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Banjul Albert Craft Market


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People come to the city of Banjul to enjoy its different aspects, some are lured by its scenic beaches, while others would like to track down its historic past. The city bustles with activity as you move among shops and houses. The National Museum, Court House and the Heritage Museum are some of the main attractions at Banjul. There are several flights to Banjul from every major international airport in the world, including charter flights by Thomas Cook Airlines from different parts of Europe.

If you are looking to do some shopping, then Albert Market on the Liberation Avenue is a great place to collect something as a souvenir or maybe as a gift for someone back home. Named after Prince Albert Saxe Coburg and Goths, husband of Queen Victoria, the market is more of an emporium. Vividly decorated shops and stalls greet you with their wide collection of lively colorful fabrics, fresh produce from the region, intricately carved wooden masks and many more handicrafts made by the locals.

The market was earlier known by the name of Colonial Engineers Yard, which was later changed to Liberated African Yard. The street where the market stands too had a different name, Wellington Street, which was later named as Liberation Avenue.

There are actually three different markets within the area covered by the main market. First is the retail and wholesale market which sells everything from things for daily use such as clothes to other things such as hardware, shoes, hair extensions and household goods. Second is the produce market selling fresh produce including vegetables, fruits, meat, dried goods and fish. The main attraction for the tourists is the craft stalls, which is the third section of the market.

The market is quite a busy place with locals both selling and buying products, not to mention the tourists who flock the area to get their hands on some locally made items. Though the market is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. the best time to shop here is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. Its a great place to spend an entire day shopping. The market also has chop shops and drink stalls for those wanting to grab a bite after a days shopping.

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