Shopping in Ankara: Malls, Bazaars & Smart Bargains
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Ankara does something Istanbul rarely does anymore: it lets you shop at your own pace. Fewer tourist markups, calmer streets, and shopkeepers who still care about regulars. From oversized malls to centuries‑old bazaars, the capital rewards shoppers who know where to look.
The downside? Ankara changes quickly. A few places praised in old guides no longer matter, and tax‑free rules have shifted. What follows is a practical, fully updated guide you can actually use.
The Strategy: When and How to Shop
The Perfect Timing
Ankara runs on extremes: hot summers, icy winters. For comfortable shopping, late spring and early autumn are the sweet spot. If your trip overlaps with religious holidays, check Turkey’s public holiday calendar. Malls usually keep normal hours, while bazaars may close early or get packed.
- Seasonal sales: January and July are the main discount periods. Big chains like Zara, Mango, Koton, and LC Waikiki routinely mark items down, though exact percentages vary by store.
- Efsane Cuma: Turkey’s version of Black Friday lands in late November. Electronics and fashion see the strongest deals, and many brands start promotions weeks ahead.
Money & Payment: Cards First, Cash Helps
Credit cards and mobile payments work smoothly in malls and along Tunalı Hilmi Street. In Ulus and neighborhood markets, cash is often preferred—especially by craftsmen—and it can make bargaining easier.
The Zones: Where You Actually Need to Go
Skip the long lists of fading recommendations. These are the areas that matter right now.
1. Shopping Malls (AVMs)
Ankara loves its malls: clean, air‑conditioned, and straightforward. Ignore marginal centers and focus on these:
- AnkaMall: The city’s largest and most practical option, packed with international brands and Turkish staples. Easy metro access via Akköprü.
- Panora AVM: Upscale and relaxed. A good pick if you want quality brands without heavy crowds.
- Armada: A reliable all‑rounder, popular with expats and known for its Söğütözü restaurant strip.
2. Kızılay: The Chaotic Heart
Kızılay is loud and messy, but affordable. Underground passages are full of small shops selling clothes, books, and accessories. Come for budget buys, not comfort.
3. Çankaya & Tunalı Hilmi
This is Ankara’s café‑and‑boutique strip. Walk Tunalı Hilmi Street, browse local labels, and don’t skip Karum Shopping Center—a dated building with surprisingly strong independent stores. Luxury Turkish brands like Beymen and Vakko are also nearby.
4. Ulus & Samanpazarı
If you want something genuinely local, head uphill toward the castle and wander Samanpazarı. This is where Ankara shows its roots.
- What to find: Hand‑hammered copper, antiques, carpets, spices.
- The hidden gem: Suluhan Bazaar, a restored historic han selling beads, jewelry supplies, and handmade goods.
What Is Worth Buying? (Curator’s Choice)
Skip fake designer logos. Turkey excels in a few categories—stick to those.
Leather & Textiles
Turkey is still a textile heavyweight. Brands like Mudo Concept and Yargıcı offer quality that often beats European prices. For home goods, high‑quality Turkish textiles are an easy win. In Ulus, look for handmade leather belts and bags.
Copper & Home Decor
Bakırcılar Çarşısı in Samanpazarı still has working masters. A hand‑tinned copper pan is practical, long‑lasting, and unmistakably Turkish.
Delicacies
Skip airport duty‑free. Buy pastırma, sucuk, and proper Turkish coffee from supermarkets or local delis. For context, see this guide to grocery shopping in Turkey.
The Art of Bargaining & Etiquette
The rule: Bargain only in bazaars and owner‑run shops. Prices are fixed in malls, supermarkets, and most boutiques.
- Ask the price.
- Counter around 60–70% as a starting point.
- Be friendly. A casual “Abi” or “Abla” goes a long way.
- Meet in the middle. If tea appears, you’re close.
Important Update: Tax‑Free Shopping
Tax‑free shopping in Turkey is simple if you follow the rules. The standard VAT (KDV) rate is 20%, with reduced rates still applied to specific goods.
- The process: Look for the “Tax Free” logo (often Global Blue).
- Minimum spend: 2,000 TRY (VAT included) per receipt.
- At the airport: At Esenboğa (ESB), get your customs stamp before passport control. No stamp, no refund.
Verdict: Ankara Is Ready for You
Ankara suits shoppers who value calm over chaos. Use malls for fashion and electronics, then spend your souvenir budget in Ulus and Samanpazarı. You’ll pay fair prices, meet real craftsmen, and leave with things that actually mean something.
