Banjul - Shopping

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Shopping

Banjul

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Africa Gambia Banjul Shopping

Overview

Shopping The guide was updated: 2022-12-12

One rule to remember when shopping in Gambia is to be ruthless at haggling - in most cases, prices may be brought down by at least one-third of the original number. Neither Banjul nor its surroundings offer much of the western-style shopping some travelers may be expecting to find - there are little to none of glass display stores or shopping centres, with most shopping carried out at local markets or straight off hawker stalls. Items worth bringing back home include woodwork (masks, especially), fabrics, traditional jewelry and crafts, and even local treats and foodstuffs.

Albert Market (Banjul)

Albert Market (Banjul)

The busy market is one of Banjul's primary attractions, a vibrant kaleidoscope of multi-colored peppers, all manner of foodstuffs (from rather standard fruit and vegetables to salted fish and even dried sea snails), fabrics, jewellery, and beauty products such as wonder-working shea butter.

Tourist Craft Market (Banjul)

Tourist Craft Market (Banjul)

Contained inside the unmissable Albert Market, this compact sub-section specializes in items primarily geared at visitor shoppers - these include textiles and batiks, silver jewellery, traditional crafts (woven baskets and woodwork, especially masks), and more.

Liberation Avenue (Banjul)

Liberation Avenue (Banjul)

In and around Liberation Avenue is one of Banjul's busiest commercial areas, where multiple small stores and vendors are concentrated. Quality of goods is hit or miss, but it is very possible to find some worthy pieces at prices significantly lower than Western. Remember to haggle.

St Joseph's Adult Education & Skills Centre (Banjul)

St Joseph's Adult Education & Skills Centre (Banjul)

The local institution has supported disadvantaged women for decades now, offering training in fabric processing, craft-making, sewing, and other practical skills. Hand-made products created by learners and graduates may be purchased at the adjacent shop at very reasonable prices.

Fish Market (Bakau)

Fish Market (Bakau)

At around 4pm every day, fishing boats that sail out to sea in the morning come back with the catch of the day. Watching locals trade is an experience in itself, even if you yourself aren't exactly looking to stock up on raw seafood (although it certainly is recommended - bring your fish of chice back to the hotel and have the chef cook it for you at a moderate fee).

Craft Market (Bakau)

Craft Market (Bakau)

The small craft market of Bakau might not be enough for a separate trip, but is certainly worth a visit if you happen to be in the area. Expect to find sand art creations, wood carvings, statues, masks, and various traditional knick knack perfectly fit to become lasting souvenirs.

Senegambia Craft Market

Senegambia Craft Market

Do not hesitate to haggle at this tourist-geared craft market – prices here tend to be higher than elsewhere (like Serekunda) but may be significantly brought down with the right amount of negotiation. Items on sale range from traditional jewellery to wood carvings, woven baskets, and other knick knacks.

Timbooktoo Bookstore (Fajara)

Timbooktoo Bookstore (Fajara)

If you're looking to familiarize yourself with West African literary tradition, look no further - the Fajara-based Timbooktoo book shop stocks a good selection of African literature (and music), and even houses a pleasant upstairs cafe to be made use of for the reading.

Village Complex (Kololi)

Village Complex (Kololi)

The so-called Village Complex in Kololi is an open-air shopping area with a multitude of stores, street vendors stalls, restaurants and eateries to fit any taste and budget. There is a children's shopping area on premises and a few useful businesses, such as a dental clinic and a supermarket.

Top Shop

Top Shop

The Gambian Top Shop has nothing to do with its well-know British namesake. Instead of latest fashions, the shop's several locations stock authentic African art from the region, and offer a refreshingly hassle-free shopping experience for those who prefer to purchase items at fixed prices rather than go through the stress of haggling.

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