I love to shop. However, now that my suitcase is all I have in life, I cannot add even a key chain to the lot, unless I remove something. As a result, I am now left with window shopping only. This has not curtailed hunting down a bargain or looking for beautiful things. Here are 5 of the best places for shopping in Antalya that I have enjoyed discovering.
Old Bazaar
There are many entrances into this bazaar close to Kaleici. This is not the bazaar that is inside Old Town, rather the one directly connected to the pedestrian only shopping street.
Wander these alleys and find every type of souvenir or item you may wish to purchase. I loved just walking through and looking at all that was on offer. Smelling the spices, listening to the vendors chat and looking at unusual goods for sale, was a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
Pedestrian Only Shopping Street
Outside of Kaleici, is a long pedestrian only shopping street on Kazim Ozolp Cd. (This store is in the centre). By mid morning, most vendors and stores are open for business and by mid afternoon, this street is down right bustling. You will find suitcases, clothing and shoes in abundance here.
There are restaurants, eateries, fountains, gardens, public spaces for seating and shopping galore. I enjoyed walking up and down at different times of day, listing to all the activity around me. Seeing the cats interact with the public and the vendors trying to sell their wares. It is definitely worth a stroll for entertainment alone.
Carsamba Pazar
Want to get local? Visit the Carsamba Pazar, a huge two-story parking garage that completely transforms into a market every Sunday! The bottom floor is all things food, vegetables, fruits, dried goods, fish, cheese, breads, sweets, you name it, its here.
The top level is everything else. How fun! Packed with clothing, knockoffs, household goods, kitchenware, electronics, shoes, handbags and more. There are numerous bargains to be had here. I found the prices to be the cheapest at this huge covered market. Much cheaper than closer to Old Town.
The Malls
Well if Antalya wasn’t made for shopping, I don’t know where else is. There are so many malls to choose from here, so pick the one closest to your accommodation. For me, that was the Mall of Antalya, smack dab in the centre of the city. With over 150 stores and a large food court and cinema, I could find anything I needed here.
Uzun Carsi Sk in Kaleici
Anywhere in Kaleici or Old Town Antalya, you are bound to find shops of all shapes and sizes. But this street in particular is loaded with beautiful Turkish goods and boutique shops. I loved walking down here and looking at all of the gorgeous souvenirs that I wished I could be purchasing.
The lovely Turkish cotton towels and other household linens, glass and mirror lamps, antique brass ware, rugs and carpets, spices, sweets, the list goes on. Located in amongst old Ottoman houses it is the most charming place in all of Antalya to shop.
I hope this post gives you some ideas if you are looking for inexpensive or unique items to buy. Really, anywhere I have walked in Antalya, I have been inundated with retail, shopping and the bustling activity of commerce. It has been a bit overwhelming if I am being honest. I am longing for a quieter moment now.
