Manavgat Market from Side: Market Days, What to Buy and How to Get There

The Manavgat market is the big open-air weekly market in Manavgat, the town just inland from Side. Locals come for fruit, vegetables and household goods, and visitors come for spices, textiles, leather goods, sweets and souvenirs at prices below the tourist shops. It is generally held on Mondays and Thursdays, and it is easy to reach from Side by minibus, taxi or as part of a Manavgat river tour.

This guide explains when the market takes place, how to get there from Side, what to buy, how bargaining works, and how to combine the market with a river cruise and Manavgat Waterfall.

Manavgat Market at a Glance

When Is the Manavgat Market?

The large Manavgat market is generally held on Mondays and Thursdays, and organised market tours from Side and Antalya run on those days. Product sections, stall locations and hours can change, so if the market is the main reason for your trip, check the current schedule with your hotel or guide before you go.

The market is busiest around the middle of the day, when it is also hottest. For a more relaxed visit, arrive in the morning. On other days, Manavgat town centre still has shops, cafés and the riverfront, but not the big market atmosphere.

How to Get to Manavgat Market from Side

• Dolmuş (minibus): the cheapest option. Minibuses run between Side and Manavgat town centre throughout the day; pay the driver in cash.

• Taxi: the quickest option from most Side hotels, and practical if you plan to carry bags back.

• Organised tour: several Manavgat river tours include time at the market together with a boat trip, lunch and Manavgat Waterfall, with hotel transfers included (see below).

If you're staying in Antalya, the easiest way to visit is a tour with transfers, since Manavgat is a longer drive from the city.

What to Buy at the Manavgat Market

• Spices and herbal teas: sumac, pul biber (red pepper flakes), mint, apple tea and mixed herbal teas, sold loose by weight

• Dried fruit and nuts: dried apricots, figs, pistachios and hazelnuts

• Fresh produce: seasonal fruit and vegetables from the region, including citrus in season

• Textiles: cotton towels, scarves, clothing and household linen

• Leather goods, bags and shoes

• Turkish delight and sweets: lokum, halva and other treats that travel well

• Souvenirs: evil-eye charms, ceramics and small handmade items

Be sceptical of big-brand goods at very low prices; it is better to buy things you like for what they are rather than for the label.

Tips for Shopping at the Market

• Bargain politely on textiles and souvenirs: it is common and expected. Fresh produce and spices are usually sold at a fixed price per kilo.

• Ask the price first: for items without a visible price, agree the price before the seller weighs or wraps anything.

• Bring cash: Turkish lira in small notes is easiest. Some stalls accept euros or dollars, but you'll usually get a better price in lira.

• Check your change and count your purchases before you leave the stall.

• Keep valuables secure: the market is crowded, so carry your phone and wallet in a zipped bag.

• Go early and bring water: there is little shade between the stalls in summer.

• Bring a shopping bag for fruit and loose spices.

Manavgat Market vs Side Old Town Bazaar

Side's shops sit between the ancient city and the harbour, so they combine easily with an evening walk to the Temple of Apollo. See our guide to the best places to visit in Side.

Combine the Market with a River Cruise and the Waterfall

Most visitors combine the market with a cruise on the Manavgat River and a stop at Manavgat Waterfall. These tours include hotel transfers and plan the market visit around market days:

On all three, drinks on the boat and market purchases are extra, you pay on the day, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before. For a full description of the river tour, read our Manavgat boat tour guide or compare boat tours in Side and Manavgat.

More to See in Manavgat

• Manavgat Waterfall: a wide, low waterfall on the Manavgat River, a short drive from the town centre.

• The riverfront: a pleasant walk along the river through the town, with cafés and tea gardens.

• The river mouth: where the Manavgat River meets the sea, usually visited by boat.

• The ancient city of Side: back in Side, the theatre, agoras and Temple of Apollo make a good afternoon or sunset plan.

For more ideas, see our guide to the best places to visit in Manavgat.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Manavgat Market

What days is the Manavgat market held?

The large Manavgat market is generally held on Mondays and Thursdays. Stall locations and hours can change, so confirm the current schedule locally before you travel.

What time does the Manavgat market open?

The market runs through the day, starting in the morning. Mornings are the most comfortable time to visit, before the midday heat and crowds.

How do I get from Side to the Manavgat market?

Take a dolmuş (minibus) or a taxi to Manavgat town centre, both short rides from Side. Alternatively, join a Manavgat river tour that includes time at the market and hotel transfers.

What should I buy at the Manavgat market?

Spices, herbal teas, dried fruit and nuts, Turkish delight, cotton textiles, leather goods and souvenirs are popular. Fresh seasonal fruit is also worth trying.

Can you bargain at the Manavgat market?

Yes, especially for textiles, bags and souvenirs. Fresh produce and spices are usually sold at fixed prices per kilo. Always agree the price before buying.

Can I pay by card at the market?

Cash is easiest. Many stalls only take cash, and Turkish lira usually gets you a better price than euros or dollars.

Is the Manavgat market the same as the Side bazaar?

No. The Manavgat market is a weekly local market in Manavgat town, while the Side bazaar is a daily tourist shopping street in Side Old Town.

Can I combine the market with Manavgat Waterfall?

Yes. The waterfall is a short drive from the town centre, and several river tours from Side and Antalya include both the waterfall and time at the market.

Plan Your Market Day

The Manavgat market is one of the easiest ways to see everyday local life during a holiday in Side. Go on a Monday or Thursday morning, bring cash and a shopping bag, and consider pairing it with a river cruise and the waterfall. Browse all tours and activities in Side.