Ankara Shopping and Districts

(Ankara, Turkey)

There really is no shortage of bustling shopping centres within Ankara, offering a variety of familiar brands and designer names. Large department stores tend to offer a reliable choice of gifts and clothing, although for a little more character while you shop, do check out the local markets (pazars), particularly around the Ulus and along the Cikrikcilar Yokusu (the Weaver's Road).

Close to both the Hilton and the Sheraton hotels, the Karum Is Merkezi remains one of the most popular shopping malls within Ankara and is brimming with big names from the world of fashion, while for something a little more off the rail, check out the various stores lining the neighbouring street of Tunali Hilmi Caddesi.

Where to Shop

The Kizilay area of Ankara also features more than its share of shopping opportunities, which tend to be grouped around the Ataturk Bulvari and the Gazi Kemal Bulvari. Here, the department store of Gima is a good place to start and sells everything from groceries and cosmetics, to high-street fashion, souvenirs and confectionary, including Turkish delights.

Nearby, a further selection of shops line much of the Gazi Mustafa Kemal Bulvari, while on the end of the Tunali Hilmi Avenue, the Karum shopping centre is well worth a look, as is the Atakule Tower in the Cankaya quarter. The Atakule Tower features impressive views across central Ankara and even comes with its very own revolving restaurant.

The Castle (Kale) in Ankara has served as a trade centre for the city for literally centuries and offers a unique shopping experience, with local traders selling hand-woven Turkish carpets and rugs, leather good and a range of antiques. On the outskirts of Ankara and along the highway, the Ankamall, the Armada, the CEPA and the Galleria shopping malls are all excellent, with the Armada recently ranking as the 'Best Shopping Mall in Europe'.