Find the best markets, malls, and unique souvenirs in Eritrea.
Eritrea, located on the Red Sea coast of the Horn of Africa, offers a unique blend of Italian Art Deco architecture in Asmara, pristine beaches along the Dahlak Archipelago, and rich cultural heritage. This hidden gem features Africa's cleanest capital city and untouched coastal landscapes.
Unique local products worth bringing home.
Elegant white cotton dress with intricate embroidered borders in gold and coloured thread, worn for ceremonies and celebrations. Sold in Asmara's textile markets in full dress sets or as individual pieces.
Unique handcrafted items made from recycled scrap metal at the famous Medebar Market, including coffee pots, decorative animals, candle holders, and miniature vehicles. Each piece is one of a kind.
Traditional silver necklaces, bracelets, and earrings featuring geometric patterns and crosses representing Eritrean Orthodox Christian heritage. Crafted by local silversmiths using centuries-old techniques.
Traditional clay coffee pot (jebena), small handleless cups (finjal), and incense burner used in Eritrea's elaborate coffee ceremony ritual. Sets come in decorative painted clay or plain terracotta.
Colourful conical woven basket traditionally used to cover injera and serve communal meals. Crafted from dried grass and palm leaves dyed in bold geometric patterns unique to each region.
High-quality photographic prints and hand-drawn illustrations of Asmara's iconic Fiat Tagliero Building, Cinema Impero, and Harnet Avenue. Popular lightweight souvenirs produced by local artists.
Eritrea's essential spice blend combining chilli, fenugreek, coriander, and other aromatic spices used in the stew-like wot dishes. Sold by weight in the market, ranging from mild to fiery.
Experience authentic local shopping culture.
The sprawling main market of the capital where locals buy everything from fresh produce and spices to textiles, jewellery, and household goods. Divided into distinct sections by product type with a lively atmosphere.
A unique recycling market where artisans transform scrap metal, tyres, and discarded materials into functional objects and decorative pieces. Equal parts workshop and market with craftsmen working in open stalls.
Eritrea's most famous weekly market where highland tribes converge to trade camels, goats, and livestock alongside fresh produce, spices, woven goods, and local crafts. An extraordinary cultural spectacle.
Lively waterfront market where Red Sea fishermen sell the morning catch alongside dried fish, sea shells, and fishing equipment. The authentic coastal atmosphere makes it as much a sightseeing experience as a market.
Traditional Arab-influenced bazaar selling incense, perfumes, prayer items, spices, and imported goods. The atmosphere is distinctly different from the Italian-influenced centre, reflecting Eritrea's Muslim heritage.
Bargaining phrases, souvenir recommendations, and budget tips.
Where to find different types of shops.
Asmara's iconic palm-lined UNESCO-listed avenue lined with Italian-era cafes, bookshops, souvenir stores, and fashion boutiques. A pleasure to browse on foot with grand Art Deco architecture as backdrop.
The dense commercial quarter radiating from the Central Market offering everything from fresh food to electronics, textiles, and traditional crafts. Prices are lower here than on the main avenue.
Asmara's secondary commercial street featuring banks, pharmacies, travel agencies, and mid-range retail shops. Less touristy than Harnet Avenue with more practical everyday shopping options.
Industrial quarter of Asmara where craftsmen work in open workshops producing metal goods, furniture, and repairs. Unique opportunity to see traditional craftsmanship and buy direct from makers.
Air-conditioned shopping options.
Modest indoor shopping complex near the city centre offering clothes, electronics, household goods, and a few food vendors. The closest Asmara has to a Western-style mall, though much smaller in scale.
A colonial-era arcade connecting shops between Harnet Avenue buildings, housing boutiques, a pharmacy, travel office, and small cafes. Beautiful original Italian tiled floors and arched ceiling.
How to negotiate prices in local markets.
Bargaining is expected at markets like Biassa and Keren but not in formal shops on Harnet Avenue or hotel boutiques
Start at around 60% of the asking price and expect to settle around 70-80% — vendors rarely drop below this
Be friendly and patient; aggressive haggling is considered rude and counterproductive in Eritrean culture
Buying multiple items gives genuine leverage to negotiate a better bundle price
Prices at Medebar Market are usually fair given the skilled craftsmanship — a small tip on top of agreed price is appreciated
What you need to know about taking purchases home.
Antiques and archaeological items cannot be exported without a permit from the Ministry of Culture. Military items and anything depicting military installations is prohibited. Check latest customs rules on entry.
No VAT refund scheme exists for tourists in Eritrea. Prices paid are final.
Tourists may import up to 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine, 200 cigarettes, and personal effects duty-free. Excess currency above $5,000 USD must be declared on entry.
International postal service is unreliable and very slow from Eritrea. Valuable purchases are best carried personally. DHL has a limited office in Asmara for business shipping.
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