How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe

Harare, Zimbabwe, Harare, Travel Planning & Tips Pages, How to Avoid Tourist Traps

How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe

1. Local Markets

Visit local markets for authentic Zimbabwean goods at fair prices. Avoid overpriced souvenirs in tourist hotspots.
  • Authenticity: Purchasing from local markets guarantees genuine Zimbabwean crafts.
  • Price Negotiation: Bargaining is expected and accepted in local markets, allowing you to get the best price.
  • Community Support: Buying from local vendors directly supports the Harare community.

2. Street Food Stalls

Enjoy delicious and affordable street food at local stalls. Beware of overpriced restaurants catering to tourists.
  • Flavorful Dishes: Street food offers a taste of traditional Zimbabwean cuisine.
  • Affordability: Street food is often cheaper than restaurant meals, allowing you to save money while traveling.
  • Authentic Experience: Eating at street food stalls provides a more genuine interaction with local culture.

3. National Gallery of Zimbabwe

Visit the National Gallery for an insight into Zimbabwean art, avoiding overpriced galleries catering to tourists.
  • Artistic Diversity: The gallery showcases works from various periods and styles of Zimbabwean art.
  • Cultural Insight: Understanding the local art scene provides a deeper understanding of Zimbabwean culture.
  • Reasonable Admission Prices: Admission fees to the National Gallery are affordable compared to other galleries in Harare.

4. Chinatown Food Court

Experience a variety of Asian cuisines at reasonable prices. Avoid overpriced Western-style restaurants in tourist areas.
  • Diverse Cuisine: Chinatown offers many different types of Asian food, catering to various preferences.
  • Affordability: The food court provides a cost-effective dining option compared to restaurants in tourist areas.
  • Authentic Taste: Chinatown's food court offers authentic Asian dishes prepared by chefs from the respective countries.

5. Haro Park

Enjoy a peaceful day out in Haro Park, avoiding crowded and overpriced entertainment areas.
  • Natural Beauty: The park offers stunning views of nature and wildlife.
  • Tranquility: Haro Park provides a calm and peaceful environment, perfect for relaxation.
  • Reasonable Entrance Fee: The entrance fee to Haro Park is affordable compared to other entertainment venues in Harare.

6. Mbare Musika Market

Buy livestock and traditional Zimbabwean produce at fair prices. Avoid overpriced grocery stores in tourist areas.
  • Authentic Produce: Mbare Musika offers a wide variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and traditional ingredients.
  • Price Negotiation: Bargaining is expected and accepted in the market, allowing you to get the best price.
  • Cultural Immersion: Visiting Mbare Musika provides a unique insight into Zimbabwean agriculture and customs.

7. Roadfood Restaurant

Experience affordable and delicious street food-style dining. Avoid overpriced restaurants in tourist areas.
  • Flavorful Dishes: Roadfood offers a taste of traditional Zimbabwean cuisine prepared quickly and affordably.
  • Convenience: Roadfood restaurants are located throughout the city, making them easily accessible for travelers.
  • Affordability: Roadfood meals are cheaper than restaurant meals in tourist areas, allowing you to save money while traveling.

8. Chinhoyi Caves

Visit the stunning Chinhoyi Caves for a natural wonder. Avoid overpriced guided tours in tourist areas.
  • Natural Beauty: The caves offer breathtaking views of unique rock formations and crystal-clear water.
  • Affordability: Entrance fees to the Chinhoyi Caves are reasonable compared to other guided tours in Harare.
  • Self-Guided Exploration: The caves have a self-guided trail, allowing you to explore at your own pace without the need for an expensive guide.

9. Mabvuku Tikendeke Market

Buy fresh produce and local crafts at fair prices. Avoid overpriced grocery stores in tourist areas.
  • Authentic Produce: Mabvuku Tikendeke offers a wide variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and traditional ingredients.
  • Price Negotiation: Bargaining is expected and accepted in the market, allowing you to get the best price.
  • Cultural Immersion: Visiting Mabvuku Tikendeke provides a unique insight into Zimbabwean agriculture and customs.

10. Sam Levy's Village

Find affordable shopping options at Sam Levy's Village. Avoid overpriced malls in tourist areas.
  • Variety of Shops: Sam Levy's Village offers a wide variety of stores, catering to different shopping preferences.
  • Affordable Prices: Prices at Sam Levy's Village are generally lower than those found in tourist areas.
  • Open-Air Environment: Sam Levy's Village has an open-air environment, making it a more enjoyable shopping experience.

11. Lake Chivero

Enjoy a peaceful day out at Lake Chivero. Avoid overpriced boat tours in tourist areas.
  • Natural Beauty: The lake offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife.
  • Tranquility: Lake Chivero provides a calm and peaceful environment, perfect for relaxation.
  • Reasonable Entrance Fee: The entrance fee to Lake Chivero is affordable compared to other entertainment venues in Harare.

12. Growth Point Shopping Centre

Find affordable clothing and electronics at Growth Point. Avoid overpriced stores in tourist areas.
  • Variety of Goods: Growth Point offers a wide variety of goods, catering to different shopping preferences.
  • Affordable Prices: Prices at Growth Point are generally lower than those found in tourist areas.
  • Accessible Location: Growth Point is centrally located, making it easily accessible for travelers.

13. Kopje Toren Restaurant

Experience delicious and affordable Dutch-style food. Avoid overpriced Western-style restaurants in tourist areas.
  • Flavorful Dishes: Kopje Toren offers a taste of traditional Dutch cuisine prepared quickly and affordably.
  • Cultural Immersion: Visiting Kopje Toren provides a unique insight into Dutch culture.
  • Affordability: Meals at Kopje Toren are cheaper than restaurant meals in tourist areas, allowing you to save money while traveling.

14. Graffiti Art Tour

Discover Harare's vibrant street art scene on a self-guided tour. Avoid overpriced guided tours in tourist areas.
  • Cultural Insight: Exploring the graffiti art provides a unique insight into Zimbabwean youth culture.
  • Self-Guided Experience: A self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems.
  • Free or Low Cost: Exploring Harare's graffiti art is a free or low-cost activity, allowing you to save money while traveling.

15. Food Truck Festivals

Experience a variety of street food at affordable prices. Avoid overpriced restaurants in tourist areas.
  • Diverse Cuisine: Food truck festivals offer many different types of food, catering to various preferences.
  • Affordability: Meals from food trucks are cheaper than restaurant meals in tourist areas, allowing you to save money while traveling.
  • Community Support: Supporting local food truck vendors directly supports the Harare community.