Gidir Magala & Old Town Markets
Gidir Magala
Several traditional markets in and around the old town, selling spices, khat, woven baskets, silver jewelry and secondhand goods. The colors and bustle are striking.
Harar's markets are the best place to experience local life. In the southeast of the old town, Gidir Magala, commonly known as the Smugglers' Market, once traded goods smuggled from Djibouti and Somalia. Today it is a large market for cloth, electronics, daily goods and khat. Inside the old town are a spice market, a tailors' street where rows of treadle sewing machines make clothes right by the road, and stalls selling baskets and silver. Outside the gates are a Christian market and a fruit and vegetable market. Mornings are the busiest time. You can buy Harar coffee beans and traditional woven baskets. Keep your belongings safe, greet vendors before photographing them, and note that some people will ask for tips.
Opening hours
About 07:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Arthur Rimbaud House
- Sherif Harar City Museum (Ras Tafari's House)
- Medhane Alem Cathedral & Feres Megala
- Tomb of Emir Nur
- Harar Jugol
- Harar Gate
- Harar Hyena Feeding
- Harar Brewery