Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu Antiques Bazaar
Ankara's historic bazaar for wedding essentials, antiques, and traditional crafts. A bustling marketplace with a rich history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better selection
Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu Antiques Bazaar
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better selection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ankara's historic bazaar for wedding essentials, antiques, and traditional crafts. A bustling marketplace with a rich history.
"It's the oldest shopping district where the heart of trade beats in Ankara."
🎯 Haggle for the Best Price
Don't hesitate to negotiate prices, especially for wedding attire and larger purchases. It's part of the experience!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The bazaar involves a lot of walking up and down a steep hill. Comfortable footwear is a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wedding Essentials Galore
Throughout the bazaar
Find everything for your big day: bridal wear, groom suits, henna materials, and traditional wedding items.
Antique Treasures
Side streets and smaller shops
Hunt for unique vintage finds, from old jewelry to decorative pieces, offering a glimpse into Ankara's past.
Traditional Textiles and Crafts
Various stalls
Discover handcrafted textiles, local crafts, and traditional Turkish goods that make for perfect souvenirs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu
Best Time for Bargains
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Haggle for the Best Price
Don't hesitate to negotiate prices, especially for wedding attire and larger purchases. It's part of the experience!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The bazaar involves a lot of walking up and down a steep hill. Comfortable footwear is a must!
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be difficult. Consider using the paid parking lot up the hill or public transport.
🛍️ Explore Side Streets
Hidden gems and antique shops are often found in the smaller, less-trafficked side streets.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Haggle for the Best Price
Don't hesitate to negotiate prices, especially for wedding attire and larger purchases. It's part of the experience!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The bazaar involves a lot of walking up and down a steep hill. Comfortable footwear is a must!
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be difficult. Consider using the paid parking lot up the hill or public transport.
🛍️ Explore Side Streets
Hidden gems and antique shops are often found in the smaller, less-trafficked side streets.
💰 Cash is King
While some shops may accept cards, having cash on hand is recommended for smaller purchases and better bargaining.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu is celebrated as Ankara's historic heart for wedding preparations and a vibrant marketplace for unique finds. Visitors appreciate the vast selection of wedding essentials, traditional crafts, and antique treasures. However, some note that prices can be surprisingly high, and parking is a significant challenge.
"Good over all , finding essential cheap products"
Dawan Jamal
"Spring is coming, the weather is warming up. We are now in the month of Ramadan. The holiday is ahead and the wedding season will slowly start afterwards. If the word wedding comes into play, it means you are in a real fire ring. In the middle of complete chaos. Halls will be rented, trousseaus will be completed, necessary shopping for the wedding will be done... Etc. There is a place that all Ankara residents and those in the surrounding cities, even most people who have ever been to Ankara, know. Çıkrıkçılar Hill. It starts with a steep slope from Ulus to Samanpazarı, connects to side streets in between, then flat areas form above and this climb continues until At Pazarı Square. Why do you think we came here? When the word wedding comes into play, it is the first place that comes to mind because it is for shopping.
Below you can find jewelry from jewelers, socks, underwear, wedding dresses and groom suits, henna dresses, henna materials, gift towels, socks, shirts, and yemeni products, dried fruits to be distributed at the wedding, evening dresses to be worn by the wedding owners and their relatives, men's suits and millions of products that you can think of or even don't think of, all together. Our elders used to go there for affordable shopping, but now the prices are quite expensive. Whether you have a rich wedding or a simple wedding, you will definitely come here. If you haven't yet come across the oldest shopping district where the heart of trade beats in Ankara, you can get an idea from the pictures."
Vedat AKTAŞ
"There are many varieties, many stores, but our problem is that while prices should normally be more affordable, some products are even above market prices, which is sad."
Ahmet Rasim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu is located in the Ulus district. You can reach it by taking a taxi or public transportation (bus or metro) to the Ulus area. From there, it's a short walk uphill towards Samanpazarı.
Yes, the Ulus area is well-served by public transport. Buses and metro lines stop near Ulus Square, from where you can walk to the bazaar.
The bazaar is a network of streets and alleys. It's best to explore on foot, starting from the lower end near Ulus and walking uphill. Don't be afraid to wander into side streets.
Look for signs pointing towards Samanpazarı or the Melike Sultan Mosque area, as Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu is located in that vicinity.
Parking is notoriously difficult in this area. It's highly recommended to use public transport or a paid parking lot located further up the hill.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu is an open-air bazaar and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely explore the shops and streets.
Most shops in Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu are open daily from morning until early evening, typically around 9 AM to 7 PM. However, hours can vary, especially on Sundays and public holidays.
The bazaar generally remains open every day of the week, though some smaller shops might have reduced hours or be closed on Sundays or public holidays.
Yes, Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu is known for its wedding-related items, and you can find many of these shops open throughout the year, though selection might be larger closer to peak wedding seasons.
Antique shops are scattered throughout the bazaar. While their inventory can change, you can generally find unique antique pieces during regular business hours.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Bargains
You can find a wide array of products, including wedding dresses, suits, henna materials, jewelry, traditional clothing, textiles, souvenirs, and antique items.
While historically known for affordability, some prices can now be quite high, even above market prices for certain items. Haggling is crucial to get a good deal.
Absolutely! Bargaining is an integral part of the shopping experience here. Be polite but firm when negotiating prices.
Explore various shops and compare prices. Visiting before peak wedding seasons might offer better discounts. Don't hesitate to ask for a better price.
Antique shops are often tucked away in side streets. Keep an eye out for signs or ask local shopkeepers for recommendations.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always polite to ask shop owners before taking close-up photos of their merchandise or inside their stores.
The narrow, winding streets with colorful displays of goods, traditional architecture, and bustling market scenes offer great photo opportunities.
It's best to ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially shopkeepers or shoppers, to be respectful of their privacy.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting and fewer crowds, making for more pleasant photography sessions.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities or a mirrorless camera would be ideal for capturing the vibrant details and atmosphere of the bazaar.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the more visually interesting stalls, like those with colorful textiles or traditional crafts, to keep children engaged. The sheer variety of goods can be overwhelming, so perhaps set a small budget for a souvenir for each child to make their shopping experience more focused and enjoyable.
💍 Couples Planning a Wedding
Take your time exploring different shops, comparing styles and prices. Don't be afraid to ask for discounts, especially if you're buying multiple items. The experience of sourcing your wedding essentials from this historic bazaar can add a unique and memorable touch to your wedding preparations.
🎁 Souvenir Hunters
Remember to practice your bargaining skills to get the best prices. Items like hand-embroidered towels, decorative plates, or vintage accessories can make for very special and meaningful souvenirs that reflect the rich culture of Ankara.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Ankara's Wedding Traditions
The steep incline of the street, starting from Ulus and leading towards Samanpazarı, is lined with countless shops, each offering a unique selection. While the prices have seen an increase over the years, making it essential to haggle, the sheer variety and the cultural significance of the place make it a must-visit for anyone planning a wedding or interested in local customs.
Beyond wedding items, the bazaar also boasts a collection of antique shops and stalls selling traditional crafts and textiles. This adds another layer of charm, allowing visitors to discover unique souvenirs and pieces of Ankara's history. The bustling atmosphere, combined with the historical context, makes Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu a truly immersive cultural experience.
Navigating the Bazaar: Tips from Locals and Visitors
When it comes to shopping, the consensus is clear: bargaining is key. While some items might be priced higher than expected, a little negotiation can go a long way in securing a good deal. It's advisable to have cash on hand, as not all vendors may accept card payments, and cash often facilitates better bargaining.
For those arriving by car, parking is a significant challenge. Many recommend using the paid parking lots available further up the hill or opting for public transportation to avoid the hassle. Exploring the side streets is also highly encouraged, as they often hide the most unique antique finds and specialized shops that might be missed on the main thoroughfare.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit