Kabul is the capital of Afghanistan, a mountain-ringed city of roughly 4.6 million at 1,790 m. This guide records its historic sites, markets and food while stating plainly that every government advises against travel there.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Hand-knotted carpets
Afghan wool carpets, often with red and blue geometric patterns.
Price: 10,000-100,000 AFN ($145-1,430)
Where: Chicken Street
Lapis lazuli
Deep-blue stone jewellery and carvings.
Price: 700-7,000 AFN ($10-100)
Where: Chicken Street
Dried fruit and nuts
Mulberries, pistachios and raisins.
Price: 250-800 AFN ($3.50-11) per kg
Where: Mandawi Bazaar
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Chicken Street
Souvenir lane for carpets, lapis lazuli, jewellery and furs.
Where: Shahr-e Naw
Hours: Sat-Thu 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Mandawi Bazaar
Old City working bazaar.
Where: Old City
Hours: Daily 7:00 AM-5:00 PM
Kabul City Center
Multi-storey mall with fixed prices.
Where: Shahr-e Naw
Hours: Daily 9:00 AM-9:00 PM
Gulbahar Centre
Shopping centre with fixed-price shops.
Where: Shahr-e Naw
Hours: Daily 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
Ka Faroshi Bird Market
Bird sellers and antique shops.
Where: Old City
Hours: Daily 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Murad Khani Craft Workshops
Restored workshops selling crafts.
Where: Old City
Hours: Daily 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Kabul City Center
Modern mall with food court.
Gulbahar Centre
Shopping centre in Shahr-e Naw.
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargain at Chicken Street and bazaars; start at about half the first price.
Fixed prices apply in malls.
Pay in AFN; USD is accepted by carpet dealers.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Antiques and cultural property may not be exported without a permit.