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Ethiopia

Shopping in Ethiopia

  1. Alert Handicraft Shop

    There are shops that are a great way to support the city's hard-working less fortunate. At Alert Handicraft Shop, the Berhan Taye Leprosy Disabled Persons Work Group produce and sell beautiful items emblazoned with vibrant embroidery.

    reviewed

  2. Former Women's Fuelwood Carriers Project

    The Former Women's Fuelwood Carriers Project is a modest little shop, tucked about 300m west of Entoto Market and sells colourful hand-woven shawls.

    reviewed

  3. Souvenir Shops

    In some of the Adare houses in the Old Town, the ever-enterprising Adares have set up souvenir shops displaying beautifully made baskets, and silver and amber jewellery. The house of Fatuma Safir Ahmed, just north of the main market, is one example. Another is Zeituna Yusuf Grille's shop, just south of the market, which is as good as an antique shop.

    Amber necklaces and baskets are on sale, but remember to bring your sharpest bargaining skills! Because these shops are family-run, they may not always be 'open'. Knock on the doors.

    reviewed

  4. A

    Nure Roasted Harar Coffee

    Just thinking about the scents wafting from this place makes us swoon. One step inside, and you're hooked forever. It sells 1kg packets of excellent quality coffee for around Br45 - your best souvenir! You can also have a tour of the roasting and grinding machines in the back.

    reviewed

  5. Chat Markets

    After all this sightseeing, you might need a stimulant to keep your spirits high. What about chewing a leaf (or two) of chat? Chat markets can be found around most of the city gates, except the Buda Gate, as well as to the south of Feres Magala.

    reviewed

  6. B

    Merkato

    The obvious choice for shoppers. Within the market and on surrounding streets you'll find basket, pottery and cloth stalls.

    You can support Project Ploughshare by buying pottery in Wolleka or at the unmarked stall opposite the Royal Enclosure.

    reviewed

  7. Entoto Market

    Interested in blankets or traditional clothing like a shamma (toga)? Head to these street stalls a few hundred metres north of Botswana St and the Spanish embassy. Unlike Churchill Ave or the Piazza, this is where locals shop.

    reviewed

  8. C

    Fine Art Gallery

    One shop that stands out from Lalibela's throng of souvenir shacks. Inside are beautiful watercolour and sepia paintings created by Tegegne Yirdaw, a local artist who can count Princess Anne as one of his work's admirers.

    reviewed

  9. D

    Haileselassie Alemayehu

    This shop sells a wide array of items, like paintings, baskets, icons, woodcarvings and traditional clothing. Thanks to fixed (and fair) prices, there's no hassle here.

    reviewed

  10. Bookworld, Friendship City Center

    You'll find the Bookworld, Friendship City Center is perfect for books and magazines.

    reviewed

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  12. Bookworld, Lime Tree Restaurant

    Another choice for books and magazines is the Bookworld, Lime Tree Restaurant shop.

    reviewed

  13. Ato Basket Shop

    Southwest of the centre, on the roadside, is Addis' best place for baskets.

    reviewed

  14. E

    Ethio Supermarket

    It never closes and is well stocked - enough said.

    reviewed

  15. F

    Ras Dashen Supermarket

    Load up on Simien Mountain supplies here.

    reviewed

  16. Bookworld, Haile Gebreselassie Rd

    Perfect for books and magazines.

    reviewed

  17. G

    Africans Bookshop

    Second-hand books on Ethiopia.

    reviewed