Side Bazaar Side
A vibrant Turkish bazaar offering a wide array of goods, from textiles and souvenirs to leather and jewelry. Prepare to haggle!
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best selection, less crowded
Side Bazaar Side
Best Time
Best selection, less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Turkish bazaar offering a wide array of goods, from textiles and souvenirs to leather and jewelry. Prepare to haggle!
"Classic turkish merchandise and behaviour. Everyone tries to scam and harass you. Horrible experience."
🎯 Haggle for the best price
Don't accept the first price! Bargaining is expected and part of the fun.
🛍️ Shop around for deals
Prices can vary; compare items and vendors before buying.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Market Stalls
Side Bazaar
A bustling hub for Turkish goods, from clothing and accessories to souvenirs. Expect a lively atmosphere and a wide array of products.
Leather Goods and Bags
Side Bazaar
Find a variety of leather products and stylish bags. Many visitors highlight these as popular shopping items.
Jewelry and Accessories
Side Bazaar
Explore stalls offering jewelry and other fashion accessories. Perfect for finding unique gifts or personal treats.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Haggling is Key
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Haggle for the best price
Don't accept the first price! Bargaining is expected and part of the fun.
🛍️ Shop around for deals
Prices can vary; compare items and vendors before buying.
⏰ Arrive early for selection
Get the best pick of goods by visiting the market when it opens.
💰 Cash is king
While some vendors might accept cards, cash is often preferred and can help with haggling.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Haggle for the best price
Don't accept the first price! Bargaining is expected and part of the fun.
🛍️ Shop around for deals
Prices can vary; compare items and vendors before buying.
⏰ Arrive early for selection
Get the best pick of goods by visiting the market when it opens.
💰 Cash is king
While some vendors might accept cards, cash is often preferred and can help with haggling.
💧 Stay hydrated
Especially during warmer months, carry water as you explore the bazaar.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Side Bazaar offers a classic Turkish market experience with a wide array of goods, but be prepared for pushy vendors and potentially inflated prices. While some find it a good starting point for shopping and enjoy the lively atmosphere, others report feeling scammed or finding the quality to be poor for the price. Haggling is essential for a better experience.
"Classic turkish merchandise and behaviour. Everyone tries to scam and harass you. Horrible experience."
Silviu Pop
"Very expensive, for experience, nice but for shopping purposes, You are better off at some smaller bazaars that are not located in center side"
allan keng
"Good start for your first shopping experience in the markets. Very friendly and open to haggling on the final price.
It is slightly more expensive than some of the other markets but still worth while going to buy a few things or gifts."
Robert Paterson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Side Bazaar is located in Side, near Antalya. You can take a bus from Antalya's main bus station to Side, which is a common and affordable option. From the Side bus station, the bazaar is usually within walking distance or a short taxi ride.
Yes, Side Bazaar is generally accessible by local dolmuş (minibuses) that run along the coastal road, connecting various resorts and towns in the Side region.
Many hotels in Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, and Çolaklı are within easy reach of the bazaar. Walking or taking a short taxi ride are common methods.
Parking can be challenging in the immediate vicinity of the bazaar, especially during peak hours. It's often easier to use public transport or walk if you're staying nearby.
Taxis are readily available in Side and can take you directly to the bazaar. Ensure the meter is used or agree on a price beforehand.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is typically no entrance fee to wander through Side Bazaar. You only pay for the items you decide to purchase.
The bazaar generally operates during daylight hours. The Saturday market specifically opens early and closes around 3-4 PM. Other days may have slightly different hours, but it's best to visit during typical shopping times.
No advance booking is required for Side Bazaar. It's a public market that you can visit freely.
Yes, there is a well-known Saturday market in Side. While there might be shops open daily, the larger market atmosphere is often associated with specific days.
The pathways in the bazaar can be narrow and crowded, especially on market days. Navigating with a stroller might be difficult, so consider a baby carrier if possible.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
Popular items include Turkish delight, spices, ceramics, textiles, leather goods, bags, jewelry, and souvenirs. Many TikTok videos showcase these items.
Yes, you can find items that resemble designer brands, such as bags and clothing. However, quality can vary significantly.
Prices vary greatly depending on the item and your bargaining skills. Some reviews suggest it can be more expensive than smaller bazaars, so compare prices.
Absolutely! Haggling is a fundamental part of the shopping experience in Turkish bazaars. Be polite but firm in your negotiations.
Quality can be inconsistent. While you can find genuine Turkish crafts, there are also many mass-produced items and 'fakes'. Inspect items carefully before purchasing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, you can often find small cafes or eateries within or around the bazaar where you can grab a drink or a snack. The Saturday market has a small cafe area.
Expect traditional Turkish snacks, gözleme (savory pancakes), tea, and coffee. For full meals, there are restaurants in the main Side town area.
As with any market, exercise caution. Look for vendors with high turnover and freshly prepared food.
Turkish cuisine offers many vegetarian dishes like mezes, salads, and vegetable-based stews. Look for restaurants that specialize in these.
Prices for snacks and drinks are generally reasonable, but can be higher than in local towns. Bargaining might even apply to some food items if bought in bulk.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed in Side Bazaar. However, always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their stalls.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photo opportunities. The vibrant colors of the market are great subjects.
The colorful displays of textiles, spices, and souvenirs are inherently photogenic. Look for interesting patterns, textures, and candid moments of market life.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm or a prime lens (e.g., 35mm or 50mm) is great for capturing details and wider market scenes. A smartphone camera is also perfectly adequate.
Be aware of your surroundings to avoid bumping into people or goods. Respect privacy and always ask before photographing individuals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye on your children in crowded areas, and be prepared for vendors to approach you. It's a good opportunity to teach children about different cultures and the art of polite negotiation. There are often small cafes where you can take a break and grab a refreshing drink or a simple snack.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting smaller, local markets outside the main tourist hubs for better value. If you do shop at Side Bazaar, focus on items where you can clearly see the quality and compare prices. Buying in bulk might also lead to better deals. Remember that cash is often preferred and can give you more leverage in negotiations.
🛍️ Shoppers Seeking Unique Finds
Don't limit yourself to the most obvious stalls. Venture into smaller alleys and explore different vendors. The experience of finding a special item after some negotiation can be very rewarding. Remember to check the quality carefully, especially for items like leather goods or jewelry, to ensure you're getting good value for your unique find.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Haggling in Side Bazaar
Many visitors find that while haggling is expected, the prices in the central Side Bazaar can still be higher than in smaller, less tourist-centric markets. This is why comparing prices across different stalls and even other bazaars in the region is a smart strategy. Don't be afraid to explore beyond the main thoroughfares for potentially better deals.
Remember that the goal is a win-win situation. You want a fair price, and the vendor wants to make a sale. A friendly negotiation can lead to a positive exchange and a memorable shopping experience. Keep your expectations realistic, and enjoy the process!
Navigating the Saturday Market
This market is known for everything from clothing, including football shirts and children's wear, to household goods and souvenirs. There are also food stalls and a small cafe area where you can take a break. The atmosphere is lively and bustling, providing a true taste of local commerce.
Be prepared for crowds, especially as the day progresses. The advice to haggle is particularly relevant here, as vendors are keen to make sales. It's a great place to find unique items and experience the vibrant culture of the region.
What to Expect: Quality and Authenticity
Many TikTok videos showcase popular items like bags, clothing, and jewelry, but reviews sometimes mention 'expensive cheap quality fakes.' This highlights the need for careful inspection. Look for well-made items, check stitching on textiles, and examine the materials of leather goods.
For those seeking authentic Turkish souvenirs, look for items like traditional ceramics, hand-woven textiles, or local food products like Turkish delight and spices. Be discerning, and if a deal seems too good to be true, it often is. Enjoy the shopping, but shop smart!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit