Shopping guide

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Shopping in Ashgabat: City's Best Markets and Stores

Altyn Asyr Bazaar
Altyn Asyr Bazaar

Shopping in Ashgabat is an exciting adventure filled with diverse options. The city boasts seven large Eastern markets, craft workshops, specialized shops, and modern shopping centers. Many travelers head straight to the city’s markets in search of local goods and souvenirs. Among them, the Altyn Asyr market stands out, especially on weekends. Located near the airport, this market was extensively renovated a few years ago, with new trading pavilions constructed. Covering an area of 154 hectares, Altyn Asyr is the largest market in Ashgabat, featuring over 2,000 stalls selling a vast array of products.

At this market, you can discover some of the most popular Turkmen products, including beautifully handcrafted carpets, traditional clothing, and regional-style footwear. The market also offers a variety of interesting crafts and jewelry, providing many affordable and attractive souvenirs. Brightly colored handmade robes and slippers are particularly popular among tourists, as are items made from natural leather. There are also food sections where you can find Eastern sweets and spices, dried meats, homemade cheeses, dried fruits, and nuts. It’s best to visit the market in the morning as stalls typically close by 2 PM.

For those interested in shopping centers and souvenir stores, the city center is the main hub. If you appreciate fine mementos, consider visiting the bookstore near the university. It features beautiful books on the city’s history and brochures describing local attractions, with a substantial selection of affordable postcards. For exclusive gifts, the Muhammad Gallery is a must-visit. This art gallery sells stunning paintings by local artists. If you’re set on acquiring an authentic handmade Turkmen carpet, head to the museum shop. It offers a vast selection of beautiful carpets across various price ranges, from small felt rugs around $10 to elaborate designs exceeding $500.

One of Ashgabat’s central streets hosts the Berkarar SDAM shopping and entertainment center, one of the largest and most modern in the city. The center is elegantly designed and houses three floors of shops featuring renowned regional and international brands. You can find clothing and footwear for all tastes, as well as cosmetic and jewelry stores. Shops selling natural leather goods are particularly popular with tourists, offering local products at reasonable prices.

During a stroll through the city center, don’t miss the Russian Market, a covered market known for its cleanliness and variety. It primarily features vegetables, fruits, meats, dairy products, and other popular regional items. The market attracts tourists with its selection of fresh and dried fruits, nuts, spices, and teas. Tea enthusiasts can find various herbal blends and unique products not available in regular stores and supermarkets. Besides food stalls, the market also offers affordable cosmetics, jewelry, and regional-style home goods.

Ashgabat also has modern supermarkets, with Kämil Market being particularly noteworthy for tourists. It stands out for its selection of sweets, teas, and meat products. You can purchase excellent honey, nuts, and dried fruits at reasonable prices, as well as popular local teas. The supermarket also offers dried meats and other sought-after delicacies, with a large section dedicated to canned goods.

For those interested in practical souvenirs, Azia Market is a great option. It features a wide range of home accessories, kitchen items, and charming children’s toys. You can also find familiar souvenir products like colorful mugs, magnets, lamps, and other inexpensive trinkets. Families with children will enjoy visiting the Galam store in one of the shopping centers, which has a large section dedicated to toys, stationery, and books. Here, you can find colorful backpacks for kids, beautiful notebooks, and engaging books about the history and culture of Turkmenistan.

Ashgabat

Ashgabat city tour

From$160
6 hours

Explore UNESCO-listed Old Nisa
Visit Spiritual Mosque, Central Asia’s largest
Discover history at National Museum
Visit Akhalteke horse stables
View Lenin Monument and surroundings

Explore Ashgabat, Turkmenistan's capital, on this immersive 6-hour tour. Visit ancient sites like Old Nisa, marvel at modern marvels such as the Spiritual Mosque, and discover the city's rich history and culture at the National Museum of History.
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