Side-Turkey.

Shopping in Side is half the holiday. Between the ancient ruins and the Mediterranean, the old town and the nearby markets are where you actually meet the place — the smell of spices, trays of Turkish delight to taste, stallholders calling out, and that friendly tug-of-war over price that every visitor remembers. This is a practical, honest guide to the markets and shops of Side: where to go, what's worth buying, and how to bargain without stress. We live and work here, so everything below is written from the ground, not from a brochure.

The markets around Side

Two market experiences anchor any shopping day. The weekly Side market is the easy, walkable option close to the resorts — rows of stalls heaped with fruit and vegetables, cheeses and olives, textiles, sunglasses, toys and souvenirs. The much larger Manavgat market, a short ride inland, is the big one locals shop at: a sprawling bazaar where you can lose an hour just wandering. Market days and opening hours do shift by season, so please confirm the current day locally or with your hotel before you set out rather than relying on a fixed schedule.

What to look for at the stalls

Fresh produce is gorgeous and cheap — figs, pomegranates, peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, local honey. For things to take home, look at spices sold by weight, Turkish delight (lokum) and baklava, dried fruit and nuts, olive-oil soaps, cotton textiles (pestemal towels are light and useful), and ceramics. Tasting before you buy is normal and expected at the food stalls.

Old-town shops: the year-round option

When the weekly markets aren't on, Side's old town has you covered. The lanes leading down to the Temple of Apollo are lined with shops selling leather goods, jewellery, carpets and kilims, ceramics, lamps and souvenirs, plus Turkish delight and spice shops that stay open through the season. Prices here are usually open to a little negotiation too, especially in the leather and jewellery shops. Take your time, compare a couple of places, and don't feel rushed — browsing is part of it.

A quick word on quality

For leather and jewellery, buy from a shop you can return to and ask for a receipt. For "brand" sunglasses, watches and bags at the stalls, treat them as fun copies, not the real thing, and price them accordingly. Gold and silver are sold by weight against the daily rate — fair, but worth confirming the price before you commit.

How to bargain (the friendly way)

Bargaining is normal in the markets and many old-town shops — it's expected, and done with a smile. A simple approach works: ask the price, offer noticeably less, then meet somewhere in the middle. Buying more than one item gives you leverage. Cash often gets a better number than card. If the price doesn't reach what you want, a polite "thank you" and a step toward the door is itself a negotiating tool. Supermarkets, chain stores and fixed-price shops are not for haggling, so save your energy for the bazaar.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Flexible — a half-day or full day of shopping at your own pace; confirmed at booking for guided market trips
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking
• Includes: Local market and old-town shopping; guided market visits available on request
• Excludes: Your purchases, food and drink, personal spending
• Family Friendly: Yes — easy and enjoyable for all ages
• Best Season: Spring and autumn for pleasant weather and thinner crowds; markets run year-round
• Difficulty: Easy — flat walking, but bring a hat, water and comfortable shoes in summer

Related Excursions

• Things to do in Side
• Antalya tours & excursions
• Alanya day trips
• Belek excursions
• Kemer tours
• More Side travel guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Which market is better, Side or Manavgat?

The Side market is smaller and closer to the resorts, ideal if you want something quick and walkable. Manavgat is bigger and more local — better for a proper browse. Many visitors do both on different days.

What days are the markets open?

Market days and hours vary by season and can change, so we don't want to give you a wrong day. Please confirm the current schedule locally, with your hotel, or with our team when you book.

Is bargaining really expected?

Yes, in the markets and in most old-town leather, carpet and jewellery shops. It's friendly, not aggressive. Fixed-price and chain shops are the exception.

What should I buy as a gift?

Turkish delight, baklava, spices, olive-oil soap, cotton pestemal towels, ceramics and small leather goods all travel well and feel local.

Can I pay by card?

Many shops take cards, but small market stalls prefer cash, and cash often unlocks a better price. Carry some Turkish lira for the bazaar.

Are the markets family-friendly?

Very — they're colourful, full of food to taste, and easy walking. Just bring water, sun protection and a little patience in the summer heat.

How do I get to Manavgat market from Side?

It's a short ride inland by taxi or local transport. For a relaxed, no-hassle trip with hotel pick-up, ask us about a guided market visit.

Ready to shop like a local? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team at side-turkey.com — message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. Booking direct means no agency or OTA commission, a best-price guarantee, and honest local advice on the best market days and shops. We'll help you plan a shopping day that fits your trip.