Ankara is a good city for shopping when you want things that show local craft and flavor. Shops and stalls around the city sell woven textiles, ceramics, spices, and foods that travel well when packed properly.

This guide covers items you can find across Ankara, not one street or a single store. It focuses on souvenirs that are reasonably durable, easy to pack, and actually made or sourced in the region.

1. Kilim pillow cover

• Why it’s worth buying: Kilim textiles show traditional weaving patterns and local dye choices. A pillow cover gives you a practical souvenir without buying a large rug.
• Where to look: Find them in markets where local weavers sell small textiles.
• Price range: $20–$120
• How to spot a good one: Check for natural fibers, visible handwoven irregularities, and secure stitching.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll the cover and layer it between clothes to protect the weave.

2. Small Iznik-style ceramic bowl

• Why it’s worth buying: These ceramics carry classic Anatolian motifs and work well as decorative or serving pieces. Small bowls show the glazing and pattern without taking much luggage space.
• Where to look: Browse galleries and ceramics studios that feature locally made pottery.
• Price range: $15–$80
• How to spot a good one: Look for even glaze, a firm base, and a maker’s mark or studio label.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap the bowl in soft clothing and place it in the center of your suitcase.

3. Brass or copper cezve (coffee pot)

• Why it’s worth buying: A cezve is useful for preparing traditional Turkish coffee at home. Metal examples often reflect local metalwork skills.
• Where to look: Check independent shops that carry traditional kitchenware.
• Price range: $12–$60
• How to spot a good one: Even thickness, tight seams, and a comfortable handle indicate quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Nest the pot inside rolled garments and cushion the handle.

4. Turkish delight (lokum), boxed

• Why it’s worth buying: Lokum is a widely enjoyed sweet with regional flavors and long shelf life. A boxed selection makes a neat, giftable item.
• Where to look: Buy at food halls or from market confectioners offering packaged varieties.
• Price range: $5–$25
• How to spot a good one: Choose sealed packages with clear ingredient lists and recent production dates.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put boxes in a sealed plastic bag to protect against crushing.

5. Turkish tea glass set

• Why it’s worth buying: Tea glasses capture a daily ritual and are smaller than full glassware sets. They come in traditional shapes that are easy to display.
• Where to look: Available at markets and specialty tea and houseware stalls across the city.
• Price range: $8–$40
• How to spot a good one: Thin but sturdy glass with consistent rim shape signals better quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap each glass in tissue or clothing and place them rim-to-base in shoes or soft items.

6. Regional spice mix (sumac, pul biber, or mixed blends)

• Why it’s worth buying: Spices connect directly with local cuisine and keep well when stored properly. Small packets let you try new flavors at home.
• Where to look: Pick up spices at food halls where vendors sell sealed packets.
• Price range: $3–$20
• How to spot a good one: Fresh aroma, tight packaging, and clear labeling mean better quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put spice packets in zip-top bags to avoid leaks and spills.

7. Handmade silver jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Handcrafted pieces often use traditional motifs and can be worn every day. Jewelry is compact and simple to pack.
• Where to look: Search galleries and artisan co-ops for one-off pieces.
• Price range: $30–$200
• How to spot a good one: Look for hallmarks, solid closures, and consistent finishing work.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Store each piece in a small pouch or wrapped in tissue to prevent scratching.

8. Leather notebook cover or small wallet

• Why it’s worth buying: Ankara leather goods combine practical use with durable materials. Smaller items avoid excess bulk while remaining useful.
• Where to look: Find leather items in independent shops and craft co-ops around the city.
• Price range: $25–$150
• How to spot a good one: Even edges, tight stitching, and genuine leather smell are good signs.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep leather flat between layers of clothing to prevent creasing.

9. Hand-blown glass ‘nazar’ ornament

• Why it’s worth buying: Hand-blown glass versions show local glasswork and make a simple decorative keepsake. They are often made in small studios.
• Where to look: Pick these up in markets or studio galleries that sell glasswork.
• Price range: $3–$30
• How to spot a good one: Slight asymmetry and layered glass colors usually indicate hand-blown work.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap each ornament carefully and carry it in your hand luggage.

10. Local art print or poster

• Why it’s worth buying: Prints capture local scenes or designs and are easy to frame at home. They’re light and affordable.
• Where to look: Purchase prints in independent shops or museum galleries.
• Price range: $5–$50
• How to spot a good one: Acid-free paper, clear printing, and an artist name suggest higher quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep prints flat in a mailing tube or large folder in your carry-on.

11. Packaged Turkish coffee

• Why it’s worth buying: Freshly ground Turkish coffee is a strong-flavored souvenir that represents local coffee culture. It stores well when sealed.
• Where to look: Buy sealed bags in food halls and market coffee vendors.
• Price range: $6–$30
• How to spot a good one: Look for roast dates, single-origin notes, and tightly sealed packaging.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Tuck coffee bags into shoes or between clothing for protection.

12. Local jam or honey in a sealed jar

• Why it’s worth buying: Regional preserves showcase local fruit and beekeeping traditions. Jars are straightforward gifts for food lovers.
• Where to look: Look for jars in food halls or cooperatives selling regional goods.
• Price range: $6–$35
• How to spot a good one: Intact seals, ingredient lists, and producer information indicate authenticity.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap jars in plastic and pack them in checked luggage with padding.

Quick buying tips for Ankara

• Carry some cash; small market stalls may not accept cards for modest purchases.
• Polite haggling can be acceptable, but start with a friendly offer and listen.
• Wrap ceramics and glass individually in clothing or bubble wrap inside carry-on.
• Many shops offer shipping, but confirm costs and timing before you purchase.
• Look for makers’ names, workshop addresses, or natural fibers indicating made locally.
• Bring sealed jars and declare liquids; check airline limits for carry-on and checked.

Where to shop in Ankara

Shopping in Ankara is spread between restored historic streets, central markets, and modern shopping districts. For souvenirs, focus on markets for food and textiles, museum shops for curated items, and independent districts for design-minded picks.

• Kızılay pedestrian streets — modern boutiques and bookshops selling design objects and small gifts.
• Ulus and Ankara Castle area — traditional crafts, small antique stalls, and historic-style souvenirs.
• Hamamönü neighborhood — restored Ottoman houses with workshops and artisans’ stalls.
• Samanpazarı market — everyday produce, spices, sweets, and packaged food items.
• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and museum shops — quality books, replicas, and educational souvenirs.
• Food halls and covered bazaars — sealed sweets, tea, coffee, and spice vendors.
• Çankaya shopping streets — independent boutiques and leather-workers with contemporary crafts.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Cheap plastic trinkets sold near major landmarks often lack local craftsmanship.
• Unlabelled “antique” carpets without provenance are likely reproductions or washed-out colors.
• Mass-produced jewelry stamped “handmade” usually comes from factory batches, not local artisans.
• Overly shiny copperware that hides seams often indicates plated or low-quality metal.
• Loose, unlabelled food items without ingredient lists risk freshness and customs problems.
• Bargain-priced textiles with identical patterns are usually machine-made imports.

If you only buy three things

Kilim pillow cover — it represents local weaving and is useful at home.
Turkish tea glass set — a small, daily-use reminder of local ritual.
Regional spice mix — compact, travel-friendly, and it changes how you cook at home.

FAQ

What is Ankara known for making?
Ankara is associated with traditional textiles, metalwork, and leather goods. Local craft workshops produce rugs, ceramics, and small metal items that reflect regional styles.

What are the best edible souvenirs from Ankara?
Turkish delight, packaged Turkish coffee, sealed jars of honey or jam, and local spice mixes are reliable choices. Choose sealed packaging and clear labels to ensure freshness.

Are souvenirs expensive in Ankara?
Prices vary widely: markets and co-ops offer affordable finds, while galleries and museum shops charge more. Expect to pay a premium for pieces with clear maker information or museum provenance.

What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Ankara?
Small printed art, spice packets, Turkish coffee, and boxed sweets are the simplest to carry. They take little space and don’t require special wrapping.

How do I know if something is truly local?
Ask for the maker’s name, check for a workshop or studio address, and inspect materials for local fibers or natural dyes. Sellers who describe how an item was made are more likely to be selling locally produced goods.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!

Let us know in the comments if this has been useful or if you’ve got suggestions we can include