlet provides a comprehensive range of services to ensure a comfortable and convenient shopping experience.
Customer Services
- Information desks located throughout the mall
- Multilingual staff (Turkish, English, Arabic)
- Wheelchair and stroller rentals
- Prayer rooms for men and women
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the complex
- Mobile phone charging stations
- ATMs and currency exchange services
Shopping Services
- Tax-free shopping for tourists (minimum purchase required)
- Gift wrapping service
- Personal shopping assistance (by appointment)
- Shopping carts and bags
- Package carry assistance
- Home delivery options for large purchases
Facilities
- Clean, modern restrooms throughout the mall
- Baby changing facilities
- First aid station
- Lost and found
- Secure parking with CCTV surveillance
- Valet parking service (additional fee)
Best Time to Visit Venezia Mega Outlet
Opening Hours
- Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Peak and Off-Peak Times
For the most pleasant shopping experience with fewer crowds, consider visiting:
- Weekday mornings: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (least crowded)
- Tuesday and Wednesday: Generally less busy than other days
- Early evening hours: After 7:00 PM on weekdays
The outlet tends to be busiest during:
- Weekends, especially Saturday afternoons
- Public holidays and school vacation periods
- Special sale periods (January, July, and during religious holidays)
Seasonal Considerations
- Winter (November-February): Comfortable indoor shopping during Istanbul’s rainy season
- Summer (June-August): Excellent escape from summer heat with full air conditioning
- Ramadan: Modified hours during the holy month, with special evening shopping experiences
- New Year and Bayram Holidays: Extended hours but significantly more crowded
Events and Promotions at Venezia Mega Outlet
Venezia Mega Outlet hosts regular events and promotions throughout the year, enhancing the shopping experience with additional savings and entertainment.
Regular Sales Periods
- Winter Sales: January-February (up to 70% off)
- Summer Sales: July-August (up to 70% off)
- Black Friday: November (special midnight shopping hours)
- End of Season Clearance: April and October
Special Shopping Festivals
- Istanbul Shopping Fest: Usually held in June with exclusive discounts and extended hours
- Bayram Holiday Sales: Special promotions during religious holidays
- Anniversary Celebrations: Special events and promotions during the mall’s anniversary in October
Loyalty Program
The Venezia Club loyalty program offers members exclusive benefits:
- Additional discounts at participating stores
- Early access to sales and promotions
- Points collection on purchases
- Free parking for members
- Invitations to VIP events and product launches
Nearby Attractions
Visitors to Venezia Mega Outlet can combine their shopping trip with exploration of nearby attractions in Istanbul.
Within 15-20 Minutes by Car/Taxi:
- Miniaturk: Turkey’s famous miniature park featuring scaled models of historic Turkish landmarks
- Pierre Loti Hill: Offering panoramic views of the Golden Horn
- Eyüp Sultan Mosque: One of Istanbul’s most significant religious sites
- Rahmi M. Koç Museum: Industrial museum with fascinating exhibits
Within 30 Minutes by Car/Taxi:
- Historic Peninsula: Home to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace
- Grand Bazaar: Istanbul’s historic covered market with over 4,000 shops
- Taksim Square and Istiklal Street: The heart of modern Istanbul
- Dolmabahçe Palace: Magnificent Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus
Visitor Tips and FAQs
Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Plan for a full day: With shopping, dining, and entertainment options, Venezia merits at least 4-6 hours to fully experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The outlet is spacious, and you’ll be walking on various surfaces including cobblestones around the canals.
- Bring your passport: For tax-free shopping benefits (for non-Turkish residents).
- Download the mall map: Available on the official website or at information desks.
- Check for special events: Visit the official website before your trip to see if any special events coincide with your visit.
Is Venezia Mega Outlet worth visiting for tourists?
Absolutely! Beyond shopping, the unique Venetian theme with canals and gondolas makes it a distinctive attraction in Istanbul, offering excellent photo opportunities and a novel experience.
How does tax-free shopping work at Venezia?
Non-resident visitors can claim VAT refunds on purchases over 100 TL from participating stores. Request a tax-free form at the time of purchase and have it stamped at customs when leaving Turkey.
Are there luggage storage facilities?
Yes, the customer service desk offers luggage storage for a small fee, making it convenient for visitors coming directly from or heading to the airport.
Is Venezia Mega Outlet suitable for children?
Yes, with dedicated play areas, family-friendly dining options, and attractions like gondola rides, children will find plenty to enjoy while parents shop.
What payment methods are accepted?
Most stores accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), and there are ATMs throughout the mall. While many stores accept Euros and US Dollars, exchange rates may not be favorable.
Is there free Wi-Fi?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the mall. Connect to the “Venezia-Free” network and follow the simple registration process.
Conclusion
Venezia Mega Outlet offers a distinctive blend of shopping, entertainment, and cultural experience that sets it apart from typical outlet malls. Its Venetian-inspired architecture, complete with functioning canals and gondola rides, creates an immersive atmosphere that transforms ordinary shopping into a memorable adventure.
Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast hunting for designer bargains, a family seeking a full day of entertainment, or a tourist looking to experience something unique in Istanbul, Venezia Mega Outlet delivers a comprehensive experience that satisfies on multiple levels. The combination of premium brands at outlet prices, diverse dining options, and unique attractions makes it well worth the trip from central Istanbul.
For visitors to Turkey seeking both retail therapy and a taste of Venice without leaving Istanbul, Venezia Mega Outlet represents the perfect destination where shopping meets spectacle in a truly distinctive setting.
