Shopping in Ashgabat - authentic goods, best outlets, malls and boutiques

Shopping in Ashgabat promises to be incredibly interesting. The city has seven large oriental markets, craft workshops, and specialty stores, as well as modern shopping malls. For the best local goods and souvenirs, most travelers go to the city markets. The city's most attractive bazaar, Altyn Asyr, is open on Saturday and Sunday and is located near the airport. Several years ago, the market was completely renovated and got new trade pavilions. Ashgabat's largest market's area is 154 hectares. On weekends, more than 2,000 stalls sell thousands of various goods at the market.

It is here that you can find the most popular Turkmen goods, including amazingly beautiful handmade carpets, regional-style clothes and shoes. They also sell interesting handicrafts and jewelry at the bazaar. Here you can buy many inexpensive and beautiful souvenirs. Colorful hand-sewn bathrobes and slippers, as well as genuine leather goods, are especially popular among tourists. At the grocery rows, one should pay special attention to oriental sweets and spices, jerkies and homemade cheese, dried fruits, and nuts. The best time to visit the market is early in the morning, as most stalls close by 2:00 pm.

Popular shopping malls and souvenir shops are mainly concentrated in the city center. If you're looking for beautiful keepsakes, go check a bookstore located next to the university. It sells very beautiful books on the city's history and brochures describing local attractions. Among inexpensive souvenirs, it is worth noting a large selection of postcards. For exclusive gifts, go to the Muhammad Gallery where you can buy some wonderful paintings by local artists. Those who can't go home without a handmade Turkmen carpet must visit the themed museum's shop. It always presents a huge selection of beautiful products in various price categories. Here you can buy small felt rugs for just about $10 or chic ornamental carpets, which can cost more than $500. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Berkarar SDAM is located in one of the central streets of Ashgabat. This shopping and entertainment center is one of the largest and most modern in the city. The center features chic design and presents shops of famous regional and global brands on its three floors. Here you can visit cosmetics and jewelry stores, choose clothes and shoes for every taste. Shops specializing in genuine leather clothes and accessories are especially popular among tourists. Since many of them offer locally produced goods, which are quite affordable.

Walking around the city center, don't forget to visit the indoor Russian Market. Among the goods presented here are vegetables and fruits, meat and dairy products, as well as other types of common regional products. The market is very clean and beautiful. Tourists come here for a large selection of fresh and dried fruits, nuts, spices, and tea. Fans of high-grade tea will have a chance to buy a variety of its types. Here you can find many special products that can't be found in regular stores and supermarkets. In addition to groceries, the market is rich in affordable cosmetics and jewelry. Here you can also find interesting home goods in a regional style.

There are also modern supermarkets in Ashgabat, and Kämil Market is one of the most interesting for tourists. It is primarily interesting for its sweets, tea, and meat departments. You will have the opportunity to choose excellent honey, nuts, and dried fruits at attractive prices, as well as some tea varieties popular with locals. The supermarket sells jerkies and other popular delicacies. A large canned food section is worth your attention too.

Those who prefer practical souvenirs will love the Azia Market store. It always presents a wide range of home accessories, including kitchenware and cute children's toys. Here, they also sell more traditional souvenirs like colorful mugs, magnets, lamps, and other inexpensive accessories. With children, it'd be interesting to check the Galam store, which can be found in one of the shopping centers. This one offers a large section with toys, stationery, and books. You'll also be able to choose colorful children's backpacks, beautiful diaries, or interesting books on the history and culture of Turkmenistan.