Discover the culture of Antalya - Visit the bazaars and markets in Antalya and experience the hustle and bustle

Bazaars and Markets Guide for Antalya

The bazaars and markets are not to be missed when visiting Antalya do not miss. Antalya, a large holiday metropolis with more than 2,5 million inhabitants, not only attracts tourists with ideal bathing opportunities and countless historical points of interest & sightslike that Clock tower, Yivli minarets, Hidirlik Tower and Hadrian's Gate magical, but also makes it a shopper's paradise with high quality and reasonable prices. Visiting the Oriental Bazaar is the main activity for traveling to the Turkey. New smells and scents and hustle and bustle attract tourists to Turkish bazaars, as does haggling for better prices.

Where can I trade?

Few travelers know what bargaining for the best price really entails. However, after buying some souvenirs, western tourists feel "ripped off" even if the Oriental Bazaar is very popular.

In addition to understanding the basics of haggling, anyone wanting to visit one of these exotic and vibrant markets should study the culture of each country and know when to haggle for honor and when not to.

It should already be clear in which of the markets negotiation is really worthwhile - and most importantly, appropriate. Bargaining and haggling is not worthwhile at the weekly market, where fruit and vegetables are sold, nor in the department stores, where the goods are priced in Turkish lira.

Bargaining or bargaining for price and honor

Real price bargaining (parzalik) is more of a ritual in the Eastern market, alternate bargaining or exchange of honor. It is about the respect of young people for their elders (saygi) and honor, reputation and respect for personal dignity (seref) and the relationship between a family. It is also about the honesty of trading partners and represents the code of conduct for the movement of goods even in difficult and uncertain times. 

Negotiation etiquette or ritual when trading

It's easy to start negotiating. However, if there is no real interest in buying from the buyer's point of view, the question of price should be avoided if possible, because according to old tradition, the price determination is the beginning of a long negotiation and can last several hours.

Important when negotiating: always stay friendly and calm, don't get angry or scold. A little groan also helps push the prices down a bit. With all measures, it must not be forgotten that smugglers, tour guides or agencies can also benefit from the profits.

This ritual is usually emphasized by serving fragrant Turkish tea or apple tea. Buyers should always be aware that tourists have higher prices than locals.

Tips for shopping at the bazaar in Antalya

As in other places in Turkey, please keep your eyes open when shopping. In order to prevent the negotiated goods from being inferior and overpriced afterwards, the quality should be checked on site. However, if you act accordingly, most knockoffs and imitations are of high quality and good value for money.

Sometimes sellers try to persuade customers to buy by addressing them in a more or less polite and sometimes awkward manner. In these situations, it is best not to feel like someone is speaking to you or to respond to calls.

When buying, it is worth paying in local currency. This avoids currency exchange errors. If you don't have the correct amount, you may run out of change or mess up the exchange rate and end up paying more. If you have purchased more than one item, you should ensure that all items purchased are in the bag or in your pocket.

According to tradition, the invitation to drink tea does not force you to do anything. If you don't want to drink tea, you need a good excuse not to be rude.

Trading multiplication tables in the bazaar

Turkish brands and customs

When buying textiles, however, there is another problem that many holidaymakers do not take into account or do not take so seriously. Namely brand and product piracy.

Fakes can be found on every corner, especially in markets and bazaars. Of course, since fakes are sometimes well done, the temptation here is even greater. These items are also popular holiday gifts for family, friends and acquaintances, and prices are available immediately upon purchase.

But be careful!

Such counterfeit products can be confiscated by customs when entering Germany. This is annoying enough, but in many cases you can even face fines in criminal proceedings. Depending on the brand and original manufacturer, if the product is branded, there can be even greater problems.

Where to find interesting bazaars and markets in Antalya?

There are many bazaars and markets in Antalya. The fastest way to find the weekly market is to ask the locals for the nearest market.

Bazaars in Antalya

Weekly markets in Antalya by day of the week

Other great places to shop in Antalya

There are many streets and alleys in Antalya that offer great shopping opportunities.

Weekly markets in Antalya province by day of the week

Shopping centers in Antalya

• Mall of Antalya: Large shopping center on the airport tram line with international and domestic brands from Turkey.
• Terra City: A large shopping center between the old town and the Lara Beach.
• Mark Antalya: 10-15 minutes walk from the old town.
• Deepo Outlet Center: There are mainly Turkish brands and it is close to the Mall of Antalya.
• Agora Antalya: Downtown shopping center.
• Ozdilek Park: Shopping center in the north of Antalya.
• Antalya Migros Shopping Center: Small shopping center near the Konyaalti Beach.
• Shemall Shopping Center: Established in Antalya in 2008, Shemall AVM isn't just for women. It includes over 60 stores with international and local brands.
• Antalya Premium Mall: Luxurious shopping center in Lara district. Like the atmosphere, the prices of the goods are high.