Shopping in The Gambia
Shopping in The Gambia can be one of the most enjoyable ways to experience local life, whether you're browsing a colourful market, choosing handmade gifts or having something made especially for you by a local tailor.
You'll find everything from wood carvings and woven baskets to batik fabrics, artwork, jewellery, clothing and locally produced food. Markets are also a great place to simply wander, talk to stallholders and experience a different side of The Gambia beyond the beach.
Shopping styles vary too. In traditional markets, friendly bargaining is often part of the experience, while boutiques, supermarkets and many shops operate with fixed prices.
What should you buy in The Gambia?
If you're looking for something to take home, The Gambia has plenty of locally made products and souvenirs to choose from.
Wood carvings
Hand-carved wooden ornaments, masks, animals, bowls and decorative pieces are widely available. Quality and workmanship vary, so it's worth taking your time and looking around before deciding what to buy.
Batik and colourful fabrics
Batik fabrics are among the most distinctive souvenirs you'll find in The Gambia. They come in a huge range of colours and patterns and can be bought as fabric, clothing, table coverings, bags and decorative pieces.
Handmade baskets and crafts
Locally woven baskets, mats and other items made from natural materials can make attractive and practical souvenirs while also supporting local craftspeople.
Artwork
You'll see paintings and other artwork for sale throughout the main resort areas and markets, including colourful scenes inspired by Gambian landscapes, wildlife and everyday life.
Jewellery
Markets and craft stalls sell a wide range of jewellery, from beaded pieces to metalwork. As with anywhere, it's sensible to buy valuable items only when you're comfortable with their quality and provenance.
Clothes made by local tailors
One of the more memorable shopping experiences is having an item of clothing made by a Gambian tailor. Choose a fabric you like and many tailors can create shirts, dresses, trousers and other garments to order.
Where are the best places to shop in The Gambia?
You'll find shops and stalls throughout the coastal resorts, but if you want to experience a traditional market there are several places worth exploring.
Serrekunda Market
Serrekunda is one of The Gambia's busiest commercial centres and its market offers a fascinating glimpse into everyday local life. Expect a lively mix of food, clothing, household goods and stalls used by local residents rather than a market designed solely for visitors.
Bakau Market
Bakau is a good option if you'd like to combine shopping with exploring one of the established coastal communities. The market sells everyday goods alongside fruit, vegetables, fabrics and local products.
Royal Albert Market, Banjul
For a bigger market experience, Royal Albert Market in Banjul is well worth considering. Its maze of stalls includes food, fabrics, clothing, jewellery, crafts and everyday household goods.
If you'd like to know what to expect before visiting, read our guide to exploring Royal Albert Market in Banjul.
Kololi and the Senegambia area
If you're staying around Kololi, you'll find plenty of smaller shops, stalls and boutiques within easy reach of the main hotel area. This can be convenient if you'd like to browse for souvenirs without making a special trip to a larger market.
Our guide to Gambia resort areas can help you understand where the main holiday areas are and what you'll find in each one.
Do you need to haggle in The Gambia?
Bargaining is common in many markets and craft stalls, particularly where prices aren't clearly displayed. It should be approached as a friendly conversation rather than a confrontation.
You don't need to negotiate every purchase, and there's no fixed percentage that you should expect to take off an asking price. If you're happy with a price and feel it represents fair value for something handmade locally, that's often more important than trying to achieve the lowest possible figure.
If you'd rather avoid bargaining altogether, there are also fixed-price boutiques and shops throughout the main resort areas.
Our tip: shop local where you can
Buying directly from local craftspeople, markets and independent businesses is one of the simplest ways your holiday spending can benefit the wider Gambian community.
Locally made crafts can also make a much more personal souvenir than something mass-produced, particularly when you've had the chance to meet the person who made it.
What currency should you use when shopping?
The local currency is the Gambian dalasi (GMD), and cash is useful for markets, taxis, smaller shops and independent traders.
Larger hotels and some restaurants and shops may accept cards, but it's sensible to keep some local currency available rather than relying entirely on card payments.
If you're planning your holiday budget, take a look at our guide to how much things cost in The Gambia for examples of everyday prices.
Shopping responsibly in The Gambia
Shopping locally is a great way to support communities, but it's worth giving some thought to what you buy.
- Choose locally made products where possible, particularly crafts produced by Gambian artists and makers.
- Avoid products made from protected wildlife, including ivory, reptile skins, turtle or tortoise shell and other materials that may have come from endangered species.
- Ask before photographing people, particularly in busy markets or when photographing individual stallholders.
- Be respectful when bargaining and remember that you're negotiating someone's livelihood, not simply trying to achieve the lowest possible price.
- Check any restrictions before travelling home if you're unsure whether an item can legally be brought back into the UK.
Combining shopping with exploring The Gambia
Markets are often best enjoyed as part of a wider day exploring the destination. A visit to Banjul, for example, can be combined with other local sights, while markets and craft centres also feature within a number of organised experiences.
Joining an organised excursion can be particularly useful if you'd like some local context rather than simply visiting independently.
Explore excursions and experiences in The Gambia.
Experience more of The Gambia
The markets, food, wildlife and local communities are all part of what makes a holiday to The Gambia so different. Take some time away from the hotel and you'll discover there's much more to the destination than its beaches.
Explore things to do
View Gambia holiday offers
Frequently asked questions about shopping in The Gambia
What are the best souvenirs to buy in The Gambia?
Popular locally made souvenirs include wood carvings, batik fabrics, woven baskets, artwork, jewellery and made-to-measure clothing. Shopping directly from local makers and market traders can make the experience even more memorable.
Do you have to haggle in The Gambia?
Bargaining is common in traditional markets and at some craft stalls, but it isn't compulsory. Some boutiques and shops have fixed prices, so there are plenty of options if you'd prefer not to negotiate.
What currency is used in markets in The Gambia?
The Gambian dalasi is the local currency and is useful to have when visiting markets, smaller shops and craft stalls.
Where is the best market to visit in The Gambia?
Royal Albert Market in Banjul and the market at Serrekunda are among the best-known choices if you'd like to experience a busy local market. Bakau also has a market that's easy to combine with exploring the coastal resort area.
Can I buy clothes in The Gambia?
Yes. In addition to ready-made clothing, colourful fabrics are widely available and local tailors can often make garments to order, making this one of the more distinctive shopping experiences available during your holiday.
