Side is a treasure trove for shopping and exploring local markets. The lively bazaar in Manavgat, the scenic riverfront stalls, and unique boat trips make this area a shopping lover’s paradise. We’ve rounded up the top 15 tours that combine natural beauty, cultural richness, and authentic shopping experiences. Whether you prefer relaxing boat cruises, lively bazaars, or scenic waterfalls, Side offers a variety tailored to different tastes and budgets. Among these, the City of Side: Boat Tour on the Manavgat River w/ Bazaar Trip stands out for its excellent reviews and balanced mix of activities, including a waterfall visit, lunch on the boat, and market browsing.
If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that blends nature and local color, this list has you covered. From relaxing river cruises to lively markets, each tour offers a distinct way to experience the best of Side’s shopping and natural sights.
Quick Overview
This list features a mix of river cruises, market visits, waterfall excursions, and boat trips designed for different interests and budgets. Several tours, like the Side: Manavgat River Boat Trip & Grand Market w/ Lunch, combine scenic cruising with shopping and local cuisine, perfect for family outings. Others, such as the City of Side: Boat Tour on the Manavgat River w/ Bazaar Trip, focus on natural waterfalls, bustling bazaars, and cultural sights.
You’ll find options for relaxing river cruises, lively bazaars, or full-day excursions that include swimming, sightseeing, and shopping. Keep reading to discover the details that will help you pick the perfect tour.
1. City of Side: Boat Tour on the Manavgat River w/ Bazaar Trip
For around $15, this 7-hour river cruise is a fantastic introduction to the natural beauty and local life of Side. The trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it hassle-free. Highlights include a visit to the Manavgat waterfall, time at the bustling Grand Bazaar, and lunch served on the boat while cruising along the river. The boat crew and guides are praised for their friendly attitude and organization—many reviews mention how lively and well-managed this trip is.
What makes this tour special is the combination of relaxing scenery, cultural sights, and market shopping, all in one day. It’s perfect if you want a relaxed day soaking up local flavors without breaking the bank. With a 4.3/5 rating from over 350 reviews, it’s a consistent favorite.
Bottom Line: An affordable, lively, and well-organized tour ideal for families and budget travelers wanting a full taste of Side’s natural and cultural sights.
2. Side: Manavgat River Boat Trip & Grand Market w/ Lunch
This 7-hour river cruise offers a full day of relaxing sailing along the Taurus Mountains’ slopes. The tour includes a visit to the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque in Manavgat, with plenty of opportunities to haggle for souvenirs. The highlight is the lunch on a traditional wooden boat, where you can enjoy barbecue dishes while taking in the scenery.
Reviewers appreciate the friendly hosts and good food, calling it a relaxing trip suited for older travelers or families with children. The tour’s natural beauty, from turtle sightings to the meeting point of river and sea, makes it an engaging experience.
Value for money is high, considering the included lunch and the scenic cruise. It’s a relaxing way to observe local life while shopping in a lively market.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a slow-paced, scenic cruise combined with market shopping and good local food.
3. Manavgat River Cruise, Waterfalls and Market Tour from Side
This 7-hour all-inclusive tour is a great value at $17.77. It combines a river cruise with stops at Manavgat Waterfall and the lively bazaar, plus a swimming opportunity at the river’s meeting point with the Mediterranean. The trip is well-organized, with free hotel pickup included, and offers a chance to see turtles nesting (if luck is on your side).
Guests love the relaxing boat ride, the natural beauty of the waterfall, and the bargain-hunting in the bazaar. The only caveat is that the waterfall visit is optional, giving flexibility depending on your interests.
Key highlights: a peaceful scenic cruise, a photo-worthy waterfall, and a bustling local market.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a combination of nature, shopping, and swimming at an affordable price.
4. City of Side: Manavgat River Boat Lunch Cruise & Bazaar Tour
At $25 for an 8-hour experience, this boat cruise with lunch and bazaar visit offers a relaxed, family-friendly outing. It includes a short cruise, lunch on the boat, and time at the Manavgat Waterfall, along with exploring a local bazaar. The reviews highlight friendly staff, good value, and a well-organized schedule.
The tour is best suited for those who want a full day of sightseeing with minimal hassle, as hotel transfer is included. The mix of natural beauty, local shopping, and good food makes it a popular choice.
Bottom Line: Great for families and those wanting a relaxed, full-day experience with convenient logistics.
$25 per person
5. Side Dolphin Island Boat Trip with Lunch & Swim Stops
For a different kind of day, this Dolphin Island boat trip combines swimming, dolphin sightings, and bays in a full-day cruise. Priced at $16, it’s especially popular for its crystal-clear waters, music, and lunch. The boat’s double-deck layout ensures plenty of space for relaxing and spotting wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
Reviews praise the beautiful bays and the chance to see dolphins, with many mentioning the lunch and swimming stops as highlights. This trip is best suited for travelers wanting a fun, relaxed day on the water.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families or couples looking for dolphin spotting, swimming, and a laid-back cruise.
6. Manavgat River Cruise & Waterfall & Bazaar Visit – Drinks inclusive onboard
This full-day cruise costs around $30 and is highly rated for its comfortable sailboat experience, waterfront views, and all-inclusive drinks. It includes a visit to Manavgat Waterfall, a swim at the sandbar, and a bazaar trip.
Reviewers note the friendly staff and appreciate that drinks are included, making it a relaxing, hassle-free day. The tour is best suited for those who enjoy water-based sightseeing with a leisurely pace.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, all-inclusive river cruise with shopping and natural sights.
7. Manavgat River Cruise and Bazaar Tour w/ Lunch
This 7.5-hour trip features a scenic river cruise with a delicious barbecue lunch on board. It also offers visits to the Manavgat Bazaar and Blue Mosque, with the chance to haggle for souvenirs. The reviews mention a charming boat ride and friendly guides.
It’s well suited for families and groups wanting a full day of culture, shopping, and relaxation. The lunch included is a big plus, especially for travelers looking to avoid extra costs.
Bottom Line: A reliable choice for a full-day mix of sightseeing, shopping, and good food.
8. Side:Explore Manavgat Market & Waterfalls on a Scenic Boat Tour
This full-day tour combines market browsing, waterfalls, and a river cruise for about $34. It includes private hotel pickup, making logistics simple. The itinerary covers Manavgat Bazaar, waterfalls, and the coastline, with lunch included.
Reviewers praise its comprehensive itinerary and the comfortable transport, although some wish for more time at certain stops. It’s best for travelers wanting a detailed overview of the area’s highlights.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those who want a full, organized day with diverse experiences.
How to Choose Your Perfect Shopping & Market Tour
When selecting your ideal tour, consider what matters most to you: budget, pace, specific sights, or food options. For example, if you want a low-cost, lively river cruise, the City of Side: Boat Tour on the Manavgat River w/ Bazaar Trip is a good fit. If exploring local markets and waterfalls appeals more, the Manavgat River Cruise, Waterfalls and Market Tour from Side offers a nice balance.
For those wanting a relaxing day with drinks included, the Manavgat River Cruise and Bazaar Tour w/ Drinks is ideal. Budget travelers might prefer the Dolphin Island Boat Trip, especially if dolphin sightings are a priority.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, and check availability for specific starting times. Think about your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to dedicate—some tours are full-day, others are shorter. Always consider whether you prefer more time shopping, natural scenery, or a relaxed cruise.
Final Thoughts
Side offers an impressive range of shopping and market tours, from scenic river cruises and waterfalls to lively bazaars and dolphin trips. For a balanced experience, the City of Side: Boat Tour on the Manavgat River w/ Bazaar Trip shines for its reviews and value. Meanwhile, full-day excursions like the Waterfalls and Market Tour provide a deeper dive into local life and natural beauty.
Whether you’re after culture, natural sights, or simply browsing local stalls, these tours offer memorable ways to explore Side’s vibrant scene. Booking early and choosing a trip aligned with your interests will ensure you enjoy every minute of your shopping adventure in this lively region.