Discover where to shop in North Cyprus! From Turkish bazaars to handmade souvenirs and open-air markets, here’s your complete shopping guide.
What to buy, where to find it, and how to bring home a piece of Cyprus.
Introduction: A Blend of Culture, Color & Craft
Shopping in North Cyprus is more than a transaction—it’s an experience. Whether you’re exploring bustling Turkish bazaars, discovering handcrafted goods in quiet villages, or browsing fresh produce in open-air markets, you’ll get a taste of the island’s soul through its shops.
From traditional textiles to locally made olive oil, shopping here blends the charm of the East with Mediterranean lifestyle—and it’s far more affordable than in the south. Investra.io, northcyprusinvesting.com
🧺 1. Local Markets – Where Tradition Meets Daily Life
Markets (called “pazar” in Turkish) are central to life in North Cyprus. You’ll find fresh food, clothing, spices, and sometimes antiques or crafts.
🗓️ Top Markets by Day:
- Wednesday – Güzelyurt Market: Famous for local fruits, nuts & sweets
- Thursday – Kyrenia Market: A mix of produce, clothes, and textiles
- Saturday – Lefkoşa (Nicosia) Market: Large, lively, and filled with energy
🌿 Tip: Go early to beat the heat and grab the freshest items.
🎁 2. Best Souvenirs to Buy in North Cyprus
Wondering what to take home? Here are top authentic items:
- Hellim (Halloumi Cheese): Locally produced and vacuum-sealed for travel
- Olive Oil & Soaps: Scented, organic, and often handmade
- Lefkara Lace & Embroidery: Traditional Cypriot textile craft
- Copperware & Ceramics: Hand-hammered and painted kitchen items
- Turkish Delight (Lokum): Try pomegranate or pistachio flavors
- Handmade Jewelry: Especially silver, turquoise, or Ottoman-inspired designs
- Natural Sponges & Herbal Teas: Especially from the Karpaz region
👜 These souvenirs are light, affordable, and easy to carry home.
🏙️ 3. Turkish Bazaars – The Full Experience
No trip is complete without a walk through a bazaar — the Turkish version of a market that blends old-world vibes with local hustle.
📍 Notable Bazaars:
- Kyrenia Old Bazaar: Tucked behind the harbor, a maze of spice shops, leather goods, and artisan items
- Lefkoşa Büyük Han (Great Inn): A beautifully restored caravanserai with craft shops and cafés
- Famagusta Bazaar: Traditional stalls with rugs, lamps, and everyday goods
- Dipkarpaz Local Bazaar: Rural, authentic, and filled with local flavor (especially Sundays)
🎶 You’ll hear Turkish music, smell roasted nuts, and sip strong black tea as you browse.
👗 4. Clothing & Textiles – Affordable and Stylish Finds
North Cyprus is great for bargain shopping, especially for:
- Leather bags and jackets
- Colorful scarves and pashminas
- Handwoven rugs and kilims
- Summer dresses, beachwear, and Turkish cotton towels (peshtemal)
💸 Bargaining is welcome in most non-fixed-price shops—especially in bazaars and village markets.
☕ 5. Gourmet & Foodie Finds
Love to bring flavors home? Look out for:
- Local honey (especially citrus or wildflower)
- Tahini molasses spread (great on bread)
- Spiced olives & sun-dried tomatoes
- Carob syrup (harnup pekmezi) – a healthy, ancient Cypriot sweetener
- Cypriot wines & raki – but check duty-free rules for alcohol!
🧳 Most of these are airport-safe and lightweight.
🖼️ 6. Art, Antiques & Village Finds
For something truly unique:
- Visit craft villages like Kormacit or Lapta, where local artists sell handmade woodwork, paintings, and carvings.
- Antique shops in Kyrenia often have Ottoman, British colonial, and Greek-era items.
- Don’t miss local calligraphy, icons, or evil eye jewelry for cultural flavor.
📸 These pieces make your home decor feel like a travel diary. northcyprusinvesting.com, Investra.io
🧭 7. Shopping Tips for Visitors
- 💱 Currency: Turkish Lira, but euros and pounds often accepted
- 🕘 Opening Hours: Most shops open 9 AM – 7 PM; some close midday for siesta
- 🛍️ Bring cash to smaller towns and markets
- 🚫 Haggling: Always acceptable in bazaars—but done with a smile
- 🧾 Customs: Avoid buying items made from endangered species (e.g., coral, shells)
🎉 8. Annual Shopping Events & Fairs
- Kyrenia Spring Festival (May): Market stalls and local artisan displays
- Famagusta Art & Culture Festival (Sept): Often includes handmade goods
- Local Night Markets (Summer): Pop-up events in coastal towns, especially weekends
These events are ideal for supporting small businesses and meeting Cypriot artisans.
✅ Conclusion: Shopping That Tells a Story
Shopping in North Cyprus isn’t about designer brands or shiny malls. It’s about stories, traditions, and slow discovery. Whether you’re sipping tea in a harbor-side bazaar or buying soap from a mountain villager, each purchase connects you to the island’s soul.
So pack light—because you’ll want to fill your bag with history, flavor, and handmade beauty from North Cyprus. northcyprusinvesting.com, Investra.io