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

Start your shopping in Aleppo with a walk in the old city bazaars. Many markets were destroyed during the war years. Today, Al-Madina Souq is the most attractive market in the city. It is located in the historic city center. The first market on this site appeared yet in the 14th century. Starting from its establishment, it has been the longest covered market in the world. The total length of shopping galleries in the market is roughly 13 kilometers. To make it more convenient for visitors, Al-Madina Souq is divided into several parts, each of which offers goods of a certain type. The market is a unique architectural landmark. In the past, there were several upscale caravanserais here. They were built more than 500 years ago.

You will have an opportunity to purchase the best goods brought from all regions of Syria and even from other countries. Pay closer attention to high-quality silk fabrics and clothes made from them. Foreign guests usually enjoy shopping for premium jewelry that can be made not only from gold and silver but also from copper. Clothes and headwear in the regional style are also a wonderful and memorable gift. Local craftsmen often decorate apparel with hand embroidery.

Natural soap is a nice and inexpensive gift. Local people have been making soap for more than three centuries. Olive oil is the main ingredient in the soap, as well as essential oils and plant extracts. The part of the market called Suq Al-Saboun has the largest stock of soap and other cosmetics. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

There are also stalls with inexpensive clothes and shoes at Al-Madina Souq. Many tourists are interested in high-class leather items, hookah, and coffee brewing accessories. The food section is a must-visit part of the market. Traditional sweets, spices, and many other products can be also great souvenirs from Aleppo. Finally, there are several quality restaurants serving national cuisine and bakeries at Al-Madina Souq. They offer many local delicacies.

Aleppo is famous for modern shopping malls that are great not only for shopping but also for entertainment. Consider visiting Royal Mall – this shopping center is open in a modern building with a glass façade. The shopping mall features multiple clothing and shoe stores. For tourists, it is always more interesting to visit shops that sell Syrian goods. You will also find many toy and children’s shops in the Royal Mall. Several charming cafes on the first floor are good for the whole family.

New Mall is one of the largest and most famous malls in the city. If you need a new outfit, this mall can offer many nice clothing shops that sell quality goods. Women will find it interesting to visit cosmetic and perfume shops that are open in this mall. Local perfumes are based on essential oils. The scents are strong, and this makes Syrian perfumes popular around the world. There are also several jewelry shops in the shopping center and a couple of stores that offer cute home décor items in the national style.

If you want to bring delicious sweets as a souvenir from Aleppo, Nizar Mahrousse can offer everything you need and even more. This candy shop is located not far from the central part of the city. It offers dozens of different sweets and desserts by weight, including multiple varieties of Baklava, lokum, and original candies. All desserts look fabulous and are surprisingly inexpensive. Candies are available by the weight or in gorgeously decorated gift sets. Besides all kinds of sweets, the shop sells freshly baked pastries.

You will have an opportunity to visit specialty shops that sell chocolate during a walk on the central streets of Aleppo. The historic city center is particularly rich in shops offering memorable gifts. Multiple artisan workshops offer items made by generations of potters, jewelers, and woodworkers. Tourists have an opportunity to purchase unique wooden artworks and handmade silver and copper jewelry.

There are several art galleries in the historic city center. They offer beautiful paintings and other pieces of art. If you want to buy something in Aleppo, do not hesitate to bargain especially if you buy several items from the same seller. If you like edible souvenirs, visit stalls with dried fruits and nuts at local markets. These products are very affordable here. Also, do not miss a chance to purchase one of the main symbols of local cuisine – high-quality olive oil.