Benfica Craft Market
Mercado do Artesanato de Benfica
The largest open-air craft market in the south of the city, with woodcarvings, masks, paintings and fabrics. Bargaining is expected.
The Benfica Craft Market lies on the road south of the city leading to Mussulo and the Miradouro da Lua, and it is the top place in Luanda to buy souvenirs. Hundreds of stalls sell Chokwe-style woodcarvings and masks, small 'Thinker' figurines, brightly coloured paintings, malachite jewellery, basketwork and African printed fabrics (capulanas). Prices should be bargained down heavily, and vendors usually expect kwanza or US dollars in cash. Some ivory or wildlife products are banned from export, and you should keep receipts when buying large woodcarvings. It can be combined with the Slavery Museum and Mussulo on the same day.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- National Museum of Slavery
- Mussulo Peninsula
- Mausoleum of Agostinho Neto
- National Museum of Anthropology
- Church of Our Lady of Carmo
- Cathedral of Our Lady of Remedies
- Fortress of São Miguel
- National Museum of Natural History