MERCATO MARKET

To the west of Piazza, this district is considered one of the largest open-air markets in Africa. It features a succession of stores, large covered areas and small alleyways teeming with a wide variety of activities. This vast trading space, dominated by Muslim merchants, notably Yemeni, is a kind of bazaar where everything is sold, negotiated and recycled. Each trade has its own defined area. To the east, the Atkilit tera sells fruit and vegetables, then Taiwan tera low-quality electronic tech, Dubai tera clothing. Souvenirs can be found to the right of the Ragueal. The butter and spice market(Min Alesh) is an enchantment of colors and aromatic scents to wander through. You can buy traditional clothing, beautiful basketry and various local handicrafts. Don't hesitate to negotiate hard on prices, and change stores if the shopkeeper is too rigid: there's plenty to choose from.

Beware: the Mercato is notorious for pickpockets. A classic technique is to jostle a tourist to create confusion, during which accomplices happily pick their victim's pockets. It's best not to respond to provocations, and to be accompanied by an Ethiopian who can ward off professional pickpockets and other troublemakers. To keep your mind free as you stroll through this colorful district, which borders on congestion on Saturdays, we advise you to go without much in your pockets.