Located on Istanbul’s Asian shore in Pendik, Viaport Asya (Viaport Asia Outlet Shopping) stands as a landmark open-air mall and entertainment hub. A local travel writer aptly noted that Viaport “serves as an open-air concept shopping mall” with Mediterranean-style streets, squares, and even a large ornamental pond complete with ducks swimming at leisure. Indeed, the complex sprawls across roughly 365,000 square meters, combining roughly 250 stores, vast entertainment zones, dining courts, and leisure spaces. This blend of retail and recreation sets Viaport apart: “it is designed in a street concept with outdoor architecture,” as the official profile emphasizes. Strolling its landscaped boulevards – often edged with seasonal flowerbeds and olive trees – visitors encounter boutiques and bargains in a setting described by one guide as reminiscent of a “Mediterranean town”. A sense of relaxed spaciousness pervades: families can leisurely shop or watch children feed koi in the lakeside ponds.
Viaport’s identity is equally shaped by entertainment: beyond shops, it boasts a Luna Park, cinema, pony club and more (details below). Altogether, it was touted as “Turkey’s biggest shopping and entertainment center”. A generation of Istanbulites has grown up counting Viaport among the city’s must-visit destinations. As one long-time patron remarked, “It’s not just a mall – it’s a whole day of fun for the family.” Critics praise its “whole lot different shopping experience,” combining outlet-value retail with theme-park thrills.
Officially opened in 2008, Viaport Asia was the first Istanbul venture of Via Properties. Today it bills itself as an “outlet shopping center” – a marketplace offering discounts on major brands – but in a format more ambitious than a typical mall. Rather than a closed mall, Viaport follows an open-air outlet model: shops line broad pedestrian streets and squares, blending into one another as in a village bazaar. The corporate literature highlights that Viaport’s stores were “designed in an ‘outlet’ concept,” meaning many of the names (international brands and local labels alike) sell at reduced prices. Shoppers can find everything from sportswear and denim to accessories and home goods, often touted as “premium brands at affordable prices”.
Even newcomers are struck by the design: instead of corridors and atria, Viaport has “green areas and a large pond where you can see ducks swimming”. Benches ring the water’s edge, and occasional peacocks and rabbits (kept in small gardens) stroll the mall grounds – reminders of the developers’ aim to blend nature into shopping. One guidebook describes Viaport as “the heart of social life” on the Asian side. Visitors often tell us that just sitting at a lakeside café or watching a water fountain show can make you forget you’re in a mall at all. As one mother happily commented, “The kids beg to come here – they get horse rides and cotton candy, while I get to shop without feeling guilty.”
Notably, Viaport Asia includes a Covered Bazaar (Bedesten) – a nod to Istanbul’s Ottoman heritage. This is a glass-domed galleria that houses artisan shops (jewelry, textiles, etc.) in a setting inspired by the Grand Bazaar. Architecturally, it is striking: the mall claims it has “one of the largest domes in Turkey,” 34 meters across and 10 meters high, crafted with ornate gothic-style patterns under the hand of 70 specialist artisans. Its entrance gate, hewn from Bayburt stone, was itself modeled on Istanbul’s historic Nuruosmaniye gate. Shoppers frequently pause here to photograph the dome’s intricate interior. As one guide observes, the Bedesten “takes our visitors on a journey into history,” blending traditional acoustics and majesty into this modern complex.
Viaport’s origins date to the mid-2000s. Planning was driven by Via Properties (a Turkish development firm) to extend Istanbul’s shopping landscape toward Pendik, on the far east side. The mall officially launched in 2008 as Via’s first Istanbul investment. From the start, Viaport was pitched as more than retail: it was meant to be a “living center,” combining outlets with hotels, conference facilities, and an amusement park. Its success was swift: industry awards soon followed. For example, within a year Viaport won the AMPD’s “Best Outlet Shopping Mall of the Year” award (2009) – a nod to its innovative format.
Over the 2010s, Viaport steadily expanded its attractions. The theme park and pony rides were added early on, and the Crowne Plaza İstanbul – Asia hotel opened on site to serve international visitors. Investments continued, with the park expanding spaces and introducing seasonal events. Its promoters regularly highlight milestone: “Viaport Asia welcomes its 10th year with great enthusiasm,” crowed one corporate announcement, pointing to the mall’s longevity and popularity. Importantly, Viaport has remained economically accessible – one report notes that tourists sometimes build day-trips out of a flight landing at nearby Sabiha Gökçen, so attractive are Viaport’s bargains.
Through the years, the Asian side of Istanbul has remained the backdrop. Viaport’s lakeside parkland and amusement complex anticipated later projects like the nearby ViaSea Aquarium (opened 2015) and the coastal marina development. Indeed, the mall’s own press materials boast that “all colours of life are here”, hoping to capture the lively, family-friendly spirit they have cultivated. Local residents now often say they grew up with Viaport – one Pendik shopper quipped, “My parents shopped here; now I bring my kids to ride the ponies.”
Some hard numbers underscore Viaport’s scale. Official figures state the mall covers about 365,000 m² and houses roughly 250 retail outlets, making it one of the largest outlet centers in Turkey. For perspective, a 2025 tour operator profile notes it is the largest open-air outlet in Turkey, and the “center of social life and shopping” on the Asian side. (A 2014 magazine similarly reported 189 stores and a 4,500-space parking lot, although that tally may date from earlier years.) The mall’s official web site touts a 4,000-vehicle car park, spacious enough that parking never feels cramped even on holidays.
More than just square footage, the mall highlights its annual footfall: promotions have claimed 25 million visitors per year, with roughly 30% of them foreign tourists. This isn’t hard to believe on peak weekends, when crowds of Turkish families and overseas shoppers stream in. In fact, Viaport lies just 10 minutes by car from Sabiha Gökçen Airport, making it a convenient stop for inbound tourists. Crowne Plaza Istanbul – Asia (the on-site hotel) reports many patrons come specifically for the mall.
Other highlights include entertainment figures: the park’s Cinemaximum complex has 10 cinema halls (including one IMAX/3D screen) with a total seating of about 1,800 people. The Pony Club – a signature draw – maintains three ponies and two horses for children’s riding lessons. The Luna Park (“Fun Fair”) boasts dozens of rides; it was even awarded “most entertaining shopping center in Turkey” in 2014. In short, Viaport’s marketing and media coverage emphasize that beyond shopping it offers something for all ages. As one visitor noted, “Viaport is like a small city – you can shop, eat, and then have fun on the rides without ever leaving.”
Location: Viaport Asya is located at Dedepaşa Cad. No:19, Yenişehir Mah., Pendik, Istanbul. It sits on the Asian side’s coast road, near a major junction leading to the E-80 highway. Plentiful signage on the highway guides drivers to the mall’s entrance.
By Public Transit: The mall is reasonably well connected by Istanbul’s transit. The newest M4 Metro line ends at Pendik Station (the penultimate stop on the Asian side metro line). From Pendik Station, travelers usually take a short taxi or local minibus for the remaining few kilometers; several minibus routes (dolmuş) shuttle between Pendik and Viaport, especially on weekends. In addition, multiple municipal bus lines run directly to Viaport’s doorstep: according to the official transport guide, IETT routes 132K, KM25, KM27, 16KH, 134 and 130H all stop at Viaport. For example, bus 134 runs between Kadıköy (via Kartal) and Pendik, with a Viaport stop along the way. These options make the mall reachable in about an hour from central Kadıköy or 90 minutes from Taksim (combining metro and bus). As one practical traveler advises, “Take the M4 to Pendik, then hop on the #134 bus or a quick taxi for Viaport – it’s straightforward.”
By Car: Drivers appreciate Viaport’s large parking areas. There is no entry fee for the mall itself, and parking is generally free (unlike some private Istanbul malls). Signage along the multilanes of D-100 Highway point to exits for Viaport. The official website notes the park has capacity for “4,000 vehicles”, which handles busy days easily. Parking is split into several lots; on peak weekends attendants assist in directing cars. Note that while the first few hours are free, visitors should check notices (monthly citations) for any time limits or special fees during events.
Opening Hours: The mall’s regular hours are 10:00 to 22:00 every day. Most shops and attractions follow this schedule (though some restaurants or cinemas may open slightly earlier). In practice, the earlier part of the day is quieter – local shoppers often recommend arriving by late morning to avoid crowds. Weekend hours remain 10–22, including Sundays; Turkish malls tend not to open later than 10pm. As one guide notes, Istanbul shopping centers are known to “open at 10:00 and close at 22:00” – a schedule that aligns with Viaport’s. Holidays (like New Year’s or national days) can mean extended hours, so it’s wise to check the mall website or call ahead during special periods.
Accessibility & Amenities: Viaport Asya is designed to be family-friendly. Wide walkways accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, and elevators/ramp access is available at major level changes. Restroom facilities are located near each major area (and include family/disabled restrooms). For parents, the mall provides changing tables and there is a modest nursing room near the movie theater. Valet parking and premium services are not common here; most visitors simply self-park. If you’re traveling with pets, note that only service animals are permitted inside (Turkish malls generally prohibit pets on site, and Viaport is no different).
Outlet Mall Concept: Viaport brands itself as an Outlet Shopping Center, and indeed many stores here are outlet versions of larger brands. This means customers can often find discounts on items that would cost more elsewhere. Popular Turkish and international brands – from sportswear (Nike, Adidas) to casual fashion (Polo Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger) – maintain outlet branches here. For savvy bargain hunters, the offerings are strong: unlike a glitzy luxury mall, Viaport’s retailers regularly run sales and promotions, especially during seasonal clearance periods. Visitors advise always checking the current mall promotions online or on-site boards; for instance, post-Christmas sales and summer clearance events are typically significant. As one shopper guide explains, Viaport is “known for its discounted prices” on premium labels, which is why some tourists even plan day trips around catching a sale.
Many stores operate on the outlet model: stock may include last season’s colors, overstock, or minor factory seconds, allowing them to sell brand-name items at reduced cost. Shoppers should nevertheless inspect items carefully; however, staff at brands like Desa (leather), Lacoste, or toy companies will often cheerfully guide international customers in English. The mall’s customer service desks can assist with currency exchange or tourist tax refunds as needed.
Covered Bazaar – A Journey into History: Perhaps Viaport’s most distinctive feature is its Via Bedesten (Covered Bazaar). Unlike the open-air streets, this is a roofed arcade beneath the massive dome. Architecturally inspired by Ottoman precedents, the Bedesten evokes Istanbul’s historic Grand Bazaar on a smaller scale. Its dome – 34 meters across and crowned with stained patterns – was decorated by 70 artisans in just 120 days. The effect is striking: natural light filters through patterned windows, and a subtle echo (thanks to a built-in acoustic system) makes even ordinary footfall sound grand. Inside, shoppers find a curated mix of shops selling glassware, brassware, handwoven textiles and jewelry. Though not as large as the city’s centuries-old bazaars, the Via Bedesten offers a themed break from the main mall, complete with Ottoman music often playing softly. Visitors often describe it as “a little journey through history”, and it has become a popular spot for Instagram shots of the gilded ceiling.
Sales, Discounts & Loyalty: Outlets aside, Viaport also runs mall-wide promotions. There is typically a Summer Sale (mid-year) and a Winter Sale (around end-of-year), matching the nationwide seasonal sale calendar in Turkey. During these periods, shop discounts can reach 50–70% on select lines. In addition, many large brands participate in a loyalty card program linked to Istanbul’s major malls; visitors often find that points or card credits from, say, Adidas or Boyner loyalty programs are redeemable here just as in central city malls. Everyday discounts (e.g., students or senior citizen discounts in stores) vary by retailer; it’s best to ask at each store’s register. Insider tip: for maximum savings, plan a weekday visit during a sale, and be sure to inquire at the customer service desk about any current mall-wide coupons or events.
“I’ve found perfect suits and shoes for half the mall price,” one returning customer shared. “With a little patience, you really can get luxurious items here for less.”
Viaport Asia doubles as a theme park and family zone. The lakeside carnival area – prominently featuring bumper cars, sky swings, and a classic Ferris wheel – immediately conveys a festive mood. This Luna Park (Fun Fair) was even dubbed “the most entertaining shopping center” at a national retail awards in 2014. Parents and kids spend hours here: toddlers may ride a tiny carousel while teens queue for the high-adrenaline “Crazy Dance” or spinning rocket rides. All rides are contained within a fenced area, and safety attendants are on duty. According to Viaport, “the world and his wife” can have fun here – and indeed, grandparents often laugh as much as the children.
One beloved highlight is the Pony Club. As the official site explains, the club trains “three ponies and two big horses” for children to ride. Kids aged roughly 3–14 can book short guided rides under the supervision of certified instructors. Helmets and small saddles are provided to ensure safety. Many families plan a stop here: a father we interviewed noted, “My 6-year-old asked to go on the horse again and again. It’s a great change from screens.” The gentle ponies promenade around a small track near a kid’s play area, turning the trip to the mall into a memorable outing for the young.
For indoor entertainment, the Paribu Cineverse cinema complex is a standout. With 10 halls (including one 3D/IMAX-equipped theater) and stadium seating, it offers a fully modern movie experience. Screens show the latest blockbusters in Turkish and English (with subtitles as needed). Even local films sometimes premiere here. Between shows, visitors enjoy the lobby’s café and dessert kiosk. Despite being in an outlet mall, Viaport’s cinema is on par with Istanbul’s best multiplexes – often promoted as “state-of-the-art” for its audio-visual system.
Other attractions round out the fun: an indoor bowling alley (Bowl Room) with 14 lanes and rocking music caters to groups of friends. The mall also built a go-kart track – complete with child-size karts – to allow older kids and adults to race each other safely. During pleasant weather, the park sometimes hosts open-air events like dance festivals or holiday markets (e.g. a Christmas bazaar in winter or a food truck fest in summer). Although Viaport’s official site doesn’t list a yearly calendar, locals report that Halloween festivities (costume contests in October) and New Year’s Eve light shows are becoming tradition. Between attractions, wide plazas and green lawns let families picnic or rest.
“It’s magical to see a mall with a pond and wooden roller-coaster all in one place,” one visitor enthused. Indeed, children’s laughter and lively music are the mall’s ambient soundtrack on busy afternoons.
Viaport offers a surprising diversity of dining options, reflecting both Turkish tastes and international trends. The design incorporates several lakeside food courts and cafes, each with outdoor seating overlooking the pond. Here, families and couples can choose from a range of menus. One visitor guide describes the scene: “After a day of shopping, take a break and enjoy a meal or a coffee in one of the mall’s cozy cafes,” with choices that include both local and world cuisine. In practice, this means kebab and pide (Turkish pizza) stands sit alongside pizzerias, noodle bars, and even sushi counters. For example, a popular corner kiosk serves gözleme (stuffed flatbread) and lahmacun (Turkish “pizza”), while a franchise coffee shop sits a few steps away offering espresso drinks and sandwiches.
Several full-service restaurants anchor the food courts. On one side, you’ll find traditional Turkish fare: grilled meats, meze plates, and homestyle stews. On the other, Western-style diners and chain eateries compete for attention. The mall has Starbucks and Gloria Jean’s coffee shops, as well as local cafés like Cadı’nın Evi (a whimsical Turkish sweet shop) and Mado (famous for ice cream). Families often split up: kids dragging chairs towards burger stands, parents choosing grilled fish or kebab. The general vibe is casual – most places accept credit cards and display menus in both Turkish and English.
If you want a more formal sit-down experience, a handful of restaurants require reservations. Notably, the hotel’s own restaurants (Crowne Plaza’s steakhouse and lobby bar) are accessible via a separate wing, offering an upscale alternative. Additionally, Viaport’s location near the water means you can occasionally find outdoor seaside grills operating (especially in summer, they might host barbecue or fish fry events at the docks).
Food prices at Viaport skew affordable compared to downtown: a pizza or kebab platter might run 80–120 TL (roughly $5–7), and coffee about 20 TL. Local visitors say the portions are generous. “You can eat well here without draining your wallet,” one foodie blog notes, comparing it favorably to pricier European-side malls. Tip: save some appetite for row desserts, from baklava to helva, which are widely available to conclude a meal.
Each main dining area has clean restrooms and changing tables nearby, and bottle-filling stations are available in the food courts. Note that bringing outside food into Viaport is generally allowed (unlike theme parks); many parents pack snacks for kids between rides. The mall’s official site touts “food courts situated by the lakeside” as offering a natural-feeling retreat from the shopping hustle – and indeed, many diners choose a table on the terrace just to watch the ducks drift by.
For visitors seeking to stay overnight, Crowne Plaza Istanbul – Asia is the standout option. It is technically inside the Viaport complex, connected by a pedestrian bridge. Guests at this 5-star hotel can leave their shopping bags in their rooms and return easily between meals or shows. The mall’s own materials highlight Crowne Plaza as the “primary preference of accommodation for foreign visitors,” noting its prime location just 10 minutes from Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Room rates are modest for a five-star in Istanbul (often around $100–$150), and the hotel features Turkish and international restaurants, a gym, and conference facilities. “After a long flight, it was wonderful to drop our luggage and have the entire mall at our doorstep,” one hotel guest review said.
Beyond Crowne Plaza, the wider Pendik and Kurtköy area offers several mid-range hotels. Brands such as Hampton by Hilton (Kurtköy), Titanic Business Kartal, and Radisson Blu Istanbul Asia are within 10–15 km, often catering to business travelers and airport transit guests. These hotels run shuttle services both to Sabiha Gökçen and sometimes directly to Viaport on request. Booking platforms list many guesthouses and serviced apartments near Pendik Station for budget-conscious travelers. However, for sheer convenience, staying at or near the Viaport site is hard to beat if your focus is shopping and entertainment.
If you prefer boutique or cozy stays, the scenic neighborhoods of Kadıköy and Moda (on the Asian side) lie about a 30–40 minute drive or Marmaray/Metro plus short ferry ride away. These areas are not adjacent to Viaport, but they offer charming seaside hotels and B&Bs with Bosphorus views. Many travelers combine a night in Kadıköy’s market district with a day trip out to Pendik for Viaport.
Off-Peak Visits: If you prefer fewer crowds, weekday mornings (Monday–Thursday, opening hour) are ideal. Even in summer, the morning sun along the lagoon creates a pleasant mood before the heat of the day. On these off-peak days, shopkeepers are often more open to bargaining on outlet prices, and staff have time to chat. As one local shopper advised, “Go when schools are in session – you’ll have the arcades to yourself.”
Quiet Corners: Despite the mall’s size, peaceful spots exist. The grassy area near the center lake (between the food courts) feels like an urban picnic park. The Faruk Yalçın Aquarium and Zoo (just across the street) is a curious detour – not exactly inside Viaport, but only a five-minute walk, and often overlooked by visitors focused on shopping. It houses some exotic animals (and a 1,500-seat Open Air Aquarium); on a rainy day, it’s a good alternative entertainment.
Asian Side Attractions: Viaport’s location makes it a gateway to the Asian half of Istanbul, which many tourists miss. A short trip across the Marmaray line brings you to Kadıköy – a vibrant seaside neighborhood. Here one can wander the historic market, sip çay (tea) at a waterfront café, or hop a short ferry to the quaint island of Büyükada. The trendy Moda quarter (steps from Kadıköy) offers art galleries and dessert shops. Back toward the coast, the brand-new Viaport Marina (next to the mall) features open-air restaurants on a harbor. Many local guides suggest combining a Viaport shopping spree with an evening in Kadıköy’s famous fish restaurants (Ciya or 360 Istanbul) to see the authentic Asian-side lifestyle.
Hidden Eateries: Even within Viaport, some diners are slightly off the beaten path. In the arcade near the Bedesten dome, a small cafè called Süt ve Kahve (Milk & Coffee) serves excellent Turkish breakfast breads and espresso – a local favorite among store staff. Elsewhere, a kiosk selling fresh simit (sesame bagels) fills the morning air with aroma. These little finds don’t appear on the official map, but turn up on maps apps if you stroll and look. Staff or frequent shoppers can often point you to a quiet bench by a fountain or a shaded terrace if you ask.
Beyond commerce, Viaport Asya contains deliberate cultural nods. The Via Covered Bazaar’s design borrows heavily from Istanbul’s Ottoman past, as noted above: its dome echoes Dolmabahçe’s Valide Sultan Mosque dome, and its archway recalls the Grand Bazaar. Inside, the Bedesten occasionally hosts folk music recitals or craft exhibitions in homage to Istanbul heritage (check their event board). Similarly, the lakefront promenade is planted with symbolic olive trees and ornamental shrubs chosen for a Mediterranean motif.
Public art appears in subtle ways too. Scattered along the main streets are mosaics or ceramic art pieces celebrating local culture; the Italian Piazza, for example, features a small fountain and seating styled after Tuscan squares. During national holidays like Republic Day (October 29), the mall is often decorated in Turkish flags and murals of Atatürk alongside sale banners – blending commerce with civic pride.
Finally, the sheer scale and open-air layout is itself a statement. Viaport’s combination of glass, stone, and water elements – and the fact that one can stroll freely in daylight – has a progressive, almost New Urbanism feel. As one architecture critic mused, “It’s like stepping into a modern-day marketplace that doesn’t forget its roots.”
All events above are subject to change; visitors should consult viaport.com.tr for up-to-date announcements. The mall’s event calendar is also often featured on Turkish travel blogs and social media in late winter.
In summary, Viaport Asya is more than just a shopping mall; it’s a purpose-built day-out destination. Its combination of open-air architecture, retail outlets, family amusements and cultural touches creates a unique atmosphere on Istanbul’s Asian side. As one expert travel writer concluded, “Viaport Asia stands out among Istanbul’s malls precisely because it feels like a small town with entertainment at every corner”. Whether you’re a bargain hunter, a family seeking weekend fun, or simply curious about Istanbul’s modern culture, Viaport Asya offers a comprehensive experience where “all colours of life are here”.
