Gambia is home to a diverse selection of shopping opportunities for everyone, ranging from the traditional stalls selling locally made goods, produce and handicrafts to small independent boutiques and supermarkets. Most merchants in the markets are more than willing to negotiate a reasonable price, so don’t be afraid to haggle. Bartering is also acceptable practice.

Shops are usually open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., and then from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. They open earlier on the weekends, particularly on Saturdays. Some supermarkets (especially the ones in tourist destinations) stay open late into the night.

The capital of Banjul is one of the premier shopping destinations in Gambia. The city’s bustling retail district is Albert Market, but there is also a vast selection of shops surrounding Liberation Avenue. Batik wall decorations, woodcarvings, traditional drums (djembe), and beaded jewelry are among the products sold there. Handmade fabrics, hardware, clothes, and shoes are best-sellers along with some typical groceries and local produce. Another destination for shopping in Gambia is Bakau, which is located in the west. The markets of Serrekunda sell clothing and souvenirs. St. Mary’s Food and Wine is the largest supermarket chain.

Kairaba Avenue, which connects Serrekunda and Fajara, is home to several big shops like Kairaba Shopping Centre, the largest in Gambia. Coveted products like African textiles and masks are sold in market stalls and independent shops in Serrekunda as well as Brikama, Kololi and Fajara.