Top items to buy in Turkey include authentic Turkish delight (lokum), vibrant ceramics, spices (sumac, pul biber), tea/coffee sets, and Evil Eye (nazar boncuğu) amulets. For quality, consider hand-woven carpets, Turkish bath towels (peshtemal), leather goods, and olive oil soaps. Shop at the Grand Bazaar or local markets, ensuring you bargain for items. CTC Adventures +5
A must-buy from bazaars in Turkey is a Turkish rug or carpet, known for intricate designs and craftsmanship. Other top picks include lokum (Turkish delight), hand-painted ceramics, and spices.
Handmade carpets, beautiful ceramics, soft leather… these are only some of the crafts on offer. Then there is the food, from delicious baklava, to organic honeys. Beyond these well-known gifts for yourself or others, there is a deep reserve of well-crafted designer goods.
Spices and teas from Turkey's markets, such as saffron, sumac, and Rize tea, are perfect for culinary enthusiasts. Pair teas with traditional glass sets for a complete gift. Handmade jewelry and accessories, including Ottoman-inspired designs and evil eye ornaments, reflect Turkey's rich artistic heritage.
Top 5 Must-Buy Turkish Souvenirs to Bring Home | Your Ultimate Guide!
Do & don'ts in Turkey?
When visiting Turkey, do dress modestly (especially at religious sites), accept tea/hospitality, try local food (like baklava), bargain respectfully in markets, use right hand for eating/passing items, and remove shoes at homes/mosques; don't wear shorts in mosques, speak loudly in places of worship, show excessive public affection, drink alcohol in public, insult the Turkish flag/nation, or use your left hand for dining/passing. Be aware of surroundings, especially regarding scams and sensitive topics like politics or religion.
What cheap things to buy in Turkey? For affordable, country-style items, consider purchasing spices, tea, Turkish lanterns, clothing, and food from local markets.
No, you no longer pay a £10 fee to enter Turkey; that practice ended years ago, with UK (and EU) passport holders generally able to visit for tourism for up to 90 days without needing a visa or paying an entry fee, though you still need a valid passport. The old fee was for an arrival visa, which was replaced by an online e-visa system and then largely waived for many nationalities, but always check current GOV.UK requirements before travel.
Turkey is famous for its street food, and 100 lira is enough to enjoy several treats. You could buy a döner kebab, a few simits (Turkish bagels), and a glass of freshly squeezed juice, all within your budget. Getting around is another essential aspect of daily life, whether you're commuting or exploring the city.
🤝 General Tips Use your right hand when giving or receiving items. Avoid pointing your feet at people, especially in mosques. And when greeting elders, a slight nod or handshake shows respect. These small gestures can make your experience in Turkey even more meaningful.
Turkey imposes relatively low import duties and sales taxes on gold, making it one of the cheapest countries to buy gold jewelry in the world. This tax-friendly approach ensures that buyers get more value for their money, especially when compared to regions with high tax burdens.
Istanbul's Grand Bazaar has entire alleys dedicated to leather; look for small workshops over touristy stalls. Kuşadası, Izmir, and Antalya also offer excellent local selections, often at better prices than Istanbul.
Bargaining in Turkey is part of the fun of buying, and luckily you're rarely going to ever get completely ripped off. While prices are rarely listed in bazaars, either the stated price or a written price are negotiable in a “rounding down” way rather than a way intended to rip you off.
Do you need cash in Türkiye? Credit cards and debit cards are accepted all over Türkiye, but it's also a good idea to have some lira with you. If you're visiting a market like the Grand Bazaar, you may find that cash is preferred.
Yes, tipping is expected in restaurants. In small and casual eateries, rounding up the bill is enough. For example, if the bill is 190 TL, leaving 200 TL is polite. In mid-range restaurants, leaving 5–10% is common.
If you're looking for high-quality, affordable, and ethically produced garments, buying clothes from Turkey is a smart choice. Known for excellent craftsmanship in cotton, linen, and knitwear, Turkish apparel offers durability, comfort, and timeless style.
I recommend dressing more formally when traveling there, with shoulders and knees covered, a high neckline (no cleavage please), and no transparent or form-hugging clothing. You'll show respect and get more respect in return. Female travellers do not need to cover their hair unless visiting a mosque.
Yes, it is fine to kiss your girlfriend in Turkey. Public displays of affection, including hugs and short kisses, are generally tolerated in Istanbul, Izmir, or Ankara.
