Kano is northern Nigeria's largest city and a former Hausa city-state, known for its medieval walled old city, Emir's Palace, Kurmi Market and centuries-old indigo dye pits.
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Kurmi Market
One of Kano's oldest markets; leather goods, crafts, cloth, calabashes and souvenirs
Where: Old city, Kano
Hours: Monday-Saturday, roughly 8:00AM-6:00PM
Kantin Kwari Market
Large textile and fabric market for lace, brocade and imported cloth
Where: Kano
Hours: Monday-Saturday, roughly 8:00AM-6:00PM
Sabon Gari Market
General goods, clothing and food in the commercial Sabon Gari district
Where: Sabon Gari, Kano
Hours: Monday-Saturday, roughly 8:00AM-6:00PM
Kofar Mata Dye Pits
Centuries-old indigo dye pits where cloth is dyed by hand; indigo cloth available to buy
Where: Kofar Mata, Kano old city
Hours: Daily, roughly 8:00AM-5:00PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Start at roughly half the first quoted price and settle near two-thirds
Greet vendors before negotiating
Carry small naira notes
Visit the dye pits with a local guide