Arcades Shopping Centre

Arcades Shopping Centre is an open-air shopping centre on Great East Road in Lusaka, Zambia, in the eastern part of the city between the central area and the Manda Hill district. Unlike the indoor mall format common elsewhere, it is built around outdoor walkways and courtyards with a mix of independent shops, bookshops, craft and gift stores, clothing boutiques, services, and a number of cafes and restaurants. The specialty is books and crafts: visitors can find general and Zambian-interest books, stationery, curios, jewellery, and decorative items alongside everyday retail. Compared with the Soweto and city markets, prices are fixed and the stock is more curated; quality is generally higher and counterfeit or poorly made goods are less common, though souvenir prices run above market levels. Compared with Manda Hill, the centre is smaller and calmer, with a more local, community feel and less emphasis on national and international chains. Bargaining is not part of the culture inside the shops, although some craft sellers and informal traders around the grounds may be open to a modest discount. Payment is by card at most established shops, with cash in Zambian kwacha accepted everywhere and mobile money used in some places. There is no general tax-refund scheme that visitors can rely on, so it is best to ask at the point of sale. The atmosphere is relaxed, with shoppers lingering at outdoor tables, and the open layout makes it easy to move between stores on foot. Food options on site include coffee shops, casual restaurants, and fast food, which makes the centre a convenient place for a lunch break during a day of sightseeing. Parking is available on site, and taxis and ride services drop off at the entrances. The centre suits visitors wanting a comfortable, safe, browsable environment for books, gifts, and a meal rather than an immersive market experience.