We Rank Side’s 13 Top Shopping & Market Tours

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The 13 Best Shopping & Market Tours in Side

Side is a wonderful place to combine your love of shopping with a taste of local life. The town’s lively bazaars, scenic river cruises, and nearby waterfalls make it a perfect destination for those who want more than just beaches. What makes Side stand out is its blend of history, natural beauty, and bustling markets—all easily accessible by organized tours. I personally enjoy the City of Side: Boat Tour on the Manavgat River w/ Bazaar Trip for its lively atmosphere and well-rounded experience, including a waterfall, bazaar, and on-board lunch—all for just $15. If you’re after authentic local flavors and scenic views, these tours are a great way to learn about Turkish culture.

From guided river cruises with stops at waterfalls to vibrant bazaars with endless stalls, the options below highlight the best of what Side has to offer for shopping and exploring. Whether you’re after a relaxing cruise, a bustling market experience, or a combination of both, there’s a tour here for you.

1. City of Side: Boat Tour on the Manavgat River w/ Bazaar Trip

This popular tour at number 1 combines a scenic boat cruise along the Manavgat River with visits to the waterfalls and the vibrant Grand Bazaar. For only $15 per person, you get hotel pickup and drop-off, a delicious lunch served on the boat, and stops at the majestic Manavgat waterfall and the lively market. The trip lasts about 7 hours, making it a full yet relaxing day out.

What makes this tour stand out are the reviews highlighting its excellent organization and friendly staff. Many travelers praise the variety of stops, from swimming in the river to shopping at the bazaar, which can be hectic but rewarding. The boat’s lunch and the waterfall visit are the highlights, providing perfect photo ops and a taste of local scenery. The inclusion of a great mosque visit adds a cultural touch. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a well-rounded experience with good value.

Bottom Line: A lively, well-organized day that offers scenic beauty, local shopping, and a tasty onboard lunch, suitable for families and those wanting an active day.

2. Manavgat River Cruise, Waterfalls and Market Tour from Side

This full-day cruise at around $17.77 per person offers a taste of authentic local life. It includes hotel pickup, a boat ride to see the confluence of river and sea, and stops to swim in freshwater while spotting loggerhead sea turtles if you’re lucky. The highlight is the visit to the famous Manavgat waterfall, which can be skipped if you prefer more time shopping.

One reviewer mentions the “beautiful swim stop” and “interesting market,” which sums up this trip’s laid-back vibe. The tour’s free hotel pickup makes it especially convenient, and the combination of boat, waterfall, and market provides a well-balanced day. The optional waterfall visit is a good feature for those who want to skip and explore the bazaar longer instead. Expect lively scenery and some relaxing downtime.

Bottom Line: A flexible, all-inclusive day perfect for travelers wanting natural beauty combined with shopping. Worth considering if you prefer to customize your stops.

3. City of Side: Manavgat River Boat Lunch Cruise & Bazaar Tour

This 8-hour tour at $25 offers a short but picturesque boat cruise along the Manavgat River, topped with a delicious onboard lunch and a visit to the bustling Manavgat waterfall and bazaar. The trip’s highlight is the combination of scenic river views and vibrant market shopping, making it suitable for families and day-trippers alike.

Guests appreciate the value for money, describing it as a “full day trip” with good organization. The boat cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, and the bazaar visit afterward is a perfect way to soak in the local atmosphere. The included lunch keeps the day relaxed, and the waterfall is a scenic bonus, even if some reviews note the waterfall’s size is modest. It’s especially ideal for those who enjoy a mix of water, shopping, and local sights.

Bottom Line: Combines a relaxed boat cruise with ample market shopping and waterfall sightseeing, great for families and budget-minded travelers.

4. Manavgat River Cruise & Waterfall & Bazaar Visit – Drinks inclusive onboard

At around $30.86, this full-day trip offers the most inclusive experience with drinks on board and a comprehensive itinerary. You’ll sail the Manavgat River, stopping for photos of historic sites like the Athena Temple, and enjoy a swim at a popular sandbar. Afterward, visit the scenic Manavgat Waterfall before heading to the town’s bazaar.

Guests rave about the smooth organization and the opportunity for photos at key landmarks. The trip’s standout feature is the drinks included onboard, making it more comfortable for those wanting to relax. The waterfall visit is brief (about 20 minutes), so those seeking more shopping time should plan accordingly. This trip is perfect for travelers who appreciate a well-rounded, hassle-free day with scenic stops, a scenic boat ride, and market time.

Bottom Line: A comprehensive, easy-to-book option with drinks included, suited for travelers who want a full experience without fuss.

5. Manavgat River Cruise and Bazaar Tour w/ Lunch

For $45, this 7.5-hour tour emphasizes enjoying the lively Manavgat Bazaar, with a relaxing boat cruise and a barbecue lunch on the river. It includes sights like river turtles and the Blue Mosque, along with a stop at the waterfall.

Reviews note the “lovely day” and “good value,” especially pointing out the friendly guide and the inclusion of lunch. The tour’s focus is a more in-depth market experience, making it ideal for serious shoppers or those who want a taste of both natural and cultural sights. The balance between sightseeing and shopping offers a slower-paced day, with good opportunities for photos and souvenirs.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a relaxed day with a focus on market shopping and scenic river views, with an emphasis on local life.

6. Side: Explore Manavgat Market & Waterfalls on a Scenic Boat Tour

This full-day tour at around $34.57 offers a blend of market exploration, waterfall visits, and river cruising. It’s ideal for those who want a flexible day with options: you can skip the waterfall for more shopping or vice versa. The private hotel pickup ensures hassle-free logistics.

The itinerary includes a boat trip from the Manavgat River, a visit to the waterfalls, and time at the bazaar. Reviewers mention that the “river views and waterfall” are highlights, and the flexible schedule allows you to prioritize what interests you most. The inclusion of lunch and the scenic boat ride makes this a good choice for independent-minded travelers.

Bottom Line: A versatile, customizable tour perfect for those who want a flexible mix of shopping and natural beauty.

7. Manavgat River Boat Tour and Free Time at the Market

This budget-friendly excursion at $28 per person combines a river cruise with free time in the market. The itinerary includes a boat ride of about 2 hours, a swim stop, and free time at the Manavgat Bazaar.

Typical reviews highlight the “great day out” and “easy organization.” The trip is suitable for families or travelers who prefer a shorter, less intensive experience. The boat’s lunch and the bazaar shopping provide a balanced day, and the free time allows for personalized exploration.

Bottom Line: Good value for a half-day or full-day experience with plenty of shopping and scenic boat views.

8. Manavgat River Trip, Grand Bazaar, & Lunch from Side

This 7-hour tour at $28.66 offers an ideal combo of river cruising and bazaar shopping with lunch included. The trip includes a short boat ride, a visit to the famous Manavgat Waterfall, and free time at the Grand Bazaar.

Many travelers mention the “nice guide” and “great boat trip,” especially praising the convenience of the included lunch and the lively bazaar. It’s a straightforward, family-friendly option for those wanting a relaxed day with a mix of natural sights and shopping.

Bottom Line: A simple, well-organized tour perfect for families wanting a relaxed day with good value.

9. Manavgat River Boat Trip & Grand Bazaar From Side-Antalya -Alanya

This comprehensive 9-hour tour at about $29 offers a multi-mode exploration—river boat, bus, and foot—covering waterfalls, the river, and the grand bazaar. It includes round-trip hotel transfers and a lunch on the boat.

Reviews note the “beautiful views” and the chance to try bartering at the bazaar. It’s best suited for travelers who want an in-depth day with multiple activities, including opportunities for photos at key landmarks and shopping. The combined format makes it a good value for those who want variety.

Bottom Line: An all-in-one day that combines water, land, and shopping experiences for a full immersion.

10. Side: Manavgat River Cruise w/ Lunch & Waterfall & Bazaar Visit

This full-day tour at $25 focuses on scenic river cruising, waterfall viewing, and shopping at Manavgat’s lively bazaar. It offers a relaxed pace, with emphasis on natural beauty and local culture.

Guests appreciate the “delicious lunch” and the opportunity to swim and explore. The itinerary’s flexibility lets you choose whether to spend more time at the waterfall or the bazaar. It’s perfect for those who want a straightforward, scenic experience with some shopping thrown in.

Bottom Line: A balanced, hassle-free option for those wanting scenic views and local markets.

11. Manavgat River Cruise With Waterfall & Bazaar Tour

This tour at about $34 per person combines scenic river cruise, waterfall visit, and market shopping in one full-day trip. It includes stops for lunch and swimming, with multiple locations to explore.

In reviews, people mention the “spectacular waterfalls” and “great bazaar,” making it ideal for those looking for a comprehensive day out. The multiple stops and the chance to enjoy both natural and cultural sights make this tour suitable for curious travelers.

Bottom Line: An all-around experience that balances water, shopping, and sightseeing with good value.

12. Manavgat River Cruise & Waterfall & Bazaar Visit

This budget-friendly option at $16.29 offers a simple but effective full-day experience. It features a boat trip along the Manavgat River, a waterfall visit, and free time at the bazaar.

Though reviews are limited, the focus on natural beauty and local markets makes it a suitable choice for budget travelers or those short on time. The tour emphasizes straightforward sightseeing and shopping with minimal fuss.

Bottom Line: A cost-effective way to enjoy the essentials of Manavgat’s river, waterfall, and bazaar.

13. Alanya, Side & Antalya: Manavgat Boat, Waterfall & Bazaar

This full-day tour combines visits to Alanya, Side, and Antalya with a river cruise, waterfall stop, and bazaar shopping. Although reviews are pending, it’s ideal for travelers wanting a broader regional experience with multiple stops.

It includes a swimming break, a meal onboard, and free time at the famous Manavgat bazaar. Its extensive itinerary is suited for those with a full day to explore multiple Turkish towns.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want to see more than Side and enjoy a mix of natural and shopping experiences.

How to Choose the Best Shopping & Market Tour in Side

When deciding, consider your priorities: if budget is key, the Manavgat River Cruise & Waterfall & Bazaar Visit offers great value at just over $16. For a more comprehensive experience with drinks included, the Manavgat River Cruise & Waterfall & Bazaar Visit – Drinks inclusive onboard might suit those craving comfort.

If you want a shorter trip focused on shopping, the Manavgat River Boat Tour and Free Time at the Market is ideal. For those seeking a full, active day with multiple modes of transport and visits, the Manavgat River Boat Trip & Grand Bazaar From Side balances sightseeing with shopping.

Final Thoughts

Side offers an impressive range of shopping and market tours, from relaxed river cruises to lively bazaars and scenic waterfalls. For a budget-friendly yet memorable experience, the City of Side: Boat Tour on the Manavgat River w/ Bazaar Trip is hard to beat. If you’re after a more comprehensive day with drinks and multiple sights, consider the Manavgat River Cruise & Waterfall & Bazaar Visit – Drinks inclusive onboard.

Travelers who enjoy shopping will appreciate the Manavgat River Cruise and Bazaar Tour w/ Lunch, while those seeking flexible options might prefer the Side: Explore Manavgat Market & Waterfalls on a Scenic Boat Tour. With so many great choices, you’re sure to find a tour that matches your interests, budget, and pace. Be sure to book early, especially in peak season, to secure your spot and enjoy your shopping adventure in Side to the fullest.