Shopping in Edirne: The Ultimate Guide to Markets, Malls & Deals

Edirne surprises first-time visitors: prices are still noticeably lower than in many EU cities, yet the quality of local food, textiles, and gold remains high. If you plan your visit around market days, you can save serious money.

Located in northwest Turkey near the Bulgarian and Greek borders, Edirne has been a trade city since Ottoman times. That role hasn’t faded. Today, it’s a favorite weekend shopping destination for Bulgarians, Greeks, and Romanians who come for markets, outlet malls, and groceries at Turkish prices.

How Would This Guide Help You?

This guide focuses on practical, up-to-date advice so you don’t waste time or money:

• Where to shop on each day of the week
• What products are actually worth buying in Edirne
• How prices compare to Istanbul and Europe
• Transport, payments, and money-saving tips locals use

The Advantages of Shopping in Edirne

Edirne blends Balkan and Ottoman traditions, and that mix shows in its markets. You’ll find everyday Turkish brands, regional food products, and old-style bazaars within walking distance of each other.

Prices are one of the biggest draws. For visitors from neighboring countries, groceries, detergents, textiles, and locally produced clothing are often cheaper than at home. Quality is generally reliable, especially for food, towels, cotton clothing, and gold.

Getting Around Edirne

The city center is compact. If your hotel is central, walking is usually faster than driving. Parking in the center is paid and limited.

Taxis: Taxi prices are set in Turkish lira. Expect an opening fare of about 40–50 TL, with most short rides inside the city costing roughly 120–220 TL depending on distance. That’s still cheap by European standards. Many drivers understand basic English or Bulgarian.

Shopping at Edirne’s Markets and Malls

Edirne offers both modern malls and traditional markets. Many visitors combine both in one day.

Margi Outlet and Erasta AVM are the main malls, both open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. Currency exchange offices operate inside. Near Margi Outlet you’ll find the famous Saturday market, often called the “Blue Market” by Bulgarian visitors.

In the city center, the historic bazaars and main shopping street offer everything from clothes and sweets to household goods.

Edirne’s Grand Bazaars

• Selimiye Camii Arastası – A domed bazaar next to the Selimiye Mosque. Best for souvenirs, towels, scarves, and small gifts.

• Bedesten Bazaar – Architecturally impressive and very old. Today, most shops sell inexpensive imported goods rather than artisan crafts.

• Ali Pasa Bazaar – The liveliest option. Good for scarves, clothes, bags, fruit-shaped soaps, and a quick lunch.

Malls in Edirne

Edirne has two main shopping malls used by tourists: Margi Outlet and Erasta AVM. Former Kipa locations now operate as 5M Migros hypermarkets rather than a separate mall brand.

Margi Outlet

Margi Outlet remains the most popular stop for foreign shoppers. It has around 45 stores, and real discounts—especially on Turkish-made brands—are common.

US Polo Assn., LC Waikiki, Adidas, Levi’s, Jack & Jones, and several Turkish brands attract steady crowds. Bulgarians still make up a large share of visitors, especially on weekends.

Erasta Mall

Erasta AVM is newer and more relaxed. Popular stores include Mavi Jeans, H&M, US Polo Assn., Pierre Cardin, Penti, and Damat. A large Migros supermarket makes it practical for grocery shopping.

The Top Goods to Buy in Edirne

Local Food

• Edirne Cheese – Mild white cheese, usually from sheep and cow’s milk.
• Kavala Cookies – Almond cookies that travel well.
• Dried Fruits & Nuts – Figs, apricots, pistachios, almonds.

Handicrafts

• Textiles – Towels, scarves, tablecloths.
• Ceramics – Traditional plates and bowls.
• Fruit-shaped soaps (meyve sabunu) – Decorative, not for washing.

Best Time To Shop In Edirne

Saturday is the busiest and most rewarding day thanks to the large open-air market near Margi Outlet. A smaller version also runs on Wednesday.

Friday is traditionally Ulus Market day for textiles. As of now, the market is operating, but its location and schedule can change due to municipal decisions, so check locally if this is a priority.

Paying in Lira vs Euro or Other Currencies

Always pay in Turkish lira if possible. In January, exchange rates hover around 50 TL per euro, and shops often apply worse rates if you pay in foreign currency.

Cards like Revolut work well, but exchange lira on weekdays to avoid weekend fees. Cash is still preferred at markets.

Comparing Edirne to Other Major Turkish Shopping Cities

Useful Tips When Shopping In Edirne

• Go early to Saturday markets to avoid crowds.
• Check Migros catalogs for biweekly discounts.
• Use taxis for longer distances; walk the center.
• For gold, stick to established jewelers and ask for weight and workmanship separately.
• On Sundays, malls and central shops are open, but some warehouses close.