Best Shopping Districts in Mombasa, Kenya
1. Old Town Mombasa
A historical and bustling district with narrow streets filled with shops selling local handicrafts, spices, and textiles.
- Rich History: Offers a glimpse into the city's past with its ancient buildings.
- Authentic Souvenirs: Provides unique and traditional Kenyan souvenirs not found elsewhere.
- Cultural Experience: Allows visitors to immerse in the local culture and interact with traders.
2. Makupa Market
A large, open-air market selling fresh produce, seafood, and a variety of local goods.
- Fresh Produce: Provides an opportunity to buy fresh fruits and vegetables directly from local farmers.
- Seafood Variety: Offers a wide selection of fresh seafood, including tuna, prawns, and crabs.
- Local Goods: Allows visitors to buy traditional Kenyan household items.
3. Bamburi Shopping Centre
A modern shopping mall with international brands, local boutiques, and a variety of dining options.
- Modern Shopping Experience: Provides a comfortable, air-conditioned shopping environment.
- International Brands: Offers popular international brands not found in other districts.
- Diverse Dining Options: Allows visitors to choose from a wide variety of local and international cuisines.
4. Town Mzungu Market
A vibrant market selling second-hand clothing, shoes, and accessories primarily targeted at tourists.
- Unique Clothing: Offers a vast selection of affordable, used clothing and accessories.
- Affordable Prices: Prices are significantly lower compared to new items in other shopping districts.
- Tourist-Friendly: Designed with tourists in mind, offering a hassle-free shopping experience.
5. Nyali Centre Mall
A modern and spacious shopping mall with international brands, local boutiques, and a cinema.
- Modern Shopping Experience: Provides a comfortable, air-conditioned shopping environment.
- International Brands: Offers popular international brands not found in other districts.
- Entertainment Options: Allows visitors to enjoy a movie at the cinema after shopping.
6. Mombasa Bay Shopping Centre
A coastal shopping mall with stunning views of the Indian Ocean, offering a variety of shops and dining options.
- Scenic Views: Provides breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.
- Shoreline Access: Allows visitors to walk along the beach after shopping.
- Diverse Dining Options: Offers a variety of dining options, including coastal cuisine.
7. Shimanzi Market
A lively market selling fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and local goods.
- Fresh Seafood: Offers a wide selection of fresh seafood, including tuna, prawns, and crabs.
- Local Goods: Allows visitors to buy traditional Kenyan household items.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Provides an opportunity to buy fresh fruits and vegetables directly from local farmers.
8. Moments Mall Mombasa
A modern shopping mall with a variety of shops, restaurants, and a cinema.
- Modern Shopping Experience: Provides a comfortable, air-conditioned shopping environment.
- International Brands: Offers popular international brands not found in other districts.
- Entertainment Options: Allows visitors to enjoy a movie at the cinema after shopping.
9. Bamburi Beach Bazaar
A beachfront market selling handmade crafts, local food, and jewelry.
- Beachfront Location: Offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean while shopping.
- Handmade Crafts: Provides an opportunity to buy unique, handmade Kenyan crafts.
- Local Food Options: Allows visitors to try local Kenyan dishes and snacks.
10. Mara Leisure Park
A shopping complex with a variety of shops, restaurants, and a cinema located within a wildlife sanctuary.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Offers the unique opportunity to see wildlife while shopping.
- Modern Shopping Experience: Provides a comfortable, air-conditioned shopping environment.
- Entertainment Options: Allows visitors to enjoy a movie at the cinema after shopping.
11. Kikambala Shopping Centre
A small, beachfront shopping centre with a variety of shops and dining options.
- Beachfront Location: Offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean while shopping.
- Diverse Dining Options: Allows visitors to choose from a variety of local and international cuisines.
- Convenient Location: Located near popular tourist attractions in Mombasa.
12. Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre
A social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to create handmade crafts sold in the shop.
- Support for Disability Employment: Helps provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
- Unique Crafts: Offers a unique selection of handmade crafts not found elsewhere.
- Cultural Experience: Provides a glimpse into Swahili culture and art.
13. Fort Jesus Craft Centre
A craft centre located inside the Fort Jesus historic site selling traditional Kenyan crafts.
- Historic Site Location: Located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Authentic Crafts: Offers traditional Kenyan crafts made by local artisans.
- Cultural Experience: Provides a glimpse into Swahili culture and art.
14. Tamarind Art Gallery
A gallery showcasing contemporary Kenyan art and handmade crafts.
- Contemporary Art: Showcases modern and contemporary Kenyan art.
- Unique Crafts: Offers a unique selection of handmade crafts not found elsewhere.
- Cultural Experience: Provides a glimpse into contemporary Kenyan culture and art.
15. Mombasa Traditional Craft Market
A large market selling traditional Swahili crafts, including batik clothing, carvings, and jewelry.
- Traditional Swahili Crafts: Offers a wide selection of traditional Swahili crafts.
- Bargaining Opportunities: Allows visitors to haggle and bargain for the best prices.
- Cultural Experience: Provides a glimpse into Swahili culture and art.