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Maputo

Shopping in Maputo

  1. Mercado de Xipamanine

    Not exactly a tourist attraction, but a Maputo institution nonetheless, is the enormous and chaotic Mercado de Xipamanine. The market, which sprawls over the length of several football fields beyond the termination of Av Eduardo Mondlane, is the place to go to buy everything from used appliance parts to mattresses and sofas. More interesting is the enormous selection of traditional medicines and remedies, including an array of animal pelts, bird claws and more.

    Xipamanine is also notorious as the hub of the local underworld, with an impressive assortment of stolen items for resale.

    reviewed

  2. Mercado Municipal

    The Mercado Municipal, with its long rows of vendors, tables piled high with produce, fresh fish and colourful spices, and stalls overflowing with everything from brooms to plastic buckets, is Maputo's main market, and well worth a stroll. Get there early in the morning when everything is still fresh, and before the crowds.

    reviewed

  3. Super Mares

    Supermarkets in Maputo are on the pricey side, but well-stocked, with a wide selection of imports from South Africa. Luscious papayas, mangoes and other excellent tropical fruits and vegetables are available at Maputo's markets and from streetside vendors. Super Mares is an upmarket and well-stocked supermarket.

    reviewed

  4. A

    Casa Elefante

    For capulanas (the colourful cloths that women wear around their waist) and other textiles, try Casa Elefante or some of the other nearby shops opposite the Mercado Municipal. This is also a good place to look for a tailor (alfaiataria).

    reviewed

  5. B

    Craft Vendors

    Maputo has a wide selection of reasonably priced crafts. In the upper part of town, try the Craft Vendors who spread their woodcarvings and other wares daily in front of Hotel Polana; hard bargaining is required.

    reviewed

  6. Mercado de Peixe

    The small but lively Mercado de Peixe, just off Av Marginal, sells a good sampling of what lies underneath the nearby waters; choose what you'd like and get it grilled up on little charcoal burners nearby.

    reviewed

  7. C

    Artedif

    This cooperative for disabled people is about 400m south of Holiday Inn. Crafts sold here are slightly more expensive than those at the street markets, but tend to be of higher quality. Prices are fixed.

    reviewed

  8. D

    Craft Market

    A good place to start is the Saturday morning craft market, with an array of woodcarvings and other items, some of which are of quite decent quality.

    reviewed

  9. E

    MozArte

    Just around the corner from Museu Nacional de Arte, with artists' workshops and a selection of crafts in the adjoining shop.

    reviewed

  10. Shanty Craft

    An excellent stop for high-quality souvenirs and gifts, with a large selection of crafts from around the country.

    reviewed

  11. Advertisement

  12. F

    Sensações

    A few cassettes and CDs, and sometimes English-language magazines; next to Mundo's restaurant.

    reviewed

  13. G

    Deli-cious Deli

    Deli meats and cheeses, sandwiches, wine and other imported items.

    reviewed

  14. H

    Deli 968

    Deli meats and cheeses, sandwiches, wine and other imported items.

    reviewed

  15. I

    Publicações Europa-América Livraria

    Has a modest selection of English-language books and magazines.

    reviewed

  16. J

    Mahomed & Co Supermercado

    Small, but conveniently located supermarket.

    reviewed

  17. K

    Shoprite

    Supermarket with a large selection.

    reviewed

  18. L

    Polana Shopping Centre

    Polana Shopping Centre

    reviewed

  19. M

    Rádio Moçambique

    Cassettes and CDs.

    reviewed

  20. N

    Craft Market

    A good place to start is the Saturday morning craft market, with an array of woodcarvings and other items, some of which are of quite decent quality.

    reviewed