Arcades Shopping Centre

Arcades Shopping Centre is an open-air shopping centre on Great East Road in Lusaka, Zambia, in the northern part of the city on the route toward the airport. The complex is arranged around walkways and courtyards rather than a single enclosed building, which gives it a relaxed feel compared with a typical mall. Visitors will find cafes and restaurants, bookshops, craft and gift shops, clothing stores, a cinema, and everyday services. The craft shops are a convenient place to look at Zambian carvings, baskets, and jewellery in a fixed-price setting, which suits visitors who prefer not to bargain. A visit usually takes one to two hours, longer if combined with a meal or a film. Late morning is a good time to come, when shops are open and cafes are not yet crowded, while lunch hours and weekend afternoons draw more local shoppers and families. Opening hours are generally from about nine in the morning to six in the evening, with individual shops varying, so visitors should check ahead for specific stores. A taxi or ride-hail from the city centre costs about K50 to K90. Parking is available for those with their own vehicle, and the open layout means that weather can affect comfort during the rainy season from November to April. Card payments are widely accepted in shops and cafes, and ATMs are available nearby. The centre is close to Manda Hill Shopping Mall and the Henry Tayali Visual Arts Centre, so it is easy to combine several stops along Great East Road in a single outing.