Things to Buy in Turkey

Turkish carpets and kilims are some of the best things to buy from Turkey. They represent Turkish art and culture beautifully. Carpets are made by a unique knotted technique to form a pile-like structure. They are made from different materials like wool, silk, or cotton and come in many vibrant colors. At the same time, Kilims are made with a flat weave technique, which makes they lightweight and easy to carry. They also don't take up much space in your room. They have a very intricate design, which makes them perfect for gift options.

Where to Buy From: You can buy them from the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Konya.

Price: The price range of carpets and kilims can vary from 890 TL to 157,000 TL, depending on the quality and size

If you are someone who loves to pamper themselves and their loved ones, then a hammam experience in Turkey is an experience you must have. It is a version of Turkish spa in which all the natural ingredients are used, like olive oil soaps, goat milk products, etc., and end your bath with soft hamam towels. They are light, quick-absorbent, and very soft on the skin. By taking hamam towels and soaps, you can take this Turkish hamam experience home. In Turkish traditions, the hamam is considered one of the best experiences you can have for your body because it is so relaxing. These can be one of your souvenirs from Turkey.

Where to Buy From: You can purchase them from the Turkish bathhouses and stores.

Price: It generally costs from $13 to $39

Turkish footwear has another fan base because usually they are made with such vibrant colors and patterns that everybody just loves them. They are made with wool, which can keep your feet warm in winter. These knitted socks are one of the best things to buy in Istanbul. The knitted slipper socks are known as patik, which are longer in style to make your feet and calves warm. Buying these small items is an excellent way to support local artists, especially women.

Where to Buy From: You can purchase them from Gaziantep's historic Coppersmiths Bazaar.

Price: Socks can cost around 2-10 TL, and shoes can cost around 100-350 TL

If you scroll around the internet well enough, then you must have heard the name of this Turkish delight, which is baklava. It's been a trend on the internet, and people get excited to try this. So if you are in Turkey, then you must try this dessert from its original place for its authentic taste. It is a thin pastry dough that is layered with rich nuts and the goodness of syrup. At the same time, Lokum is also a Turkish delight, which is a sweet and chewy confection that is made with different flavours like pistachio, rose, pomegranate, etc. These delights are among Turkey's famous things to buy, so be sure to pack them tightly for travel.

Where to Buy From: You can buy from Hafiz Mustafa and Koska in Istanbul.

Price: The price ranges from 400 to 1200 TL per kg

We all know that Turkish cuisine is very famous among tourists, and the secret behind this tasty food is the Turkish spices. These exotic spices come under the list of what to buy in Turkey. Spices like red pepper flakes, thyme, sumac, and zaatar are very famous and used in almost every household in Turkey. Whereas, the Turkish tea has always had a different market. You can see the people there drinking black aromatic tea all day long. There is a huge variety of tea, such as pomegranate tea, apple tea, and many more. The loose tea leaves allow you to recreate this flavor in your kitchen.

Where to Buy From: You can buy them from the Egyptian Bazaar in Istanbul and the local markets.

Price: Herbal teas range from 200-350 TL per kg, and the price of spices can vary, like pepper, which can cost around 52-240TL per kg, and cloves, which can cost from 166 to 238 TL per kg.

Turkey is known as heaven for nut lovers. This country produces a variety of nuts and dry fruits and exports them all over the world. It is famously known for the pistachios, but in reality, Turkey is the largest producer of apricots and hazelnuts. Some of the famous dry fruits and nuts are almonds, pistachios, dried and roasted chickpeas, apricots, walnut-stuffed dates, and roasted apricot kernels. It is also important to mention that Turkish Honey is one of the finest honey you can get, and it is also very famous all over the globe.

Where to Buy From: You can purchase them from Local markets or the Spice Bazaar.

Price: The price can generally vary from 180 to 500 Turkish liras per kg

Turkish coffee is not only popular in Turkey but also in India. Most indian cafes serve Turkish coffee, and people love it. If you are traveling to Turkey, then you will not be complete until you have Turkish coffee there. It is made with finely ground coffee beans and prepared in a traditional Turkish pot known as a Cezve. You can also buy coffee sets as they are considered the must-buy souvenirs for travelers. They come in various Turkish designs and colors.

Where to Buy From: You can buy the coffee from coffee stores in Turkey, and the coffee sets from the shops in the Grand Bazaar.

Price: A cup of Turkish coffee can cost around 24-46 TL

Turkish perfumes are famous for their rich smell, and they are prepared with extracts of flowers, spices, and some musky undertones. These attars are very long-lasting because they have a more concentrated version of the extracts. People who make these timeless scents use traditional methods to create a blend that makes these perfumes one of the best things to buy from Turkey.

Where to Buy From: You can buy them from Spice Bazaar and famous perfumeries.

Price: The price of perfumes and attars can start from 600TL and go up to thousands of Turkish liras

These meerschaum pipes are carved from a rare mineral that is only found in Turkey, and that is the reason they can be the best gift for collectors and for people who smoke. These pipes are handmade and have such fine details; they are lightweight and easy to carry, and they enhance the flavor of tobacco over time. Due to their beautiful designs, which represent tradition and skills, they are one of the famous things to buy in Turkey.

Where to Buy From: You can buy them from Eskisehir and tobacco shops in Istanbul.

Price: It can cost around $40 to $250

The metalwork of Turkey, including copper trays, cookware, tea and coffee sets, and metal pots, is among the finest items to purchase in Turkey. It is renowned for its exceptional designs, durability, and historical significance. The craftspeople in Turkey who are making these metal pieces have this art passed from generation to generation, and they are keeping this tradition alive here.

Where to Buy From: You can buy from the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, the Gaziantep markets

Price: It ranges from $60- $2000, depending on its size

While doing basic traveler shopping in Turkey, you must have seen the different hand-painted lamps in the local markets. Many artisans are working on these lamps in their shops, and you can also watch them painting these lamps live. If you are still thinking about what to buy in Istanbul, then go to the local market and pick a Turkish mosaic lamp, they are a good option to take as a souvenir. 

Where to Buy From: You can buy them from the artisan shops in Cappadocia.

Price: Generally costs around $40-$200

Turkey is one of the top 5 largest producers of leather in the world. Turkish leather goods, like wallets, belts, jackets, and bags, are of very good quality. Turkey has been working for many years to make the quality of leather this good and durable. These leather goods come in many designs and patterns, and you are going to buy something once you start exploring this market. If you ask anyone what is famous in Turkey to buy, then leather items will surely be one of the things.

Where to Buy From: You can buy them from the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

Price: It can cost around 500TL to 4000TL